Bible Characters
Who Was Barnabas in the Bible? Encourager and Missionary Partner of Paul
Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus and a leader in the early church whose given name was Joseph. The apostles called him Barnabas, which Acts translates as "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36). He introduced the newly converted Paul to the apostles, led the church in Antioch, and traveled with Paul on the first missionary journey (Acts 9:27; 11:22-26; 13:2-4). He is also known for his disagreement with Paul over John Mark (Acts 15:36-39).
Quick Facts About Barnabas
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name meaning | "Son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36); given name Joseph |
| Testament | New Testament |
| Key books | Acts 4, 9, 11-15; Galatians 2; 1 Corinthians 9:6; Colossians 4:10 |
| Time period | 1st century AD (active roughly AD 30s-50s) |
| Known for | Generosity, vouching for Paul, leading in Antioch, first missionary journey |
Background and First Appearance
Barnabas was a Levite, a member of the tribe that served at the temple, and he came from the island of Cyprus (Acts 4:36). He was a cousin of John Mark (Colossians 4:10).
In the early days of the Jerusalem church, believers shared their possessions so that no one was in need (Acts 4:32-35). Barnabas sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles (Acts 4:37). Luke places this right before the account of Ananias and Sapphira, who sold property but lied about the amount they gave (Acts 5:1-11).
Who Was Barnabas in the Bible? The Man Who Vouched for Paul
After Saul of Tarsus met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, he began preaching Jesus in the synagogues there (Acts 9:3-6, 9:20). When he arrived in Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples, they were all afraid of him and did not believe he was really a disciple (Acts 9:26).
Barnabas took him to the apostles. He told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and how he had preached fearlessly in Damascus in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:27). After this, Saul moved about freely in Jerusalem (Acts 9:28). For Paul's full story, see who was Paul in the Bible.
Leading the Church in Antioch
After persecution scattered believers, some men from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and began speaking to Greeks, and a large number believed (Acts 11:19-21). The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch (Acts 11:22).
When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord (Acts 11:23). Luke then describes him this way:
"He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." (Acts 11:24)
Barnabas then went to Tarsus to look for Saul and brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught great numbers of people (Acts 11:25-26). It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).
When the prophet Agabus predicted a severe famine, the believers in Antioch sent help to the believers in Judea by Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:27-30). They returned to Antioch with John Mark (Acts 12:25).
The First Missionary Journey
Sent Out by the Holy Spirit
Barnabas is named first among the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). While they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work He had called them to. The church fasted, prayed, laid hands on them, and sent them off (Acts 13:2-3). John Mark went with them as their helper (Acts 13:5).
Cyprus
They sailed first to Cyprus, Barnabas's home island, and preached in the synagogues at Salamis (Acts 13:4-5). At Paphos, the proconsul Sergius Paulus sent for Barnabas and Saul to hear the word of God. A sorcerer named Elymas opposed them and was struck blind, and the proconsul believed (Acts 13:6-12). From this point, Luke usually names Paul first (Acts 13:13, 13:43).
Galatia
John Mark left them at Perga and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Paul and Barnabas went on to Pisidian Antioch, where many Gentiles believed. When Jewish opponents stirred up persecution, Paul and Barnabas declared that they were turning to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-50).
At Lystra, Paul healed a man lame from birth. The crowd shouted that the gods had come down in human form. They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes, and the priest of Zeus wanted to offer sacrifices (Acts 14:8-13). Barnabas and Paul tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, saying they were only human and urging the people to turn to the living God (Acts 14:14-15).
On the way back, they strengthened the disciples, appointed elders in each church, and returned to Antioch to report what God had done (Acts 14:21-27).
The Jerusalem Council
Some men from Judea taught that Gentile believers must be circumcised to be saved. Paul and Barnabas disputed this sharply and were sent to Jerusalem with others to meet with the apostles and elders (Acts 15:1-2). At the council, Barnabas and Paul told of the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles (Acts 15:12). The council agreed not to require circumcision of Gentile believers and sent a letter that spoke warmly of Barnabas and Paul as men who had risked their lives for the name of Jesus (Acts 15:19-20, 15:25-26).
Paul also records a time in Antioch when Peter withdrew from eating with Gentiles, and says that Barnabas too was led astray by this hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-13). See who was Peter in the Bible.
The Disagreement Over John Mark
Paul proposed that they revisit the churches from their first journey. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul did not think it wise because Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia (Acts 15:36-38). They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas (Acts 15:39-40).
This is the last time Barnabas appears in Acts. Mark's later history shows that the break with Paul did not last. Paul later called Mark a fellow worker and asked Timothy to bring him because he was helpful to him in ministry (Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11). For more, see who was Mark in the Bible.
Later Mentions and Tradition
Paul mentions Barnabas in 1 Corinthians, asking whether only he and Barnabas had to work for a living (1 Corinthians 9:6). This suggests Barnabas continued working as a missionary who supported himself.
The Bible does not record Barnabas's death. Church tradition holds that he was martyred in Cyprus. An early Christian writing called the Epistle of Barnabas and a later work called the Gospel of Barnabas are not part of the Bible, and the Bible does not connect Barnabas to either one. Some early writers, including Tertullian, suggested Barnabas wrote the book of Hebrews, but Hebrews does not name its author.
Key Lessons From Barnabas's Life
- Generosity. He sold a field and gave the money for the needs of others (Acts 4:37).
- Speaking up for others. He brought Paul to the apostles when others were afraid of him (Acts 9:27).
- Encouragement. In Antioch he encouraged the new believers to stay true to the Lord (Acts 11:23).
- Humility. He brought Paul into the work at Antioch and rejected worship at Lystra (Acts 11:25-26; 14:14-15).
- Giving a second chance. He took John Mark with him after Mark had left the first journey (Acts 15:37-39).
Where Barnabas Appears in the Bible
- Acts 4:36-37: introduction and gift
- Acts 9:27: brings Paul to the apostles
- Acts 11:22-30; 12:25: Antioch and famine relief
- Acts 13-14: first missionary journey
- Acts 15: Jerusalem council and parting from Paul
- 1 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:1, 2:9, 2:13; Colossians 4:10
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Barnabas in the Bible?
Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus named Joseph whom the apostles called "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36). He led the church in Antioch and traveled with Paul on the first missionary journey (Acts 11:22-26; 13:2-4).
What does the name Barnabas mean?
Acts says Barnabas means "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36). It was a name the apostles gave him; his given name was Joseph.
Was Barnabas an apostle?
Barnabas was not one of the Twelve, but Acts calls both Barnabas and Paul apostles in the sense of those sent out on mission (Acts 14:14).
Why did Paul and Barnabas split up?
They disagreed sharply over taking John Mark, who had left them during the first journey (Acts 15:37-39). Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus, and Paul took Silas.
How was Barnabas related to Mark?
Barnabas was John Mark's cousin (Colossians 4:10).