Barnabas

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Aramaic bar-nāḇā’ (“son of encouragement/comfort”), a nickname given by the apostles (Acts 4:36)
• Period/Era: Early Church; Apostolic Age within a Roman Imperial Context
• Main References: Acts 4:36–37; 9:26–27; 11:22–30; 13:1–3; 15:1–39; 1 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:1–13
• Key Connections: The Jerusalem apostles; Paul; John Mark; the Antioch church

Who was Barnabas?

Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus who became a prominent leader in the earliest Christian communities.
He is first noted for selling property and giving the proceeds to the apostles for the church’s needs.
He played a recognized role in mediating trust and fellowship between established believers and new converts.
In the missionary expansion of the church, he is repeatedly associated with leadership in Antioch.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Sold a field and laid the money at the apostles’ feet to support the community (Acts 4:36–37).
• Event 2: Traveled with Paul on the first missionary journey after being set apart by the Holy Spirit in Antioch (Acts 13:1–3; 13–14).
• Event 3: Took John Mark and continued ministry after a sharp disagreement with Paul over Mark’s participation (Acts 15:36–39).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Barnabas is remembered in the apostolic age as a trusted leader who strengthened church life through practical generosity and shared mission.

Key Verse

"Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul," — Acts 11:25, NIV