Apostle · NT
Barnabas
The 'son of encouragement' who vouched for Paul, partnered with him on the first missionary journey, and later took John Mark under his wing.
Barnabas — a nickname given by the apostles meaning 'son of encouragement' — was a Levite from Cyprus whose given name was Joseph. He first appears in Acts 4:36-37 selling a field and laying the proceeds at the apostles' feet.
When the newly converted Saul of Tarsus arrived in Jerusalem and the disciples were afraid of him, Barnabas was the one who 'took him, and brought him to the apostles' (Acts 9:27). He fetched Paul from Tarsus to teach at Antioch, traveled with him on the first missionary journey through Cyprus and southern Asia Minor, and stood with him at the Jerusalem Council.
The partnership ended in a sharp disagreement over John Mark, whom Barnabas refused to abandon. Where Paul went on with Silas, Barnabas took Mark and returned to Cyprus — and the same Mark whom Paul once rejected he later asked for, 'for he is useful to me for ministry' (2 Timothy 4:11). Barnabas's instinct for second chances proved right.
Key moments
Selling his field
Lays the proceeds at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37).
Sponsoring Saul
Vouches for the newly converted Paul before the apostles (Acts 9:27).
Teaching at Antioch
Fetches Paul from Tarsus to disciple the new church (Acts 11:25-26).
First missionary journey
Sent out with Paul to Cyprus and Asia Minor (Acts 13:1-3).
Standing by John Mark
Takes Mark to Cyprus after the split with Paul (Acts 15:39).
Key verses
"And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet."
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"But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus."
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"who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord: for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."
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"And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
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"And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted asunder one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away unto Cyprus:"
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Frequently asked
Why did Paul and Barnabas split?
Acts 15:36-41 records a 'sharp contention' over taking John Mark, who had earlier abandoned them at Pamphylia. Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance; Paul refused. They parted ways — but providence used both teams. Paul later commended Mark warmly (2 Timothy 4:11).
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