Barnabas

Barnabas was born Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, but the apostles gave him the name Barnabas, meaning 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation.' This new name reflected his character and ministry—he had an extraordinary ability to encourage, believe in people, and help them reach their potential. His gift of encouragement would shape the early church in profound ways.

After Pentecost, believers in Jerusalem shared everything they had. Barnabas exemplified this generosity by selling a field he owned and bringing the entire proceeds to the apostles to distribute to those in need. His sacrificial giving set an example of wholehearted commitment to the Christian community and trust in God's provision.

Barnabas's most significant act of encouragement came when Saul (later Paul) returned to Jerusalem after his conversion. The disciples were afraid of Saul, not believing he had truly become a follower of Jesus. Barnabas took a risk by befriending Saul, learning his story, and bringing him to the apostles. Barnabas vouched for Saul's conversion and ministry, opening doors that would have remained closed otherwise. Without Barnabas's willingness to believe in the transformed persecutor, Paul's ministry might never have begun.

When the church in Jerusalem heard that Gentiles in Antioch were accepting the gospel, they sent Barnabas to investigate. True to his character, Barnabas rejoiced at God's grace and encouraged the believers to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. Recognizing the magnitude of the opportunity, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and brought him to Antioch. Together they taught the believers for a year, and it was in Antioch that believers were first called Christians.

The Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul for missionary work, and the church in Antioch sent them out. On their first missionary journey, they preached throughout Cyprus and Asia Minor, establishing churches and appointing elders. Though initially Barnabas was mentioned first (suggesting he was the senior partner), by the journey's end, Saul (now called Paul) had emerged as the primary teacher and leader.

A significant conflict arose when Barnabas wanted to take his cousin John Mark on their second journey, but Paul refused because Mark had deserted them on the first journey. The disagreement was so sharp that they parted company—Paul took Silas, while Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Though painful, this separation allowed two missionary teams instead of one. More importantly, Barnabas's faith in Mark proved justified; Mark matured into a faithful minister who later wrote the Gospel of Mark, and even Paul eventually acknowledged Mark's usefulness.

Paul later mentioned Barnabas several times in his letters with respect and affection, suggesting their relationship was restored. Though Scripture doesn't detail Barnabas's later ministry, tradition suggests he continued missionary work and was eventually martyred. His legacy lives on in those he encouraged—especially Paul and Mark—and in the example he set of generous grace toward those whom others had written off.