The information we have about Joseph, surnamed Barnabas, comes mainly from the book of Acts and a few allusions in Paul's epistles. Although less well known than Peter or Paul, Barnabas appears as one of the major figures of first-century Christianity.
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His name and origin
His real name is Joseph:
"Joseph, surnamed Barnabas by the apostles" (Acts 4.36).
Luke specifies that he was:
- a Levite;
- a native of Cyprus (Acts 4.36).
His family therefore belonged to the priestly tribe of Levi (Numbers 3.5-10). Although a native of Cyprus, Barnabas seems perfectly integrated into the Jewish community of Jerusalem.
The apostles gave him the surname Barnabas, which Luke translates as:
"son of exhortation" (Acts 4.36).
The Greek term paraklêsis can also mean "consolation," "encouragement" or "comfort." This surname perfectly matches the personality he will display throughout Acts.
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A generous man
Barnabas first appears as a particularly generous man:
"He sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4.37).
Luke presents him as an example of the solidarity that prevailed in the young Church (Acts 4.32-35).
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A man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit
Later, Luke gives him an exceptional testimony:
"For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" (Acts 11.24).
This description is given to very few people in the New Testament. It shows the esteem in which Barnabas was held among the first Christians.
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The one who welcomes Saul of Tarsus
After his conversion, Saul still aroused the distrust of the disciples in Jerusalem:
"They were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple" (Acts 9.26).
It is Barnabas who steps in on his behalf:
"Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles" (Acts 9.27).
Without this intervention, Saul's integration into the Church would undoubtedly have been more difficult. Barnabas thus appears as a man able to discern the grace of God where others hesitated.
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The leader of the Church in Antioch
When the Gospel reached Antioch, the Church in Jerusalem chose Barnabas to examine this new work:
"They sent out Barnabas as far as Antioch" (Acts 11.22).
On seeing the conversion of the Gentiles, he shows no reservation:
"He rejoiced" (Acts 11.23).
He encourages the believers to remain faithful to the Lord and, aware of the scale of the task, goes to Tarsus to look for Saul:
"Barnabas then went to Tarsus to look for Saul" (Acts 11.25).
For a whole year, they taught together in Antioch (Acts 11.26).
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The companion on the first missionary journey
Under the impulse of the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul are set apart for the missionary work:
"Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul" (Acts 13.2).
Remarkably, Barnabas is mentioned before Saul in the first verses (Acts 13.2 ; Acts 13.7), which suggests that he was then the dominant personality of the group.
They travel through:
- Cyprus;
- Pamphylia;
- Pisidia;
- Lycaonia (Acts 13-14).
Gradually, Paul takes the leading place in the narrative, and the order of the names is reversed.
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His participation in the Council of Jerusalem
Barnabas accompanies Paul at the Council of Jerusalem and bears witness to the miracles performed among the Gentiles:
"The whole assembly kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul" (Acts 15.12).
He thus takes part in the major decisions concerning the welcome of believers of Gentile origin.
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His disagreement with Paul
Barnabas wishes to take his cousin Mark with them on the second missionary journey:
"Barnabas wanted to take along John, called Mark" (Acts 15.37).
Paul opposes this, because Mark had deserted them on the first journey (Acts 13.13). The disagreement is serious enough to cause their separation:
- Barnabas leaves for Cyprus with Mark;
- Paul chooses Silas (Acts 15.39-40).
This separation does not mean a definitive break. Later, Paul will still speak favorably of Mark (Colossians 4.10 ; 2 Timothy 4.11) and will mention Barnabas with respect (1 Corinthians 9.6).
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A cousin of Mark
Paul tells us that Barnabas was the cousin of John Mark:
"Mark, the cousin of Barnabas" (Colossians 4.10).
It is possible that this family tie explains Barnabas's desire to give Mark a second chance.
Conclusion
Barnabas appears as a generous man, full of faith and animated by a remarkable spirit of encouragement. He plays a decisive role in Paul's integration into the Church, in the growth of the community in Antioch, and in the beginnings of the missionary work among the Gentiles. His ministry is marked less by authority or spectacular speeches than by his ability to discern the work of God in others, to support them and to trust them. In many respects, Barnabas fully deserves the surname the apostles gave him: "son of encouragement" (Acts 4.36).