Apostle · Evangelists and missionarie · New Testament
The Story of Barnabas
Also: Joseph, Barnaba (Kiswahili)
Levite from Cyprus, called the son of encouragement, who brought Paul to the apostles and travelled with him.
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Introduction
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostles called Barnabas, son of encouragement, sold a field and gave the money to the apostles. Acts 4:36–37
He vouched for Saul in Jerusalem, encouraged the church in Antioch, and with Paul was sent out on the first missionary journey. Later they separated over Mark, his cousin. Acts 9:27Acts 11:22–26Acts 13:2–3Acts 15:37–39Colossians 4:10
Told in: Acts
Life at a glance
- Name
- Joseph, called Barnabas, son of encouragement Acts 4:36
- Background
- A Levite, native of Cyprus Acts 4:36
- Relative
- Cousin of Mark Colossians 4:10
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Barnabas
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Gives the price of his field
Barnabas sells a field and lays the money at the apostles' feet.
Brings Saul to the apostles
When the disciples fear Saul, Barnabas brings him to the apostles and tells how he met the Lord.
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People: Paul
Encourages the church at Antioch
Sent to Antioch, Barnabas rejoices at God's grace, fetches Saul from Tarsus, and they teach there a year.
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People: Paul
The first missionary journey
The Holy Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul; they preach in Cyprus and Asia Minor, and at Lystra are mistaken for gods.
At the Jerusalem council
Barnabas and Paul report what God has done among the Gentiles.
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People: Paul, Simon Peter
Separates from Paul
Barnabas wants to take Mark again; after a sharp disagreement he sails to Cyprus with Mark.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Barnabas. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Direct reference
- Galatians 2:1
- Galatians 2:13 — Even Barnabas was carried away at Antioch.
- 1 Corinthians 9:6
Family and relationships
- PaulPartner in missionActs 13:2
- John MarkCousinColossians 4:10
Books associated with Barnabas
- Acts Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
EncouragementGenerosity
- What does Acts 11:23-24 say about Barnabas?
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