Who is Barnabas in The Bible?
Barnabas was a very great man. He used to sell his wealth and give it to the community so that it could be used for the needs. Originally, Barnabas’ name was Joseph. But the apostles gave him the name Barnabas. The name Barnabas means son of encouragement. He is mentioned in the Bible as a very special believer. He was very generous and because of his generosity he was a great example in the Christian community.
Verse
“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:36-37)
Barnabas’s First Meeting With Paul
Barnabas and Paul had a very strong relationship. Together they have brought the message of Christianity to many people. Originally, Paul was a person who was strongly against Christianity in the beginning, but later he accepted the Christian religion. But the Christian community doubted him that his intention might not be right and he might be here for some purpose. But Barnabas supported him and created a good image of him in front of the people and the apostles. In the same way, the friendship between them increased and together they have brought the message of Christianity to the people.
Verse
“When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9:26-27)
Barnabas’s Ministry in Antioch
Barnabas has done many services for the Christian religion. He arranged for the spread of Christianity until his death. One of his sermons was also given in Antioch. There, he enlightened people about the Christian religion and provided them with the way of guidance. People listened to him, were impressed and many people accepted Christianity. Barnabas also invited Paul there so that both of them could share God’s message to the people and do good work.
Verse
“News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (Acts 11:22-26)
Barnabas’s First Missionary Journey
Paul was also included on Barnabas’ first trip to preach the Bible to the people. Paul and Barnabas performed this duty together. This first mission has a great importance in the Christian community and also has an important role. Because of this missionary journey, many new people converted to Christianity and led a guided life, and then the invitation of the Bible spread further.
Verse
“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teacher: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:1-3)
Barnabas’s kindness And serving Spirit
Barnabas was the owner of a very good character. His character was full of generosity. Barnabas helped people a lot. For this, he sacrificed his wealth and time as well. He used to teach people by leaving the important moments of his life so that people could read the Bible and shape their lives. Barnabas’ generosity of character is an example and he served every moment in the Christian congregations. His behavior created an atmosphere of love in Christian communities.
Verse
“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:36-37)
Verse
“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” (Acts 11:24)
Dispute Between Paul And Barnabas
Barnabas was a very compassionate person. He always gave every person a second chance. Barnabas was the one who supported Paul when many refused to believe him. Similarly, there was a time when there was a dispute between Barnabas and Paul because Barnabas was going on a missionary journey and had to take someone with him, and then Barnabas chose John Marks. Paul said that don’t choose John Marks because once he went with us but left us on the way. Therefore, he was not to be taken away. Barnabas said that everyone should be given a second chance, and he took John Mark with him.
Verse
“Sometime later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.” (Acts 15:36-40)
Barnabas And John Mark’s connection
Barnabas’ kindness was admired by everyone because he was very compassionate and always forgave others for their mistakes and gave them a second chance. Similarly, Barnabas gave a second chance to John Marks. This action shows that Barnabas had a very soft heart and had more of a sense of mercy than justice. If we read the Bible, we also hear that Paul praised John Marks because Paul did not consider John Marks a good person. This shows that the kind behavior of Barnabas changed John Mark and he became a good person.
Verse
“My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)” (Colossians 4:10)
Barnabas Impact on Christianity
Barnabas was a great man. Many people were converted by his kindness and mercy and chose the path of goodness. Barnabas always encouraged others and made sacrifices for their success. Barnabas also suffered a lot for Christianity and Performed services more than his will. The life of Barnabas was a great example, not only for the people of that time, but also in today’s age. The character of Barnabas is of great importance. Because of the good character of Barnabas, many disciples were also inspired, in which we have already mentioned Paul and John Marks.
Verse
“Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker.” (Acts 14:12)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Barnabas was very kind, compassionate and loving. He rendered a lot of services for Christianity. With his merciful attitude, many disciples came to the right path and together with Barnabas they brought the Christian religion to the people. The ministry of Barnabas is a guide not only for that era but for the people of today.
