St. Barnabas
“He was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.”
St. Barnabas encouraged the young Church, defended Saul's conversion, and carried the Gospel from Antioch to Cyprus and Asia Minor.
The story
Barnabas first appears in the Acts of the Apostles as Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus. The apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which Acts explains as meaning “son of encouragement.” He sold a field and placed the money at the apostles' feet so that it could serve the Christian community in Jerusalem.
After Saul's conversion, many disciples feared the former persecutor. Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles and explained how Saul had encountered the Lord and preached openly in Damascus. This act of trust helped open the way for the future ministry of St. Paul. Later, when the Church in Jerusalem heard that many Gentiles were accepting the Gospel at Antioch, Barnabas was sent to investigate. He recognized God's grace at work and encouraged the new believers to remain faithful. He then traveled to Tarsus, found Saul, and brought him to Antioch. The two taught there for a year.
While the Church at Antioch was worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit commanded that Barnabas and Saul be set apart for missionary work. With John Mark assisting them, they sailed to Cyprus and then preached in cities of Asia Minor. They faced opposition, persecution, and expulsion, yet Christian communities were established. Barnabas and Paul later went to Jerusalem concerning whether Gentile converts had to receive circumcision. The apostles affirmed that Gentiles were saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus and were not required to become Jews before becoming Christians.
A sharp disagreement later arose because Barnabas wanted to take John Mark on another journey, while Paul did not. Barnabas sailed with Mark to Cyprus, and Paul chose Silas. Scripture does not describe Barnabas's later years or death. Ancient traditions say that he was martyred at Salamis in Cyprus, but the details cannot be verified with certainty. Barnabas has been honored as an apostle and saint since the early centuries of the Church. His memorial is celebrated in the General Roman Calendar on June 11.
What Barnabas teaches
St. Barnabas teaches the importance of recognizing grace in people whom others distrust or overlook. Evangelization begins with God's love and seeks to gather every people into Christ, as CCC 851 explains. Ask for the courage to encourage others and to defend what God is doing in their lives.
Patronage
Cyprus, missionaries, peacemakers, Antioch.
Prayer
God our Father, you filled St. Barnabas with faith and sent him to encourage the growing Church. Through his intercession, give us generous hearts, wise judgment, and courage in proclaiming Christ. Help us welcome every person whom you call into your family. Amen.