Who Was Barnabas in the Bible?
Who Was Barnabas in the Bible? Barnabas was an early church leader known as 'the son of encouragement' who mentored Paul, championed Mark, and modeled generosity.
Key verse: Acts 4:36-37 (KJV)
Barnabas was an early church leader known as 'the son of encouragement' who mentored Paul, championed Mark, and modeled generosity.
Barnabas was an early church leader known as 'the son of encouragement' who mentored Paul, championed Mark, and modeled generosity.
"And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." — Acts 4:36-37 (KJV)
Meaning
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The Biblical Answer
Barnabas (originally Joseph) was a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostles nicknamed 'Son of Consolation/Encouragement' (Acts 4:36). He first demonstrated his character by selling land and giving the money to the apostles (Acts 4:37). When the newly converted Saul (Paul) was feared by the church, Barnabas vouched for him and brought him to the apostles (Acts 9:27). He was sent to Antioch where he sought out Paul and they ministered together for a year (Acts 11:25-26). Barnabas and Paul embarked on the first missionary journey together (Acts 13-14). Later, they disagreed sharply about giving John Mark a second chance — Barnabas insisted, Paul refused, and they separated (Acts 15:36-39). Barnabas' investment in Mark proved wise: Mark later wrote the Gospel of Mark and Paul himself acknowledged his value (2 Timothy 4:11).
Key Scripture References
"And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."
"But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way."
"For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was the Apostle Paul?
Paul was a former persecutor of Christians who had a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and became the greatest missionary and theologian of the early church.
Who Were the Twelve Apostles?
The twelve apostles were the men Jesus chose as His closest followers and commissioned to spread the gospel: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias).
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Who Was Barnabas in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Barnabas in the Bible?
People & Characters
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The answer above sits inside Acts. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Acts on day 309 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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