Who Was Barnabas in the Bible?
Who Was Barnabas in the Bible? Barnabas was an early church leader known as 'Son of Encouragement' who vouched for Paul, partnered in missionary work, and championed giving second chances.
Key verse: Acts 4:36-37 (KJV)
Barnabas was an early church leader known as 'Son of Encouragement' who vouched for Paul, partnered in missionary work, and championed giving second chances.
Barnabas was an early church leader known as 'Son of Encouragement' who vouched for Paul, partnered in missionary work, and championed giving second chances.
"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)
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The Biblical Answer
Barnabas (originally Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus) earned his nickname 'Son of Encouragement' (Acts 4:36) through his consistent character. He sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles (Acts 4:37). When the church feared the newly converted Paul, Barnabas vouched for him and brought him to the apostles (Acts 9:27). He was sent to Antioch where he 'exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord' (Acts 11:23). He recruited Paul for ministry in Antioch and partnered on the first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). When Paul refused to bring John Mark (who had deserted them), Barnabas took Mark separately—and Mark later wrote the Gospel of Mark and was restored to Paul's esteem (2 Timothy 4:11). Barnabas modeled the power of encouragement, generosity, and believing in people's potential.
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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."
"Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord: For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith."
"But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
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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?
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Who Was Barnabas in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Barnabas in the Bible?
People & Characters
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Barnabas in the Bible
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