Who Was Barnabas in the Bible — In Biblical Context
Barnabas was an early church leader known as the 'Son of Encouragement' who partnered with Paul on missionary journeys.
Barnabas was an early church leader known as the 'Son of Encouragement' who partnered with Paul on missionary journeys.
"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)
The Biblical Context
Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus who became one of the most important figures in the early church. The apostles gave him the name Barnabas, meaning 'Son of Encouragement,' because of his gift for building up others. He sold his property and gave the proceeds to the church. When the other disciples were afraid of the newly converted Paul, Barnabas vouched for him and introduced him to the apostles. He and Paul traveled together on the first missionary journey, planting churches across Asia Minor. Later, Barnabas and Paul disagreed over giving John Mark a second chance, and they parted ways — but Barnabas' faith in Mark was vindicated, as Mark later wrote the Gospel that bears his name.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Acts 4:36-37, sits inside Acts 4. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."
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