Saint Barnabas

Saint Barnabas was one of the early leaders in the Church. He was not one of the Twelve Apostles, but the Church still calls him an Apostle. He worked with Saint Paul and helped bring the Gospel to new places. He also helped new believers grow in their faith.

Barnabas was born with the name Joseph. The Apostles gave him the name Barnabas. The name means “son of encouragement.” This fits him well because he often helped others and lifted their spirits. He trusted people and helped them when others would not.

He is known for his kind heart and strong faith. He gave up what he had to follow Jesus. He also helped others to do the same. He played a big role in the early Church, but he is not as well known as some of the other Apostles.

Still, Barnabas is an important figure. He showed what it means to be generous, brave, and faithful. His life teaches us to be kind, to speak the truth, and to welcome others.

Barnabas was born on the island of Cyprus. His family was Jewish. He was from the tribe of Levi. That tribe had special duties in the temple. Because of this, Barnabas likely grew up learning about God’s law and the Jewish faith.

He later moved to Jerusalem. It was there that he became part of the early Church. He may have known some of the Apostles before Jesus died. We do not know when he first believed in Jesus. But when he did, he gave everything to the Church.

The Bible says that Barnabas sold a field and gave the money to the Apostles. This showed his faith and trust. He wanted to help the poor and support the new Christian community. He was not worried about keeping his wealth.

This act made others notice him. It showed that he was serious about his faith. It also showed that he could be trusted. The Apostles saw this and gave him a new name: Barnabas, “son of encouragement.”

Barnabas had a gift for helping others feel welcome. When Saul (later called Paul) became a Christian, many were afraid of him. Saul had once hunted Christians. Many people did not trust his change of heart.

But Barnabas believed Saul. He brought him to the Apostles. He told them Saul had seen the Lord. He said that Saul was now preaching the Gospel. Because of Barnabas, the Apostles accepted Saul.

Barnabas also helped lead the Church in Antioch. Antioch was one of the first places where people from other nations joined the Church. The believers there were the first to be called “Christians.” Barnabas taught them and helped them grow.

He later brought Paul to help in Antioch. The two of them worked well together. They taught many people. The Church in Antioch grew strong because of their work.

Barnabas and Paul went on a long journey to preach the Gospel. They went to places like Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor. They told both Jews and Gentiles about Jesus. Some people welcomed them. Others did not.

In many towns, they faced danger. Some people grew angry at their message. At times, they were chased out. But they did not stop. They kept going and kept preaching.

They also set up new churches. They chose leaders for these churches. They helped these new believers stay strong in faith. Barnabas and Paul were among the first missionaries in the Church.

Later, Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement. It was about Mark, who had left them during a trip. Barnabas wanted to give Mark another chance. Paul did not. So they went separate ways. Barnabas took Mark and went back to Cyprus. Paul went with Silas. Even though they split, both continued preaching the Gospel.

The Bible does not say much about Barnabas after he parted ways with Paul. But early Church writings say he kept preaching. He returned to Cyprus, his homeland. There he kept sharing the message of Jesus.

Some stories say that he was killed for his faith. One tradition says he was stoned to death by people who rejected his teaching. He may have died around the year 61 A.D.

Though we do not have many details, we know the early Church honored him. They remembered his work and his kindness. He was seen as a true follower of Jesus. He helped shape the Church in its early years.

Barnabas was not loud or famous like some others. But his steady faith and kind spirit helped many people. He helped the Church grow in its early days.

Saint Barnabas was not officially canonized like saints today. He was honored from the beginning. The Church has always seen him as a saint and an Apostle. His feast day is June 11.

He is the patron saint of Cyprus, Antioch, and those who work for peace. He is also a patron for those who need courage or encouragement.

Barnabas reminds us to welcome others and to trust in God. He believed in people when others did not. He gave freely and helped others grow in faith. His name still means what he was: a son of encouragement.

We can learn from him today. Like Barnabas, we can be brave, generous, and kind. We can speak the truth, help others, and build up the Church.

Coaching in Christ

Fr. Clifton Harris reflects on the life and example of Barnabas, calling him a kind of spiritual coach. He compares Barnabas to athletic coaches who help others grow and succeed behind the scenes. Though not one of the original twelve apostles, Barnabas was filled with the Holy Spirit and helped Paul begin his ministry. His encouragement and faith opened doors for others to serve.

On the Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Fr. Harris reminds us that many people today act like Barnabas—parents, teachers, and leaders who help others use their gifts. Barnabas didn’t seek fame but saw the value in others and lifted them up. We are invited to do the same—supporting and walking with others as they grow in faith and service. His quiet but powerful role in shaping the early Church shows how important it is to encourage and believe in others.

Called by His Name

The Memorial of Saint Barnabas reminds us that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. They were named after Jesus because of the deep change they experienced through his grace. As baptized Christians, we are also called to live like Jesus, following his path and sharing his love. Our daily lives should reflect this calling, as we join in the long line of faithful disciples who came before us.

Dr. Sullivan explains that the early Christians lived lives shaped by prayer and fasting. This teaches us to make time for God, even when life feels busy. A few quiet moments in prayer can fill our hearts with peace and strength. Prayer helps us stay rooted in God’s love and guides us to live with purpose. Through this, we grow in holiness and move closer to the kingdom of heaven, just as Jesus taught in the gospel.

His real name was Joseph, but the apostles nicknamed him “Barnabas,” which means “son of encouragement.” He was the guy who said, “You got this!” in the early Church.

He sold his land and gave all the money to the apostles. No savings account. Just straight to the Church fund.

He was from Cyprus and probably knew how to grill fish really well. Apostle by day, BBQ master by night?

He was one of the first to believe in Saint Paul when everyone else was scared of him. Barnabas said, “Give the guy a chance.” That’s a real friend.

He and Paul went on missionary trips together. Think road trips with sandals, scrolls, and a lot of walking.

They preached, got chased out of towns, got rocks thrown at them, and still said, “Let’s go to the next village!”

One time, people thought Barnabas and Paul were gods. They called Barnabas “Zeus.” Barnabas said, “Nope, just a regular guy with a big beard.”

He helped calm big arguments in the early Church. When things got tense, Barnabas showed up with snacks (probably) and peace.

He and Paul had a disagreement over John Mark. Barnabas wanted to give Mark another chance. Paul said no. They split up—but stayed holy.

He didn’t care about being famous. He just wanted to build the Church and encourage people who were struggling.

He’s called an apostle, even though he wasn’t one of the Twelve. Honorary membership granted by the Holy Spirit.

He’s the patron saint of Cyprus, peacemakers, and encouragers. If you cheer people on, you’re already on his team.

His feast day is June 11. Great day to say something kind or help someone who’s feeling down.

He probably had sore feet, a kind smile, and a voice that made people feel calm.

Without Barnabas, Paul might’ve been left out. He helped others shine before he took the spotlight.

He’s proof that being a saint doesn’t always mean being loud. Sometimes it means showing up, speaking kindly, and believing in someone nobody else trusts.

Barnabas, Man for Others

Barnabas, Man for Others by Jerome Kodell, OSB, looks at the life of Saint Barnabas through three key stories in the Acts of the Apostles. The book shows how Barnabas supported Paul, worked with him in mission, and later stepped aside when needed. Jerome Kodell gives a clear and simple look at Barnabas and his role in the early Church. This short book is good for personal reading or group study. It helps readers understand Barnabas as a man who lived for others and followed Jesus with faith and kindness. The book is part of The Bible Today series.