Saint Barnabas
Feast Day: June 11
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.
From Cyprus to the Church
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.”
A Man Who Lifted Others Up
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.
Two Friends on the Road
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.
A Quiet Ending, A Lasting Light
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.
The Encourager’s Legacy
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.
Daily Mass Readings for the Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
The first reading for this memorial is proper. The other readings for this memorial may be taken from the readings below, or the readings of the day.
- First Reading – Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3: Barnabas and Saul taught many in Antioch, where believers were first called Christians. Led by the Holy Spirit, the Church set them apart, prayed, and sent them to begin their mission.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: I sing to the Lord with joy, for he has done great things. His salvation reaches every land, and all the earth gives praise to the King.
- Gospel – Matthew 10:7-13: Jesus sent the Twelve to preach the Kingdom, heal the sick, and rely on the kindness of others. They were told to bring peace, expect no payment, and give as they received.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
A Quiet Helper Who Made a Big Difference
Saint Barnabas shows us that you do not have to be famous to do something good for God. He was not one of the Twelve Apostles, but he still had a big part in the early Church. He helped others grow in faith. He gave what he had. He welcomed new people. He worked hard and stayed faithful. We can learn a lot from that.
Barnabas believed in people. When others were afraid of Paul, Barnabas stood by him. He saw the good in him. He gave him a chance. We all need someone like that in our lives. And we can be that kind of person for someone else. We can choose to be kind and to trust others, even when it is not easy.
He also gave up his own plans for the good of the Church. He gave away his land and went where he was needed. He did not do it to be praised. He just wanted to help. He reminds us to care more about people than things. He reminds us that God uses those who are willing to say yes.
Barnabas is a good example of quiet strength. He did not need attention. He just kept going, even when the road was hard. His story helps us see that even small actions, like welcoming someone or giving our time, can make a big difference in the Church and in the world.
Reflection Questions:
- Who has encouraged you when others did not?
- Is there someone you can stand up for or support right now?
- What can you give or share to help someone in need?
- Are you open to letting go of something for the sake of others?
Be a Voice of Possibility
Saint Barnabas lived up to his name—he was a true encourager. He believed in people when others gave up on them. He stood by Paul when no one else would. He lifted others up, and his support helped spread the Gospel across the world.
We all need encouragement. And we’re all called to give it. When you feel discouraged, ask God to remind you of who you are and what’s possible. Then go and do for someone else what Barnabas did for Paul. Speak hope. Stand by them. Be a steady voice of encouragement in a world full of doubt.
Resources
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.
Social Media Graphics
Questions and Answers about Saint Barnabas
Who was Saint Barnabas?
Saint Barnabas was an early follower of Jesus. He was one of the first leaders in the Church.
Was he one of the Twelve Apostles?
No, he was not one of the Twelve, but the Church still calls him an Apostle.
What was his real name?
His real name was Joseph. The Apostles gave him the name Barnabas.
What does the name Barnabas mean?
It means “son of encouragement.”
Where was Saint Barnabas born?
He was born on the island of Cyprus.
What did he do for the early Church?
He gave money, helped new believers, and preached the Gospel. He also welcomed Paul when others were afraid of him.
Did Barnabas go on missions?
Yes, he traveled with Paul and preached in many places.
Why did Barnabas and Paul split up?
They disagreed about taking Mark with them. So they went different ways.
How did Barnabas die?
Tradition says he was killed for his faith, possibly in Cyprus.
When is Saint Barnabas’s feast day?
His feast day is June 11.
A Life That Still Speaks
Saint Barnabas did not try to be famous. He simply followed Jesus. He gave what he had, helped others, and spread the Good News. He welcomed people when others would not. He stayed faithful even when things were hard.
He worked with Paul and helped start new churches. He believed in people and stood by them. His name means “son of encouragement,” and he lived up to that name.
Barnabas reminds us that kindness and faith go a long way. We may not preach or travel far, but we can still help others. We can give, support, and share our faith. These things matter.
The Church still honors him for his strong faith and his kind actions. His life shows us how to follow Jesus in a simple and real way.
Your Turn
Saint Barnabas shows us how to live with faith and courage. He reminds us to lift others up and to give freely. Take a little time to read more about him.
We invite you to share what you learned or how you relate to Barnabas in the comments. Has someone encouraged you? Have you been a helper to others? Let’s talk about it together.
Leave a Reply