Lexical Summary Barnabas: Barnabas Original Word: Βαρνάβας Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Barnabas. Of Chaldee origin (diakoneo and tacha); son of Nabas (i.e. Prophecy); Barnabas, an Israelite -- Barnabas. see HEBREW bar see HEBREW nbiy' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably of Aramaic origin Definition Barnabas, an Isr. companion of Paul NASB Translation Barnabas (27), Barnabas' (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 921: ΒαρναβᾶςΒαρναβᾶς, Βαρναβᾷ (Buttmann, 20 (18)), ὁ (בַּר son, and נָבָא; according to Luke's interpretation υἱός παρακλήσεως, i. e. excelling in the power τῆς παρακλήσεως, Acts 4:36; see παράκλησις, 5), Barnabas, the surname of Joses (better Joseph), a Levite, a native of Cyprus. He was a distinguished teacher of the Christian religion, and a companion and colleague of Paul: Acts 9:27; Acts 11:22,( Topical Lexicon Personal Background and Early Generosity Acts 4:36–37 introduces Barnabas as “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), [who] sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet”. His Levitical heritage gave him a grounding in the Law, yet his first recorded act is sacrificial generosity that supports the fledgling Jerusalem church. This pattern of benevolence and encouragement marks every subsequent appearance. Mediator and Advocate for Saul of Tarsus After Saul’s conversion, the Jerusalem believers feared him. “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles” (Acts 9:27). By vouching for Saul’s genuine faith and recounting his bold preaching in Damascus, Barnabas opened the door for Saul’s acceptance among the apostles. Without this mediation, the missionary partnership that would reshape the Mediterranean might never have formed. Ministry in Antioch and the Birth of the Gentile Mission When news reached Jerusalem that Greeks in Antioch were turning to the Lord, the church sent Barnabas (Acts 11:22). “When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with steadfast purpose. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:23–24). Recognizing that the work exceeded his capacity, he searched for Saul in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch; for a full year the two taught side by side (Acts 11:25–26). Here disciples were first called Christians, underscoring the significance of Barnabas’s pastoral guidance. Relief Mission to Jerusalem In response to Agabus’s prophecy of famine, the Antioch believers sent relief “by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:29–30). This venture solidified trust between Jewish and Gentile churches and affirmed Barnabas’s reliability with financial stewardship. Set Apart by the Holy Spirit During worship and fasting in Antioch, “the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’” (Acts 13:2). The church laid hands on them and sent them off, launching the first intentional missionary journey recorded in Scripture. First Missionary Journey Highlights • Cyprus: Barnabas returned to his homeland, preaching across the island and witnessing the proconsul Sergius Paulus come to faith (Acts 13:7–12). Defense of Gentile Freedom at the Jerusalem Council “Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question” (Acts 15:2). Their testimony of signs and wonders among the Gentiles (Acts 15:12) strengthened the council’s decision against imposing circumcision. Barnabas again functioned as bridge-builder, protecting unity while upholding the gospel of grace. Sharp Disagreement over John Mark Planning a second journey, “Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, but Paul thought it best not to” (Acts 15:37–38). The resulting rift led Barnabas to sail for Cyprus with Mark, while Paul chose Silas (Acts 15:39–41). Scripture offers no judgment against either side, implying that God advanced the mission through two teams instead of one. Barnabas’s willingness to give Mark a second chance proved farsighted; Mark later became “useful” to Paul (2 Timothy 4:11) and authored the Gospel that bears his name. Later References in the Epistles • Galatians 2:1 – Barnabas accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, underscoring their equal standing as recognized gospel servants. Character Traits and Spiritual Qualities Acts consistently portrays Barnabas as: Doctrinal Significance Barnabas’s account affirms: 1. The Holy Spirit’s sovereign call and empowerment for mission. Legacy in Church History Early tradition (though extra-biblical) places Barnabas’s continued ministry in Cyprus and a martyr’s death there. Whether or not such details can be verified, Scripture alone establishes his enduring legacy: a model encourager whose faith, generosity, and willingness to champion others advanced the gospel from Jerusalem to the wider Greco-Roman world. Practical Applications for Today • Encourage emerging believers and leaders, recognizing potential before others do. Barnabas’s twenty-eight New Testament appearances portray a man whose quiet steadfastness shaped the trajectory of early Christianity and whose example continues to spur the Church toward faith-filled encouragement and mission. Forms and Transliterations Βαρναβα Βαρναβᾷ Βαρναβᾶ Βαρνάβα Βαρνάβᾳ Βαρναβαν Βαρναβᾶν Βαρνάβαν Βαρναβας Βαρναβᾶς Βαρνάβας Barnaba Barnába Barnábāi Barnaban Barnában Barnabas BarnábasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 4:36 N-NMSGRK: ὁ ἐπικληθεὶς Βαρνάβας ἀπὸ τῶν NAS: who was also called Barnabas by the apostles KJV: was surnamed Barnabas, (which INT: having been called Barnabas by the Acts 9:27 N-NMS Acts 11:22 N-AMS Acts 11:30 N-GMS Acts 12:25 N-NMS Acts 13:1 N-NMS Acts 13:2 N-AMS Acts 13:7 N-AMS Acts 13:43 N-DMS Acts 13:46 N-NMS Acts 13:50 N-AMS Acts 14:12 N-AMS Acts 14:14 N-NMS Acts 14:20 N-DMS Acts 15:2 N-DMS Acts 15:2 N-AMS Acts 15:12 N-GMS Acts 15:22 N-DMS Acts 15:25 N-DMS Acts 15:35 N-NMS Acts 15:36 N-AMS Acts 15:37 N-NMS Acts 15:39 N-AMS 1 Corinthians 9:6 N-NMS Galatians 2:1 N-GMS Strong's Greek 921 |
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