Topical Encyclopedia Barnabas, a significant figure in the early Christian church, is best known for his close association with the Apostle Paul. His role in accompanying Paul to Jerusalem is a pivotal moment in the history of the early church, highlighting his influence and dedication to the spread of the Gospel.Background and Early Life Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus. He was given the name Barnabas by the apostles, which means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). His generous spirit is first noted when he sold a field he owned and laid the money at the apostles' feet to support the early Christian community (Acts 4:37). Association with Paul Barnabas's relationship with Paul began shortly after Paul's conversion. When Paul, formerly known as Saul, attempted to join the disciples in Jerusalem, they were initially afraid of him, not believing he was truly a disciple. Barnabas, however, took Paul and brought him to the apostles, vouching for his genuine conversion and his bold preaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:26-27). This act of advocacy by Barnabas was crucial in integrating Paul into the early Christian community. The Journey to Jerusalem Barnabas's accompaniment of Paul to Jerusalem is recorded in Acts 11. The church in Antioch, where Barnabas and Paul were ministering, received a prophecy from Agabus about a severe famine that would spread over the entire Roman world. In response, the disciples decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. They chose Barnabas and Paul to deliver this aid to the elders in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). This journey was significant not only for the material support it provided but also for strengthening the bonds between the predominantly Gentile church in Antioch and the Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem. Barnabas's role in this mission underscores his commitment to unity and cooperation within the early church. The Council at Jerusalem Barnabas's presence in Jerusalem is further noted during the Council at Jerusalem, as described in Acts 15. This council was convened to address the contentious issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to observe the Mosaic Law. Barnabas, along with Paul, played a key role in advocating for the acceptance of Gentile believers without the imposition of the full yoke of the Law. Their testimony about the signs and wonders God had performed among the Gentiles through them was instrumental in the council's decision (Acts 15:12). Legacy Barnabas's accompaniment of Paul to Jerusalem and his involvement in the early church's critical decisions highlight his role as a bridge-builder and encourager. His actions and character left a lasting impact on the development of the early Christian church, fostering unity and inclusivity among believers. Nave's Topical Index Acts 11:30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Nave's Topical Index Library To the Regions Beyond Mark. Resources Who was John Mark in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on Paul's second missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Antioch in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Barnabas: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Barnabas is Reconciled to Paul Barnabas is Sent As an Emissary to Jerusalem Barnabas: A Levite Who Gave his Possessions to be Owned in Common With Other Disciples Barnabas: Accompanies Paul to Jerusalem Barnabas: Brings Him to the Apostles Barnabas: Called Jupiter (Zeus) Barnabas: Devotion of, to Jesus Barnabas: Disaffected Toward Paul Barnabas: Goes With Paul to Iconium Barnabas: Goes With Paul to Seleucia Barnabas: Returns With Paul to Antioch (Of Syria) Related Terms |
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