Topical Encyclopedia Barnabas, a significant figure in the early Christian church, is best known for his role as an encourager and mediator. His Hebrew name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). A Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas was a man of notable faith and generosity, having sold a field he owned and laid the money at the apostles' feet to support the fledgling Christian community (Acts 4:37).One of Barnabas's most pivotal contributions to the early church was his role in introducing Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, to the apostles in Jerusalem. After Saul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, he began preaching boldly in the name of Jesus. However, due to his former reputation as a fierce persecutor of Christians, the disciples in Jerusalem were understandably wary and afraid of him, doubting his conversion (Acts 9:26). Barnabas, recognizing the genuine transformation in Saul, took it upon himself to bridge the gap between Saul and the apostles. Acts 9:27 records, "So Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He described how Saul had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus." Through Barnabas's advocacy, Saul was accepted by the apostles and began to move freely among them, preaching in Jerusalem. This act of bringing Saul to the apostles highlights Barnabas's character as a peacemaker and a man of discernment. He saw beyond Saul's past and recognized the work of God in his life. Barnabas's willingness to vouch for Saul not only facilitated Saul's acceptance into the Christian community but also set the stage for Saul's future ministry as Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. Barnabas's actions exemplify the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love. His ability to see potential in others and his commitment to fostering unity within the body of Christ were instrumental in the growth and spread of the early church. His partnership with Paul would later become one of the most dynamic missionary teams in the New Testament, further underscoring the importance of his initial act of bringing Saul to the apostles. Nave's Topical Index Acts 9:25-27Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. Nave's Topical Index Library The Acts of the Apostles. The Acts of the Apostles Deified and Stoned The Opinion of the Apostles on Veiling the Mysteries of the Faith. Acts IX Exalting the Cross Marcus, My Son Acts IV 'Full of the Holy Ghost' Sylvanus Resources Who was Barnabas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Epistle of Barnabas? | GotQuestions.org What happened on Paul's first missionary journey? | 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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