Topical Encyclopedia Barnabas, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, is best known for his role as a missionary and companion of the Apostle Paul. His given name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). He was a Levite from Cyprus and is first introduced in the Book of Acts as a generous man who sold a field he owned and laid the money at the apostles' feet to support the early Christian community (Acts 4:37).Barnabas played a crucial role in the acceptance of Paul by the early church. After Paul's conversion, many believers were wary of him due to his past persecution of Christians. Barnabas, however, vouched for Paul and introduced him to the apostles in Jerusalem, recounting how Paul had seen the Lord and preached boldly in His name (Acts 9:27). Barnabas and Paul were later commissioned by the Holy Spirit for missionary work, setting out from Antioch to spread the Gospel (Acts 13:2-3). During their first missionary journey, they traveled to various regions, including Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor. It was in the city of Lystra that Barnabas was called "Jupiter" (Zeus) by the local populace (Acts 14:12). The incident in Lystra occurred after Paul healed a man who had been lame from birth. The miraculous healing led the people to believe that the gods had come down to them in human form. They called Barnabas "Jupiter" (Zeus) and Paul "Mercury" (Hermes), because Paul was the chief speaker (Acts 14:11-12). The priest of Zeus even brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, intending to offer sacrifices to them. However, Barnabas and Paul tore their clothes in distress and rushed into the crowd, insisting that they were mere men and urging the people to turn from these vain things to the living God (Acts 14:14-15). This episode highlights the cultural context in which Barnabas and Paul ministered, where the Greco-Roman pantheon was widely revered. It also underscores the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries in communicating the message of the one true God to a polytheistic society. Barnabas's partnership with Paul eventually faced challenges, notably over a disagreement regarding John Mark, Barnabas's cousin. This disagreement led to their separation, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus while Paul chose Silas as his new companion (Acts 15:36-39). Despite this separation, Barnabas continued his missionary work, and his legacy as an encourager and leader in the early church remains significant. Barnabas is remembered for his faith, generosity, and dedication to the spread of the Gospel. His life exemplifies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of encouragement and reconciliation within the Christian community. Nave's Topical Index Acts 14:12-18And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Nave's Topical Index Library Deified and Stoned The Acts of the Apostles. The Clementine Homilies Paul Before his Conversion. The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. 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 |
    |