Saint Barnabas

Apostle
(First Century)

Saint Barnabas, whose name means Son of Encouragement, was a Levite from Cyprus whose original name was Joseph. He was one of the earliest disciples of the Lord in Jerusalem, and his role in the life of the early Church was of the first importance. It was Barnabas who first dared to introduce the newly converted Saul of Tarsus to the apostles in Jerusalem, vouching for the authenticity of his conversion when all others were afraid of him.

The Acts of the Apostles records that Barnabas sold a piece of land he owned and laid the proceeds at the feet of the apostles, a gesture that illustrated his wholehearted commitment to the community. He was sent by the Jerusalem church to Antioch to oversee the growing community of Gentile converts there, and he laboured there with great success. Recognizing that the work required a man of Saul's gifts, he went to Tarsus and brought him back to Antioch, where they worked together for a whole year.

The Holy Spirit designated Barnabas and Saul for the first great missionary journey, which took them through Cyprus and Asia Minor. They evangelized Paphos, Perga, Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, founding communities and ordaining elders. After their dispute over John Mark, Barnabas took Mark and returned to Cyprus, while Paul travelled with Silas. Ancient tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred at Salamis in Cyprus around the year 61.

He is venerated as the founder of the Church of Cyprus. His feast is celebrated on June 11, and he is honoured with the title of Apostle by the Church, though he was not one of the Twelve.