Barnabas

The encourager

He introduced Saul to the apostles and was his companion on the first missionary journey.

The son of encouragement

His name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, “Son of Encouragement”. Generous, he sold a field and laid the money at the apostles' feet. His mark is seeing value where others see risk.

He took a chance on Saul

When no one trusted the newly converted Saul, it was Barnabas who introduced him to the apostles and later went to find him in Tarsus to serve in Antioch. Without Barnabas, perhaps there would have been no “Paul”. Great ministries often begin with someone who believes first.

Firmness and reconciliation

Barnabas and Paul parted ways over John Mark, who had quit earlier. Barnabas insisted on giving him a second chance, and Mark, restored, would go on to write one of the Gospels. The “encourager” also foreshadows the patient care that restores people.

Where to read in the Bible

• Acts 9:27
• Acts 13

Connections

• linked to Paul · stated in the text · Acts 13:2
• introduced Paul · stated in the text · Acts 9:27
• taught with Paul in Antioch · stated in the text · Acts 11:25–26
• native of Cyprus · stated in the text · Acts 4:36

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