Saint Barnabas the Apostle

Who Was Saint Barnabas the Apostle?

Saint Barnabas the Apostle was an important missionary and leader of the early Christian Church. Originally from Cyprus, he became a close companion of Saint Paul and helped spread the Gospel throughout the eastern Mediterranean.

Barnabas is especially remembered for his generosity, encouragement of other Christians, missionary journeys, and important role in the Church of Antioch.

Although he was not one of the original Twelve Apostles, the Eastern Orthodox Church honors him among the Seventy Apostles.

His principal Orthodox feast day is June 11.

Where Was Saint Barnabas Born?

Saint Barnabas was born on the island of Cyprus during the first century AD.

According to Acts 4:36, he was a Levite, meaning that his family belonged to the Israelite tribe of Levi.

His original name was Joseph, sometimes rendered Joses in English translations.

Orthodox tradition describes Barnabas as receiving a religious education in Jerusalem, where he became familiar with Jewish Scripture and religious life.

Why Was Barnabas Called the Son of Encouragement?

The Apostles gave Joseph the name Barnabas, which Acts 4:36 explains as "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation."

This name reflects one of the most important qualities of his Christian ministry.

Barnabas encouraged new believers, supported the Apostle Paul when others feared him, and helped strengthen developing Christian communities.

His example shows the importance of kindness, trust, and encouragement in Christian life.

Why Did Barnabas Sell His Land?

Acts 4:36–37 describes Barnabas selling a piece of land and bringing the proceeds to the Apostles.

The early Christian community in Jerusalem shared resources to support believers who were in need.

Barnabas's generosity demonstrated his commitment to the Church and his willingness to use personal possessions for the benefit of others.

His actions remain an example of Christian charity, generosity, and care for the poor.

Was Barnabas One of the Twelve Apostles?

No. Saint Barnabas was not one of the original Twelve Apostles personally named in the Gospel lists.

Nevertheless, the New Testament explicitly recognizes Barnabas as an Apostle in Acts 14:14, alongside Saint Paul.

Eastern Orthodox tradition also identifies Barnabas as one of the Seventy Apostles associated with Christ's wider circle of disciples.

His apostolic title reflects his missionary calling and role in spreading the Christian faith.

Why Did Barnabas Help the Apostle Paul?

Before his conversion, Saul, later known as Paul, had persecuted Christians.

When Paul came to Jerusalem after his encounter with Christ, many disciples were afraid of him and doubted the sincerity of his conversion.

According to Acts 9:26–27, Barnabas brought Paul to the Apostles and explained how he had encountered the risen Lord and preached boldly in Damascus.

Barnabas helped the Christian community accept Paul as a fellow believer.

His actions demonstrate the importance of forgiveness, discernment, and giving people opportunities for spiritual transformation.

What Did Barnabas Do in the Church of Antioch?

Saint Barnabas played an important role in the growing Christian community at Antioch in Syria.

According to Acts 11:22–24, the Church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to support the believers there.

He rejoiced at the growth of the community and encouraged Christians to remain faithful to the Lord.

Barnabas then traveled to Tarsus to find Paul and brought him to Antioch.

They spent approximately one year teaching the growing Christian community. Acts 11:26 records that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

What Were the Missionary Journeys of Barnabas and Paul?

Barnabas and Paul were commissioned for missionary work by the Church of Antioch, as described in Acts 13.

Their journey began with a voyage to Cyprus and continued through several cities of Asia Minor.

Important places associated with their mission include:

• Salamis: They proclaimed the Gospel in Jewish synagogues on Cyprus.
• Paphos: They encountered the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus.
• Pisidian Antioch: They preached to Jewish and Gentile audiences.
• Iconium: Their preaching attracted both followers and opponents.
• Lystra: Paul healed a man, and the crowd mistakenly treated the missionaries as gods.
• Derbe: They continued proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples.

The journey helped establish Christian communities beyond Judea and demonstrated the universal mission of the Gospel.

What Happened to Barnabas and Paul at Lystra?

In Acts 14:8–18, Paul healed a man who had been unable to walk.

The people of Lystra mistakenly believed that Barnabas and Paul were the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes.

The missionaries strongly rejected this misunderstanding and called the people to worship the living God instead.

The event illustrates their humility and determination to direct attention toward God rather than themselves.

What Was Barnabas's Role at the Council of Jerusalem?

Saint Barnabas participated in the important discussions about Gentile converts described in Acts 15.

The early Church debated whether Gentile Christians were required to undergo circumcision and observe the Mosaic Law.

Barnabas and Paul described the missionary work God had accomplished among the Gentiles.

The Apostles and elders concluded that Gentile believers should not be required to accept circumcision or the entire Mosaic Law, while providing certain instructions for their Christian life.

Barnabas helped communicate the council's decision to the Church in Antioch.

Why Did Barnabas and Paul Separate?

Acts 15:36–41 describes a disagreement between Barnabas and Paul concerning John Mark.

Barnabas wanted to take Mark on another missionary journey, but Paul objected because Mark had withdrawn from their earlier mission.

The disagreement became serious enough that the two missionaries decided to travel separately.

Paul continued his work with Silas, while Barnabas sailed to Cyprus with Mark.

The New Testament does not describe every detail of their later relationship. However, Paul continued to acknowledge Barnabas in his letters.

Was Saint Barnabas Related to Saint Mark the Evangelist?

Yes. The New Testament identifies John Mark as a relative of Barnabas.

Colossians 4:10 uses a family term commonly translated as cousin.

Some traditional accounts describe Barnabas as Mark's uncle, but the biblical wording is more accurately translated as cousin.

Barnabas supported Mark despite the disagreement with Paul and took him on a missionary journey to Cyprus.

Read more in our Guide to Saint Mark the Evangelist.

Why Is Saint Barnabas Important to the Orthodox Church of Cyprus?

Saint Barnabas is especially honored as an apostolic founder of Christianity on Cyprus.

His missionary journey with Paul brought the Gospel to important cities on the island, including Salamis and Paphos.

Later Orthodox tradition remembers Barnabas returning to Cyprus and continuing his missionary work.

His connection with the island became an important part of the identity and history of the Church of Cyprus.

Today, Barnabas is honored as a patron saint of Cyprus, and churches and monasteries preserve his memory.

How Did Saint Barnabas the Apostle Die?

According to Orthodox tradition, Saint Barnabas suffered martyrdom on Cyprus, traditionally associated with the city of Salamis.

Later hagiographical accounts describe him being stoned to death because of his Christian preaching.

His martyrdom is often placed around AD 60–62, although the exact date and circumstances are not established by the New Testament.

The Church honors Barnabas as a faithful missionary who devoted his life to proclaiming Jesus Christ.

Where Are the Relics of Saint Barnabas?

Orthodox tradition associates the burial place of Saint Barnabas with the area near ancient Salamis on Cyprus.

According to Cypriot Church tradition, his tomb was rediscovered in the late fifth century during the reign of Emperor Zeno.

The account describes a copy of the Gospel of Matthew being found with his remains.

The discovery became an important event in the religious history of Cyprus and strengthened the island's identification with its apostolic founder.

The Church of Cyprus had already received recognition of its ecclesiastical independence at the Council of Ephesus in 431. The later discovery of Barnabas's relics became part of the tradition supporting that independence.

Did Saint Barnabas Write the Epistle of Barnabas?

The Epistle of Barnabas is an early Christian writing traditionally associated with the name Barnabas.

However, modern scholarship generally considers the work anonymous and does not attribute it to the Barnabas who traveled with Saint Paul.

The text was probably written after the apostolic period and discusses biblical interpretation, Christian identity, and moral life.

It is not included in the New Testament canon of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The Epistle of Barnabas should therefore be distinguished from the biblical accounts of Saint Barnabas in the Book of Acts.

When Is Saint Barnabas's Orthodox Feast Day?

The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Barnabas the Apostle on June 11.

He shares this date with Saint Bartholomew the Apostle in the Orthodox calendar.

Churches following the traditional Julian calendar currently observe the feast on June 24 according to the Gregorian civil calendar.

Orthodox Christians may commemorate Barnabas through prayer, church services, and reading the passages in Acts that describe his missionary work.

Learn how Orthodox feast days are connected with patron saints in our Guide to Finding Your Orthodox Patron Saint.

What Does the Orthodox Icon of Saint Barnabas Mean?

Orthodox icons commonly portray Saint Barnabas as a mature or elderly Apostle wearing traditional robes and holding a Gospel book or scroll.

Typical iconographic elements include:

• Golden Halo: Represents holiness and life in Christ.
• Apostolic Robes: Recall his missionary calling and place among the Apostles.
• Gospel Book: Symbolizes his preaching of the Christian faith.
• Scroll: Represents apostolic teaching and the proclamation of Christ.
• Traditional Inscription: Identifies him as Saint Barnabas the Apostle.

Some Orthodox compositions depict Barnabas together with Saint Paul or Saint Mark the Evangelist.

Because Barnabas is traditionally associated with the Gospel of Matthew discovered at his burial place, a Gospel book is especially appropriate in his iconography.

What Can Orthodox Christians Learn From Saint Barnabas?

The life of Saint Barnabas offers important lessons for Christian discipleship:

• Encouragement: Support others in their spiritual journey.
• Generosity: Share personal resources with those in need.
• Forgiveness: Give people opportunities to change and grow.
• Humility: Serve God without seeking personal recognition.
• Missionary Faith: Share the Gospel through words and actions.
• Perseverance: Continue serving Christ despite difficulties.

Barnabas demonstrates that encouragement and compassion can have a lasting influence on the life and growth of the Church.

How Do Orthodox Christians Pray to Saint Barnabas?

Orthodox Christians honor Saint Barnabas as a holy Apostle and martyr and may ask for his intercession before God.

A simple personal prayer may be offered:

O holy and glorious Apostle Barnabas, faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ and blessed son of encouragement, pray to God for us. Strengthen our faith, teach us generosity and compassion, and help us support those who struggle. Guide our hearts toward humility, forgiveness, and sincere love. Through your holy prayers, may we remain faithful to Christ and serve His Church with courage and joy. Amen.

This is a personal devotional prayer rather than an official liturgical text.

Choosing a Saint Barnabas Orthodox Icon or Christian Gift

An icon of Saint Barnabas can be a meaningful addition to an Orthodox home prayer corner, especially for Christians inspired by his missionary work, generosity, and encouragement of others.

It may also be a thoughtful baptism or Name Day gift for someone whose patron saint is Barnabas.

Explore the Orthodox Apostle Icons Collection at Mercy Fold for traditional sacred images of the Apostles.

You can also browse our Orthodox Saint Icons and Orthodox Christian Books for meaningful gifts and spiritual reading.

For help choosing a sacred gift, read Can Orthodox Icons Be Given as Gifts?

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Barnabas the Apostle

Who Was Saint Barnabas in the Bible?

Saint Barnabas was an early Christian Apostle and missionary from Cyprus. He is remembered for encouraging believers, helping Saint Paul, and spreading Christianity through missionary journeys.

What Does the Name Barnabas Mean?

The Book of Acts explains Barnabas as meaning "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation." His original name was Joseph.

Was Barnabas One of the Twelve Apostles?

No. Barnabas was not one of the original Twelve. Orthodox tradition honors him among the Seventy Apostles, and Acts 14:14 identifies him as an Apostle alongside Paul.

Why Did Barnabas Help Paul?

Barnabas supported Paul after his conversion and helped other Christians accept him despite his earlier persecution of the Church.

Did Barnabas and Paul Travel Together?

Yes. They worked together in Antioch and completed an important missionary journey through Cyprus and Asia Minor, described in Acts 13–14.

Why Did Paul and Barnabas Disagree?

They disagreed about taking John Mark on another missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to include Mark, while Paul objected because Mark had previously withdrawn from their mission.

Was Barnabas Related to Mark the Evangelist?

Yes. Colossians 4:10 identifies Mark as a relative of Barnabas, commonly translated as his cousin.

Did Barnabas Write the Epistle of Barnabas?

The early Christian work bears his name, but modern scholarship generally considers it anonymous and does not regard the Apostle Barnabas as its author.

How Did Saint Barnabas Die?

According to Orthodox tradition, Barnabas was martyred by stoning on Cyprus, near ancient Salamis. The precise date is uncertain.

When Is Saint Barnabas's Orthodox Feast Day?

His Orthodox feast day is June 11, corresponding to June 24 on the civil calendar for churches using the Julian calendar in the twenty-first century.

Remembering Saint Barnabas the Apostle

Saint Barnabas holds an important place in Orthodox Christianity as an Apostle, missionary, and generous supporter of the early Church.

His friendship with Paul, encouragement of new believers, and missionary witness demonstrate the importance of compassion, courage, and faithful service.

His life reminds Christians that spreading the Gospel requires not only preaching but also generosity, forgiveness, and love for others.

Explore the Orthodox Apostle Icons Collection and discover spiritual reading in our Orthodox Christian Books at Mercy Fold.