In a world quick to criticize and slow to encourage, one man stood out for his radical belief in people’s potential. His name was Barnabas, and his nickname meant “Son of Encouragement”—a title he lived up to every single day.
Barnabas believed in Saul when everyone else feared him. He mentored John Mark when others had written him off. He sold his property to support the early church. He stood for grace when legalism threatened to divide believers. He was willing to step back so others could step forward.
Though less famous than Peter or Paul, Barnabas was the glue that held the early church together. He was the bridge-builder, the peacemaker, the one who saw not what people were, but what they could become.
This is the story of Barnabas—the encourager who changed the course of Christianity by simply believing in people when others didn’t.
Who Was Barnabas? The Man Behind the Name
Born Joseph, Called Barnabas
The Book of Acts introduces us to this remarkable man:
“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” — Acts 4:36-37 (NIV)
His birth name was Joseph, but the apostles gave him a new name: Barnabas (Greek: Barnabas, from Aramaic Bar-Nabba meaning “son of encouragement” or “son of consolation”).
Names in biblical culture reflected character. The apostles didn’t just give Barnabas a nickname—they recognized his defining trait: he was an encourager.
A Levite from Cyprus
Barnabas came from the tribe of Levi—the priestly tribe of Israel. Though Levites traditionally didn’t own land in Israel (Numbers 18:20), by this time many Jewish families, including Levites, had scattered throughout the Roman Empire.
Barnabas was from Cyprus, a large island in the eastern Mediterranean with a significant Jewish population. His Cypriot background would later influence his missionary strategy.
The Meaning of “Son of Encouragement”
The name “Son of Encouragement” (or “Son of Consolation”) reveals Barnabas’ core ministry:
- Encouragement in Greek is paraklēsis—the same root as Paraclete, used for the Holy Spirit, meaning “one called alongside to help”
- Barnabas was someone who came alongside others to strengthen, comfort, and lift them up
- He didn’t just offer words of encouragement—his entire life encouraged others
Barnabas’ Radical Generosity: Setting the Example
Selling His Field for the Church
The early church practiced radical economic sharing:
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had… There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” — Acts 4:32, 34-35 (NIV)
Barnabas led by example. He didn’t just talk about generosity—he sold his field and gave the proceeds to the apostles.
The Contrast with Ananias and Sapphira
Immediately after Barnabas’ example, Luke records the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)—a couple who pretended to give everything but secretly held back part of the proceeds.
The contrast is deliberate:
- Barnabas: Genuine, sacrificial, wholehearted generosity
- Ananias and Sapphira: Hypocritical, deceptive, partial giving
Barnabas’ authenticity made others’ hypocrisy obvious.
Generosity as a Form of Encouragement
Barnabas understood that meeting practical needs is a powerful form of encouragement. He didn’t just offer words—he offered resources.
True encouragement often costs something.
Barnabas Champions Saul: When No One Else Would
The Feared Persecutor Needs a Friend
After Saul’s dramatic conversion on the Damascus road, he attempted to join the believers in Jerusalem. Their response was predictable fear:
“When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.” — Acts 9:26 (NIV)
This is completely understandable. Saul had:
- Approved Stephen’s stoning (Acts 7:58)
- Ravaged the church, dragging believers to prison (Acts 8:3)
- Breathed murderous threats against disciples (Acts 9:1)
The church’s skepticism was justified. What if this “conversion” was a trap?
“He Took Him and Brought Him to the Apostles”
Enter Barnabas:
“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” — Acts 9:27 (NIV)
Notice what Barnabas did:
- “Took him” — Physical action, personal risk
- “Brought him to the apostles” — Used his own credibility as collateral
- “Told them” — Testified on Saul’s behalf
- Vouched for his transformation
Barnabas risked his reputation to give Saul a second chance.
The Risk of Endorsing the Outcast
If Barnabas was wrong about Saul:
- The church could be betrayed
- Lives could be endangered
- Barnabas’ own credibility would be destroyed
But Barnabas saw something others missed: genuine transformation.
What This Reveals About Barnabas’ Character
Barnabas was:
- Discerning — He could recognize authentic change
- Courageous — He was willing to risk for what he believed
- Generous — He gave Saul the benefit of the doubt
- Bridge-building — He connected the outsider to the community
Without Barnabas, we might not have had the Apostle Paul.
Ministry in Antioch: The First Gentile Church
Sent to Investigate the Gentile Converts
When news reached Jerusalem that Gentiles in Antioch were turning to the Lord in large numbers, the church sent someone to investigate:
“News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.” — Acts 11:22 (NIV)
Why Barnabas? Because he had the spiritual maturity and generous spirit to handle this unprecedented situation wisely.
“He Was a Good Man, Full of the Holy Spirit and Faith”
Luke gives Barnabas one of the highest compliments in Scripture:
“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” — Acts 11:23-24 (NIV)
Notice three things:
- He was glad — No jealousy or territorialism; he celebrated what God was doing
- He encouraged — His first instinct was to strengthen believers
- He was good, Spirit-filled, and faithful — Character came before competence
Great revivals need great encouragers.
Seeking Out Saul for Partnership
Barnabas recognized the work was too big for one person:
“Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch.” — Acts 11:25-26 (NIV)
Barnabas could have hoarded the spotlight, but instead he:
- Sought out a partner
- Shared the platform
- Multiplied the ministry
Great leaders multiply leaders.
Teaching for a Full Year in Antioch
“So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” — Acts 11:26 (NIV)
Antioch became the launching pad for Gentile Christianity—and Barnabas was instrumental in its foundation.
The First Missionary Journey: Barnabas and Saul
Commissioned by the Holy Spirit
The church at Antioch, led by the Spirit, set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work:
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” — Acts 13:2-3 (NIV)
Notice: Barnabas is listed first—at this point, he was the senior leader.
Cyprus: Barnabas’ Homeland
Their first stop was Cyprus—Barnabas’ home (Acts 13:4-12). They preached the Gospel across the island, encountering both opposition (the sorcerer Elymas) and triumph (the conversion of the proconsul Sergius Paulus).
From “Barnabas and Saul” to “Paul and Barnabas”
Something shifts in Acts 13. After Cyprus, the narrative changes:
- Before: “Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 13:2, 7)
- After: “Paul and his companions” or “Paul and Barnabas” (Acts 13:13, 43, 46, 50)
Paul emerged as the primary spokesperson. And Barnabas didn’t resist. He graciously stepped aside, allowing Paul’s gifts to flourish.
True encouragers celebrate others’ prominence.
Challenges and Triumphs in Asia Minor
The journey included:
- Pisidian Antioch — Powerful preaching, then expulsion (Acts 13:14-52)
- Iconium — Signs and wonders, followed by threats (Acts 14:1-7)
- Lystra — Paul healed a crippled man; crowds tried to worship them as gods (Acts 14:8-18)
When people mistook them for gods, they called Barnabas “Zeus” (the king of gods) and Paul “Hermes” (the messenger). Even pagans recognized Barnabas’ dignified presence.
Stoned in Lystra but Pressing Forward
In Lystra, Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). But they didn’t quit:
“The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” — Acts 14:20-22 (NIV)
Even after persecution, they returned to encourage new believers.
That’s the heart of Barnabas—always encouraging, always strengthening.
The Council of Jerusalem: Standing for Grace
The Question of Gentile Salvation
A major controversy arose: Did Gentile converts need to be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law to be saved?
“Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: ‘Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’ This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them.” — Acts 15:1-2 (NIV)
Barnabas and Paul’s United Testimony
At the Jerusalem Council, Barnabas and Paul testified together:
“The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.” — Acts 15:12 (NIV)
Defending Salvation by Grace Alone
The council concluded that Gentiles were saved by grace through faith, not by works of the law—a decision that shaped Christianity forever.
Barnabas stood firmly on the side of grace.
The Sharp Disagreement: Barnabas and Paul Part Ways
The Issue of John Mark
After the council, Paul proposed a second journey. But conflict arose:
“Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.” — Acts 15:37-38 (NIV)
John Mark (Barnabas’ cousin, Colossians 4:10) had abandoned them during the first journey (Acts 13:13). Paul saw this as disqualifying. Barnabas wanted to give him another chance.
Paul’s Pragmatism vs. Barnabas’ Patience
- Paul’s perspective: “We need reliable workers. Mark proved unreliable.”
- Barnabas’ perspective: “Everyone deserves a second chance. Mark can grow.”
Both had valid points.
Two Teams Instead of One
The disagreement was so sharp they parted ways:
“They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.” — Acts 15:39-40 (NIV)
This wasn’t ideal, but God used it:
- Two missionary teams instead of one
- More ground covered for the Gospel
- John Mark restored through Barnabas’ patience
Was Barnabas Right About Mark?
Years later, Paul himself vindicated Barnabas’ faith in Mark:
“Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” — 2 Timothy 4:11 (NIV)
The young man who quit became the author of the Gospel of Mark and Paul’s valued co-worker.
Barnabas saw Mark’s potential when others only saw his failure.
Barnabas’ Continued Ministry: Beyond the Book of Acts
Strengthening the Churches in Cyprus
Acts doesn’t mention Barnabas again after the split, but we know he continued ministry in Cyprus with Mark.
Mentoring John Mark to Restoration
Barnabas invested in Mark, helping him mature into a faithful minister. Mark went on to:
- Serve with Peter in Rome (1 Peter 5:13)
- Write the Gospel of Mark (likely based on Peter’s testimony)
- Become valued by Paul (Colossians 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11)
Barnabas turned a quitter into a Gospel writer.
Paul’s Later Commendation of Mark
Paul’s reconciliation with Mark shows that even strong disagreements can lead to restoration:
“My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.” — Colossians 4:10 (NIV)
By this time, Paul and Barnabas likely reconciled too.
Tradition and Legacy
Church tradition holds that Barnabas:
- Was martyred in Cyprus around AD 61
- Founded churches throughout the island
- Left a legacy of encouragement and grace
The Character of an Encourager: What Made Barnabas Special
He Saw Potential, Not Just Performance
Barnabas looked at:
- Saul — and saw the future Apostle Paul
- John Mark — and saw a Gospel writer
- Gentile converts — and saw brothers and sisters in Christ
He saw people through the lens of grace.
He Gave Second Chances
Barnabas believed in redemption and restoration. He understood that:
- Failure isn’t final
- God specializes in comebacks
- Today’s quitter can be tomorrow’s champion
He Shared the Spotlight
When Paul’s gifts exceeded his own, Barnabas didn’t compete—he celebrated. He was secure enough in his identity to let others shine.
He Invested in Others’ Success
Barnabas:
- Vouched for Saul
- Partnered with Paul
- Mentored Mark
- Encouraged everyone he met
His legacy lived in the people he empowered.
Why the Church Needs More Barnabases Today
The Ministry of Affirmation
In a culture of criticism and cancel culture, encouragers are desperately needed. People are:
- Starved for genuine affirmation
- Crushed by constant critique
- Longing for someone to believe in them
Be that person.
Encouragement as Spiritual Warfare
The enemy is the accuser (Revelation 12:10). Encouragers are spiritual warriors who counter accusations with affirmation rooted in truth.
Creating Safe Spaces for Transformation
Barnabas created environments where:
- Failures could find restoration
- Outcasts could find belonging
- Potential could be realized
The church should be the safest place to fail and grow.
Life Lessons from Barnabas’ Ministry
Reputation Matters: Build It with Integrity
Barnabas’ credibility allowed him to vouch for Saul. Build a reputation of character and faithfulness—it becomes currency you can spend on others.
Take Risks on People Others Reject
The greatest kingdom investments are often in overlooked, rejected, or failed people. Barnabas bet on Saul and Mark—and changed history.
It’s Okay to Part Ways Graciously
Even godly people can have sharp disagreements. Sometimes the best path forward is separate directions without destroying the relationship.
Your Encouragement May Change History
You never know what someone might become if you believe in them. Your encouragement could unleash a world-changer.
How to Be a Barnabas in Your World
- Look for people to encourage daily — Make it a habit
- Speak life, not death — Words have creative power
- Vouch for the overlooked — Use your credibility to open doors for others
- Give second (and third) chances — Grace is inexhaustible
- Celebrate others’ success — Comparison kills; celebration builds
- Mentor someone younger — Invest in the next generation
- Meet practical needs — Generosity is encouragement in action
Ask daily: “Who needs a Barnabas today?”
Frequently Asked Questions About Barnabas
1. What does “Barnabas” mean? “Son of Encouragement” or “Son of Consolation” from Aramaic Bar-Nabba.
2. Was Barnabas one of the twelve apostles? No, but he was considered an apostle in the broader sense (Acts 14:14)—a “sent one.”
3. Did Barnabas write any books of the Bible? No, though early tradition attributes the Epistle to the Hebrews to him (most scholars disagree).
4. What happened to Barnabas and Paul’s friendship? Though they parted over Mark, evidence suggests they reconciled. Paul later spoke warmly of both Barnabas and Mark.
5. How did Barnabas die? Tradition says he was martyred by stoning in Salamis, Cyprus, around AD 61.
6. Is John Mark the same Mark who wrote a Gospel? Yes, the Gospel of Mark is attributed to John Mark, mentored by both Peter and Barnabas.
Conclusion: The Man Who Made Others Great
Barnabas never wrote a Gospel. He never penned an epistle. He wasn’t the most famous apostle.
But without Barnabas:
- Saul might never have become Paul
- John Mark might never have written his Gospel
- The Gentile mission might have taken longer to launch
- The early church might have lacked the grace it desperately needed
Barnabas proves that greatness isn’t measured by fame—it’s measured by how many people you help become who God created them to be.
The world doesn’t need more critics. It needs more Barnabases—people who:
- See potential in the broken
- Believe in the rejected
- Encourage the discouraged
- Risk their reputation for others’ restoration
Who is the Saul in your life that everyone fears?
Who is the Mark that everyone has written off?
Be their Barnabas.
The church—and the world—will be forever changed.
“Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” — Hebrews 3:13
Amen. 🙏💚