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Barnabas — son of encouragement

A Levite of Cyprus, named Joseph but called Barnabas, 'son of encouragement.' He vouched for the newly-converted Paul before the wary Jerusalem church and was his partner on the first missionary journey, until they parted over John Mark. Tradition makes him the founder of the church in Cyprus.

Role: Apostle · companion of Paul

Also known as: Joseph, called Barnabas

Lived: 1st century AD

Death: Traditionally martyred at Salamis on Cyprus

What we know — and how we know it

Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1 Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 1

Life, role & deeds

BibleA Levite of Cyprus who vouched for the converted Saul and was his partner on the first missionary journey.

Acts 9:27; 13:2

↳ Paul the Apostle

Death & legacy

ScholarlyA monastery near Salamis on Cyprus marks his traditional tomb; he is honoured as the founder of the Cypriot church.

St Barnabas Monastery, Cyprus

↳ Salamis

Where in scripture

Acts 1 Corinthians Galatians Colossians

Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,
Acts 4:36 — Introduced; sells his field

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:27 — Vouches for the converted Saul

The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,
Acts 11:22

Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.
Acts 11:25

which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 11:30

Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John who was called Mark.
Acts 12:25

Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Acts 13:1

As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 13:2 — Set apart with Paul for the mission

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.