Barnabas was not born with that name. His real name was Joseph, and he was a Levite from the island of Cyprus. But the apostles in the early church gave him a new name—Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.” This was not just a title; it described the kind of man he was. Barnabas had a heart that lifted people, strengthened their faith, and brought comfort to those who were struggling. The fact that the apostles themselves renamed him shows how remarkable his character was. He did not just speak words of encouragement—he lived them out in everything he did.

As a Levite, Barnabas came from a special group in Israel chosen for spiritual service. The Levites did not receive land like the other tribes. Instead, they were called to trust in God’s provision and serve His people. This background may have shaped Barnabas into the generous man he became. He was not focused on storing up wealth for himself but on using what he had to help others. Even in difficult times, when Christians were being persecuted, Barnabas remained faithful and fully committed to the early church.

One of the first things we learn about Barnabas is his great generosity. The book of Acts tells us that he sold a piece of land he owned and gave all the money to the apostles. This was not a small act—it showed that he truly believed in the message of Jesus and was willing to invest in the growing Christian community. His action was in sharp contrast to Ananias and Sapphira, who pretended to give generously but secretly kept some of the money for themselves. While their dishonesty led to judgment, Barnabas’ sincere giving helped build up the early church and strengthened the faith of many.

Barnabas’ birthplace, Cyprus, also played a role in shaping him. He was a Hellenistic Jew, meaning he understood both Jewish and Greek cultures. This made him an important bridge between different groups of people. When the gospel began spreading beyond the Jewish community, Barnabas was one of the first to welcome this change. He saw with his own eyes that God’s salvation was not just for one nation but for all people. While others struggled to accept this, Barnabas embraced it with an open heart. His ability to connect with different cultures made him a key figure in spreading the message of Jesus to the Gentiles.

Throughout his life, Barnabas showed what it means to be an encourager, a giver, and a bridge between people. He was not just a preacher of the gospel—he lived it out in his actions. His story reminds us that true faith is not just about what we say but how we live, how we give, and how we love others.

Barnabas and Saul (Paul): The Advocate

Saul of Tarsus was a name that brought fear to the early Christians. Before he met Jesus, he was known for hunting down believers, dragging them from their homes, and approving their imprisonment and even death. He was a man full of anger against those who followed Christ, and no Christian would dare trust him. But something happened that no one expected.

On his way to Damascus, Saul had a powerful encounter with the risen Jesus. A bright light from heaven surrounded him, and he fell to the ground. He heard Jesus say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” In that moment, everything changed. The man who had once fought against Christ became His follower. But even though Saul was now a believer, his past made it hard for others to accept him.

When he tried to join the disciples in Jerusalem, they were afraid. Was he truly changed, or was this a trick to capture more Christians? No one knew what to believe. But one man, Barnabas, saw something different. He believed that God had truly transformed Saul. Instead of keeping his distance, Barnabas stepped forward and brought Saul to the apostles. He told them how Saul had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus and was now boldly preaching in His name.

This was a risky move. If Saul had not truly changed, Barnabas would be in danger too. But Barnabas trusted in God’s power to change hearts. Because of him, the other believers welcomed Saul, and he was free to start his ministry.

This moment was crucial. If Saul had been pushed aside and left alone, his mission might have failed. But Barnabas’ kindness helped him become a key leader in the church. Saul, who later became Paul, would go on to travel far and wide, preaching the gospel, writing letters that are now part of the Bible, and shaping the faith of millions. All of this started with one act of faith—one man choosing to see God’s work in another.

Barnabas’ Role in Antioch: The Church Expands

The good news about Jesus was spreading far beyond Jerusalem. As persecution forced believers to flee, they did not stop sharing their faith. Wherever they went, they told people about Jesus, and without realizing it, they planted the seeds of new churches. One of these places was Antioch, a large and important city where people from many different backgrounds lived together. It was here that something incredible happened—both Jews and Gentiles began believing in Jesus. This was a turning point in Christian history, and at the center of it all was Barnabas.

News of what was happening in Antioch reached the church in Jerusalem. Until this time, most believers were Jews, and the idea of Gentiles following Jesus was new and even controversial. Could these non-Jewish believers be fully part of God’s family? Would they need to follow Jewish customs first? The church needed someone to guide them, to help them understand what God was doing. The apostles knew exactly who to send—Barnabas (Acts Chapter 11, Verses 22-23).

When Barnabas arrived, he saw clear signs that God was at work. He did not doubt or question what was happening. Instead, he was filled with joy. The faith of these new believers was real, and rather than burdening them with extra rules, he encouraged them to stay true to the Lord with all their hearts (Acts Chapter 11, Verse 23). Barnabas understood that salvation was not about following Jewish traditions but about faith in Jesus alone. His presence reassured the Gentile believers that they were fully part of God’s family.

Barnabas was the right man for this mission. The Bible describes him as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (Acts Chapter 11, Verse 24). He was not concerned with human traditions or divisions. His only desire was to see God’s work grow. Under his leadership, the church in Antioch flourished, and more people turned to the Lord. But Barnabas knew that the church needed strong teaching, so he made a crucial decision—he went to find Saul.

He remembered Saul’s passion and wisdom, and without hesitation, he traveled to Tarsus to bring him back to Antioch (Acts Chapter 11, Verse 25). For an entire year, Barnabas and Saul worked together, teaching and discipling the believers. It was in this city, surrounded by people from different backgrounds, that the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts Chapter 11, Verse 26).

This was a defining moment. Until then, believers had been seen as a small group within Judaism, often called “followers of the Way.” But in Antioch, a city full of different cultures, something new emerged. The name “Christian” was not about nationality or tradition—it meant belonging to Christ. The gospel was no longer just for one people; it was for the whole world.

Barnabas played a key role in this transformation. He was not just a preacher—he was a bridge between the old and the new, between Jews and Gentiles, between past and future. He had the wisdom to recognize God’s work even before others understood it. Because of his faithfulness, the church in Antioch became a strong center of Christianity. This church would later send out the first missionaries, shaping the future of the faith.

All of this started because one man saw God’s grace at work and nurtured it with wisdom, humility, and encouragement.

Barnabas and Paul: The First Missionary Journey

The church in Antioch had become a strong and growing community of believers from different backgrounds, all united by the gospel. It was in this Spirit-filled church that a new chapter in spreading the message of Jesus began. One day, as the church leaders were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke, saying, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts Chapter 13, Verse 2). This was not a human idea or personal ambition—it was God’s calling. The church obeyed. After more fasting and prayer, they laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, sending them out as missionaries (Acts Chapter 13, Verse 3).

This was a major turning point. Until now, the gospel had spread because of persecution and personal sharing. But this was different—this was the first time believers were sent out with the purpose of taking Jesus’ message to new lands. Barnabas and Saul, though from different backgrounds, shared the same mission: to tell the world about Christ.

Their journey began as they sailed to Cyprus, the homeland of Barnabas. This was a wise choice—Barnabas knew the land and its people, making it a good place to begin preaching. When they arrived in Salamis, they boldly proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues (Acts Chapter 13, Verse 5). But opposition soon followed. As they traveled across the island, they met Elymas the sorcerer, a false prophet who tried to stop them from sharing the gospel. He tried to turn Sergius Paulus, a Roman official, away from the faith. But Saul—now called Paul—was filled with the Holy Spirit and rebuked him, saying, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of all that is right!” (Acts Chapter 13, Verse 10). Elymas was struck blind, and Sergius Paulus believed in Jesus (Acts Chapter 13, Verse 12). This was a clear sign that God’s power was greater than deception.

From Cyprus, Barnabas and Paul traveled to Pisidian Antioch, where they again preached in the synagogue. Paul spoke powerfully, showing how Jesus fulfilled everything the prophets had promised (Acts Chapter 13, Verses 16-41). Many people were eager to hear more, but others were jealous and opposed them. Religious leaders stirred up persecution, and they were forced to leave the city. But they did not lose heart—they shook the dust off their feet and continued forward, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts Chapter 13, Verse 51).

Their journey was full of both victories and struggles. In Iconium, many believed, but others plotted to have them killed. They escaped to Lystra, where something amazing happened. Paul healed a man who had been crippled from birth, and the people were so amazed that they thought Barnabas and Paul were gods! They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes” (Acts Chapter 14, Verses 8-12) and prepared to offer sacrifices to them. But when Paul and Barnabas refused and pointed them to the true God, the crowd turned against them. Paul was stoned and left for dead, but he miraculously survived! (Acts Chapter 14, Verse 19).

Despite these hardships, Barnabas and Paul kept going. They visited new believers, encouraged them, and appointed leaders in the churches. They reminded them that following Jesus would not be easy, but God’s kingdom was worth it. When they finished their mission, they returned to Antioch, gathered the church, and told them everything God had done (Acts Chapter 14, Verses 26-27).

This first missionary journey was a key moment in Christian history. It marked the beginning of intentional global evangelism. The gospel was not just for one people or one nation—it was for the whole world. Barnabas and Paul faced trials, opposition, and even violence, but they never gave up. They knew their mission was not about comfort, but about bringing salvation to those who had never heard the name of Jesus.

The Council at Jerusalem: The Debate Over Gentiles

As the gospel spread beyond Jewish communities, more and more Gentiles—non-Jewish people—were coming to faith in Jesus Christ. This was a significant shift. For centuries, Israel had been God’s chosen people, and Jewish identity was deeply tied to obedience to the Law of Moses, including practices such as circumcision, dietary restrictions, and festival observances. Now, with Gentiles embracing faith in Jesus, a crucial question arose: Did these new believers have to follow Jewish customs in order to be saved? This debate became so intense that it threatened to divide the early church, leading to one of the most important gatherings in Christian history—the Council at Jerusalem.

The issue began when some men from Judea came to Antioch and began teaching the Gentile believers that unless they were circumcised according to the law of Moses, they could not be saved (Acts Chapter 15, Verse 1). This teaching deeply troubled the new believers and sparked a sharp dispute between these Jewish teachers and Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas had personally witnessed the power of God at work among the Gentiles—they had seen the Holy Spirit transform lives, apart from the Law of Moses. For them, salvation was based on faith in Jesus alone, not on Jewish traditions.

Because of the seriousness of this issue, Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders, including Peter, James, and the other leaders of the early church (Acts Chapter 15, Verse 2). Upon arriving, they shared testimonies of how God had worked among the Gentiles, confirming that the gospel was indeed for all people, not just for Jews. However, some believers from the Pharisee group insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses (Acts Chapter 15, Verse 5). The question now stood before the council: Was faith in Christ enough, or did the Gentiles need to adopt Jewish customs to be fully accepted?

After much debate, Peter stood and spoke with authority, recalling how God had already made His will clear. He reminded them that God had chosen him to bring the gospel to the Gentiles earlier, referring to his encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion who had received the Holy Spirit without being circumcised or following Jewish law (Acts Chapter 10). Peter made a bold statement: “Why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are” (Acts Chapter 15, Verses 10-11).

The room fell silent as Barnabas and Paul continued to share miraculous stories of how God had worked among the Gentiles, proving that the Holy Spirit was moving independently of Jewish customs (Acts Chapter 15, Verse 12). Finally, James, the half-brother of Jesus and a key leader in the church, gave his verdict. He affirmed that Gentiles were not required to follow the Law of Moses to be saved. However, to promote unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, he suggested that Gentiles abstain from practices that were deeply offensive to Jews, such as eating meat sacrificed to idols, consuming blood, eating strangled animals, and engaging in sexual immorality (Acts Chapter 15, Verses 19-20).

This decision was a monumental moment in church history. It confirmed that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone, not by works of the Law. At the same time, it encouraged Gentiles to be sensitive to their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ, fostering unity in the growing church. A letter was drafted with these conclusions, and Paul and Barnabas carried it back to Antioch, where it was received with great joy and relief (Acts Chapter 15, Verse 31).

The Council at Jerusalem settled one of the most pressing issues of the early church, ensuring that the gospel remained a message of grace rather than a system of legal requirements. This decision shaped the future of Christianity, affirming that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile—all are one in Him (Galatians Chapter 3, Verse 28). Through the wisdom of the apostles and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church remained united, and the mission to reach the world continued without unnecessary burdens placed on new believers.

The Disagreement Between Barnabas and Paul

Barnabas and Paul had traveled together, endured persecution, and spread the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. They had faced opposition, performed miracles, and built churches in foreign lands. Their partnership was one of the most significant in the early church. Yet, despite their deep friendship and shared mission, a sharp disagreement arose between them—one that would ultimately lead them to part ways.

The conflict came when Paul suggested that they return to the cities where they had preached on their first missionary journey to strengthen the believers (Acts Chapter 15, Verse 36). Barnabas agreed with the plan, but he wanted to bring along John Mark, his younger cousin. This suggestion did not sit well with Paul. John Mark had traveled with them before, but partway through their journey, he had abandoned them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts Chapter 13, Verse 13). Paul saw this as a sign of weakness, an indication that John Mark was not reliable enough for the challenges that lay ahead. Barnabas, however, believed in giving him another chance.

Their disagreement was not minor. The Bible describes it as so sharp that they separated from each other (Acts Chapter 15, Verse 39). Paul was unwilling to risk another mission with someone who had previously deserted them, while Barnabas was determined to support and restore his cousin. Both men were strong in their convictions, and neither was willing to back down. In the end, Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas as his new missionary partner and departed for Syria and Cilicia (Acts Chapter 15, Verses 39-41).

This moment marked a painful division in what had been one of the most effective missionary teams in history. Barnabas and Paul had faced opposition from the outside world together, but now their greatest challenge came from within. Yet, even in this disagreement, God continued to work. Instead of one missionary journey, there were now two. The gospel continued to spread, and both Barnabas and Paul remained faithful to their calling.

Though the Bible does not record any future meetings between Barnabas and Paul, their relationship was never one of hostility. Later in Paul’s letters, there are signs of reconciliation and respect. Paul mentions Barnabas without bitterness in his writings (1 Corinthians Chapter 9, Verse 6), and even John Mark, the very cause of their dispute, is later described by Paul as being useful for ministry (2 Timothy Chapter 4, Verse 11). This suggests that, over time, Paul came to recognize the value of Barnabas’ decision to invest in John Mark’s growth.

This conflict between Barnabas and Paul reminds us that even faithful servants of God can disagree. They were not divided by theology or doctrine, but by different approaches to ministry. Barnabas, true to his nature, chose grace, encouragement, and second chances. Paul, driven by mission and urgency, prioritized reliability and endurance. Neither man was acting out of selfishness, and though they parted ways, they both continued to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. In the end, their story is not one of failure, but of God’s ability to use even disagreements to further His kingdom.