Reference: Barnabas
American
Son of consolation, or JOSES, a disciple of Jesus, and a companion of the apostle Paul. He was a Levite, and a native of the isle of Cyprus, and is said to have sold all his property, and laid the price of it at the apostles' feet, Ac 4:36-37. When Paul came to Jerusalem, three years after his conversion, about A. D. 38, Barnabas introduced him to the other apostles, Ac 9:26-27. Five years afterwards, the church at Jerusalem, being informed of the progress of the gospel at Antioch, sent Barnabas thither, who beheld with great joy the wonders of the grace of God, Ac 11:20-24. He afterwards went to Tarsus, to seek Paul and bring him to Antioch, where they dwelt together two years, and great numbers were converted. They left Antioch A. D. 45, to convey alms from this church to that at Jerusalem, and soon returned, bringing with them John Mark, Ac 11:28-30; 12:25. While they were at Antioch, the holy Ghost directed that they should be set apart for those labors to which he had appointed them, the planting of new churches among the Gentiles. They visited Cyprus and some cities of Asia Minor, Ac 13:2-14, and after three years returned to Antioch. In A. D. 50, he and Paul were appointed delegates from the Syrian churches to consult the apostles and elders at Jerusalem respecting certain questions raised by Jewish zealots; and having obtained the judgment of the brethren at Jerusalem, they returned with it, accompanied by Silas and Barnabas. At Antioch he was led into dissimulation by Peter, and was, in consequence, reproved by Paul. While preparing for a second missionary tour, Paul and Barnabas having a dispute relative to Mark, Barnabas' nephew, they separated, Paul going to Asia, and Barnabas with Mark to Cyprus, Ac 13-15; Ga 2:13. Nothing is known of his subsequent history. There is a spurious gospel, but evidently written by some other hand. The name of Barnabas stands high in the annals of the early church. When he gave all his estates to Christ, he gave himself also, as his life of generous self-devotion and missionary toil clearly shows. He was a beloved fellow-laborer with Paul, somewhat as Melancthon was with Luther, and a true "son of consolation" to the church.
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And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, had land, and sold it, and laid the price down at the apostles' feet.
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to couple himself with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which when they were come into Antioch, spake unto the Greeks, and preached the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord. read more. Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in Jerusalem; And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto Antioch. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad: and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would continually cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the Lord.
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in the Emperor Claudius' days. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in Jewry, read more. which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their office, and took with them John, which was also called Mark.
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted; The holy ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them." Then fasted they and prayed, and put their hands on them, and let them go. read more. And they, after they were sent of the holy ghost, came unto Seleucia, and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were come to Salamis, they showed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to their minister. When they had gone throughout the Isle unto the city of Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer: a false prophet, which was a Jew, named Barjesus: which was with the ruler of the country, one Sergius Paulus, a prudent man. The same ruler called unto him Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But the sorcerer Elymas - for so was his name by interpretation - withstood them, and sought to turn away the ruler from the faith. Then Saul, which also is called Paul, being full of the holy ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, "O full of all subtlety and deceitfulness, and child of the devil, and the enemy of all righteousness: thou ceasest not to pervert the straight ways of the Lord. And now behold the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind and not see the sun for a season." And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; And he went about, seeking them that should lead him by the hand. Then the ruler, when he saw what had happened, believed: and wondered at the doctrine of the Lord. When Paul, and they that were with him, had departed by ship from Paphos, they came to Perga a city of Pamphylia. And there departed John from them, and returned to Jerusalem. But they wandered through the countries, from Perga to Antioch a city of the country of Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.
and the other Jews dissembled likewise; Insomuch that Barnabas was brought into their simulation also.
Easton
son of consolation, the surname of Joses, a Levite (Ac 4:36). His name stands first on the list of prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch (Ac 13:1). Luke speaks of him as a "good man" (Ac 11:24). He was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He was a native of Cyprus, where he had a possession of land (Ac 4:36-37), which he sold. His personal appearance is supposed to have been dignified and commanding (Ac 14:11-12). When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his conversion, Barnabas took him and introduced him to the apostles (Ac 9:27). They had probably been companions as students in the school of Gamaliel.
The prosperity of the church at Antioch led the apostles and brethren at Jerusalem to send Barnabas thither to superintend the movement. He found the work so extensive and weighty that he went to Tarsus in search of Saul to assist him. Saul returned with him to Antioch and laboured with him for a whole year (Ac 11:25-26). The two were at the end of this period sent up to Jerusalem with the contributions the church at Antioch had made for the poorer brethren there (Ac 11:28-30). Shortly after they returned, bringing John Mark with them, they were appointed as missionaries to the heathen world, and in this capacity visited Cyprus and some of the principal cities of Asia Minor (Ac 13:14). Returning from this first missionary journey to Antioch, they were again sent up to Jerusalem to consult with the church there regarding the relation of Gentiles to the church (Ac 15:1; Ga 2:1). This matter having been settled, they returned again to Antioch, bringing the decree of the council as the rule by which Gentiles were to be admitted into the church.
When about to set forth on a second missionary journey, a dispute arose between Saul and Barnabas as to the propriety of taking John Mark with them again. The dispute ended by Saul and Barnabas taking separate routes. Saul took Silas as his companion, and journeyed through Syria and Cilicia; while Barnabas took his nephew John Mark, and visited Cyprus (Ac 15:36-41). Barnabas is not again mentioned by Luke in the Acts.
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And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, had land, and sold it, and laid the price down at the apostles' feet.
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
For he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul, read more. and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it chanced that a whole year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and taught much people insomuch that the disciples of Antioch were the first that were called Christian.
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in the Emperor Claudius' days. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in Jewry, read more. which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
There were at Antioch, in the congregation, certain prophets and teachers: as Barnabas and Symeon called Niger; And Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, Herod the tetrarch's nurse-fellow, and Saul.
But they wandered through the countries, from Perga to Antioch a city of the country of Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.
And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lift up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, "Gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the preacher.
Then came certain from Jewry and taught the brethren, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses ye cannot be saved."
But after a certain space, Paul said unto Barnabas, "Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have showed the word of the Lord, and see how they do." And Barnabas gave counsel, to take with them John called also Mark: read more. But Paul thought it not meet to take him unto their company which departed from them at Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And so sharp was the dissension between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: so that Barnabas took Mark and sailed unto Cyprus. And Paul chose Silas and departed, delivered of the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through all Syria and Cilicia, establishing the congregations.
Then fourteen years thereafter, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus also.
Fausets
("son of prophecy, or exhortation and consolation.") The surname given by the apostles to Joses or Joseph (as the Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, and Alexandrinus manuscripts read), a Levite, settled in Cyprus (Ac 4:36). As a Christian, he brought the price of his field and laid it as a contribution at the apostles' feet. It was he who took Saul after his conversion, when the other disciples were afraid of him, and "brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way," etc., and had "preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus" (Ac 9:27). The book of Acts does not tell us why Barnabas knew Saul better than the rest. But the pagan writer Cicero (Epist. Familiar., 1:7) informs us that Cyprus (Barnabas' country) was generally annexed so as to form one province with Cilicia (Paul's country, of which Tarsus, his native city, was capital).
Possibly they were educated together in Tarsus, famed for its learning, and but 70 miles distant from Cyprus; still more probably at Jerusalem, where Paul was brought up at Gamaliel's feet. As fellow countrymen, they would have mutual friends. Moreover, when Paul had withdrawn from Grecian assailants at Jerusalem to Tarsus, and when subsequently it was thought safe for him to return in the direction of Syria, Barnabas was the one who sought him and brought him from Tarsus to Antioch (Ac 11:25-26). All this bears that impress of unstudied coincidence which marks the truth of the Scripture record. When men of Cyprus preached at Antioch to Greeks (according to the Alexandrinus manuscript and the Sinaiticus manuscript corrected manuscript; but "Grecians," i.e. Greek speaking Jews according to the Vaticanus manuscript. (See ANTIOCH.)
The latter must be wrong; for there could be no difficulty about preaching to Greek speaking Jews), and the news reached Jerusalem, the church there sent Barnabas to Antioch; "who when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad and exhorted (in consonance with his surname, "son of exhortation") them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord" (Ac 11:22-24). The Book of Acts here assigns no reason for the choice of Barnabas; but incidentally it comes out elsewhere that Barnabas was of Cyprus, and so was the fit person to deal with men of Cyprus; besides, his spiritual gift of exhortation and consolation qualified him for the office (compare Ac 15:31). His being "a good man," i.e. beneficent and kind (compare Ro 5:7), would make him gentle and sympathetic in dealing with the new class of converts, namely, those gathered not from proselytes, as the eunuch and Cornelius, but from idolaters (an additional argument for reading "Greeks.".)
Instead of narrow Jewish jealousy at "God s grace" being extended to non-Judaized Gentiles, being "full of the Holy Spirit," be was "glad," and sought Saul as one specially commissioned to evangelize the Gentiles (Ac 26:17; 22:17-21). The two together, on Agabus' prophetic announcement of a coming famine, showed the Jewish brethren that they and the Gentile disciples were not forgetful of the love they owed the church in Jerusalem and Judea, by being bearers of contributions for the relief of the brethren in Judea (Ac 11:27-30). On their return to Antioch, they were marked by the Holy Spirit for missionary work, and were ordained by the church (Ac 13:2), A.D. 45.
With the title of Apostles, i.e. delegates of the church (Ac 14:14), (Paul was also counted with the Lord's apostles by a special call: Ga 1:1-17) they made their first missionary journey to Cyprus and Pamphylia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, and back to Antioch, A.D. 47 (Acts 13; 14). Next (A.D. 50), as apostles of the uncircumcision they were sent to Jerusalem, to the council concerning the question raised by Judaizing Christians whether Gentile converts must be circumcised (Acts 15). (See APOSTLES.) Judas and Silas were sent "with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," to bear back the epistle to Antioch, settling the question in the negative.
After some stay in Antioch Paul proposed to revisit the brethren in the various cities where they had preached. But in consequence of Barnabas desiring to take with them John Mark, his sister's son, and Paul opposing it because of Mark's desertion at Pamphylia in the previous journey, so sharp a contention arose that they separated; and while Paul, with Silas, "being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God" (which marks their approval of Paul's course) "went through Syria and Cilicia confirming the churches," Barnabas took Mark with him to Cyprus, his native island. His prominent usefulness ceases at this point; Scripture is henceforth silent about him. In Ga 2:1,9,13, Barnabas suffers himself to be carried away by Peter's and the Jews' dissimulation, in declining to eat with Gentile Christians, contrary to his previous course.
Softness of character, and undue regard for relations, were his weak points, as compared with Paul. He was evidently a man of strong attachments to kindred and country; so that in both his missionary tours his native island and the Jewish synagogue took the first place. The so-called "Epistle of Barnabas" was probably written early in the 2nd century. Its superficial views of the truth and blunders as to Jewish history and worship could never have emanated from the Levite Barnabas. The Clementine Homilies make him a disciple of our Lord, and to have preached in Rome and Alexandria, and converted Clement of Rome. Loving sympathy with others, freedom from narrowness and suspicion, and largeness of heart characterized him in his frank trustfulness toward the late persecutor but now converted Saul, and toward those converted from pagandom without any transitional stage of Judaism.
His not claiming maintenance as a minister (1Co 9:6), but preferring to work for his livelihood, flowed from the same sincere disinterestedness as led him at the first to sell his land and give the price to the church. He was probably soon removed by death after parting with Paul; for Mark is mentioned subsequently as in Paul's favor and ministering to Paul (Col 4:10; 2Ti 4:11), which he would not be likely to be, but rather with Barnabas his uncle, if Barnabas were alive. Chrysostom justly infers that Barnabas was of a commanding and dignified appearance, as the people of Lystra, on the cure of the impotent man, supposed that he was their national god, Jupiter, king of the gods, come down from heaven (Ac 14:8-12).
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And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in Jerusalem; And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto Antioch.
Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in Jerusalem; And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto Antioch. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad: and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would continually cleave unto the Lord.
Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad: and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would continually cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the Lord.
For he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul,
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it chanced that a whole year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and taught much people insomuch that the disciples of Antioch were the first that were called Christian.
and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it chanced that a whole year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and taught much people insomuch that the disciples of Antioch were the first that were called Christian. In those days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
In those days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in the Emperor Claudius' days.
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in the Emperor Claudius' days. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in Jewry,
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in Jewry, which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted; The holy ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them."
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted; The holy ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them."
And there sat a certain man at Lystra weak in his feet, being cripple from his mother's womb, and never walked.
And there sat a certain man at Lystra weak in his feet, being cripple from his mother's womb, and never walked. The same heard Paul preach: which beheld him, and perceived that he had faith to be whole,
The same heard Paul preach: which beheld him, and perceived that he had faith to be whole, and said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on thy feet." And he started up, and walked.
and said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on thy feet." And he started up, and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lift up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, "Gods are come down to us in the likeness of men."
And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lift up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, "Gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the preacher.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the preacher.
But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard that, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying
But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard that, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying
When they had read it, they rejoiced of that consolation.
When they had read it, they rejoiced of that consolation.
And it fortuned, when I was come again to Jerusalem and prayed in the temple, that I was in a trance;
And it fortuned, when I was come again to Jerusalem and prayed in the temple, that I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, 'Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy witness that thou bearest of me.'
And saw him saying unto me, 'Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy witness that thou bearest of me.' And I said, 'Lord they know that I prisoned, and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee.
And I said, 'Lord they know that I prisoned, and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee. And when the blood of thy witness Stephen was shed, I also stood by, and consented unto his death and kept the raiment of them that slew him.'
And when the blood of thy witness Stephen was shed, I also stood by, and consented unto his death and kept the raiment of them that slew him.' And he said unto me, 'Depart for I will send thee afar hence unto the gentiles.'"
And he said unto me, 'Depart for I will send thee afar hence unto the gentiles.'"
delivering thee from the people, and from the gentiles, unto thee which now I send thee,
delivering thee from the people, and from the gentiles, unto thee which now I send thee,
Yet scarce will any man die for a righteous man. Peradventure for a good man durst a man die.
Yet scarce will any man die for a righteous man. Peradventure for a good man durst a man die.
Either only I and Barnabas have not power this to do?
Either only I and Barnabas have not power this to do?
Paul an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and by God the father which raised him from death,
Paul an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and by God the father which raised him from death, and all the brethren which are with me. Unto the congregations of Galatia.
and all the brethren which are with me. Unto the congregations of Galatia. Grace be with you and peace from God the father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Grace be with you and peace from God the father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, which gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, through the will of God our father,
which gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, through the will of God our father, to whom be praise for ever and ever Amen.
to whom be praise for ever and ever Amen. I marvel that ye are so soon turned from him that called you in the grace of Christ, unto another gospel:
I marvel that ye are so soon turned from him that called you in the grace of Christ, unto another gospel: which is nothing else, but that there be some which trouble you, and intend to pervert the gospel of Christ.
which is nothing else, but that there be some which trouble you, and intend to pervert the gospel of Christ. Nevertheless, though we ourselves, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, hold him as accursed.
Nevertheless, though we ourselves, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, hold him as accursed. As I said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other thing unto you, than that ye have received, hold him accursed.
As I said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other thing unto you, than that ye have received, hold him accursed. Preach I man's doctrine or God's? Other go I about to please men? If I studied to please men, I were not the servant of Christ.
Preach I man's doctrine or God's? Other go I about to please men? If I studied to please men, I were not the servant of Christ. I certify you brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me, was not after the manner of men,
I certify you brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me, was not after the manner of men, neither received I it of man, neither was I taught it: but received it by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
neither received I it of man, neither was I taught it: but received it by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in times past in the Jews' ways, how that beyond measure I persecuted the congregation of God, and spoiled it:
For ye have heard of my conversation in times past in the Jews' ways, how that beyond measure I persecuted the congregation of God, and spoiled it: and prevailed in the Jews' law, above many of my companions, which were of mine own nation, and was a much more fervent maintainer of the traditions of the elders.
and prevailed in the Jews' law, above many of my companions, which were of mine own nation, and was a much more fervent maintainer of the traditions of the elders. But when it pleased God, which separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
But when it pleased God, which separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, for to declare his son by me, that I should preach him among the heathen: Immediately I commended not of the matter with flesh and blood,
for to declare his son by me, that I should preach him among the heathen: Immediately I commended not of the matter with flesh and blood, neither returned to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me: but went my ways into Arabia, and came again unto Damascus.
neither returned to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me: but went my ways into Arabia, and came again unto Damascus.
Then fourteen years thereafter, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus also.
Then fourteen years thereafter, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus also.
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
and the other Jews dissembled likewise; Insomuch that Barnabas was brought into their simulation also.
and the other Jews dissembled likewise; Insomuch that Barnabas was brought into their simulation also.
Aristarchus my prison fellow saluteth you; And Mark, Barnabas' sister's son: touching whom, ye received commandments. If he come unto you receive him:
Aristarchus my prison fellow saluteth you; And Mark, Barnabas' sister's son: touching whom, ye received commandments. If he come unto you receive him:
Hastings
A surname given by the Apostles to Joseph, the Levite, whose first recorded deed (Ac 4:36) was the selling of his property and the devotion of its proceeds to the needs of the Christian community. In this generous act St. Luke sees a proof that Barnabas is, in accordance with the popular etymology of his name, 'a son of comfort.' His kindly introduction of Saul to the Christians at Jerusalem disarmed their fears (Ac 9:27); his broad sympathies made him quick to recognize the work of grace amongst the Greeks at Antioch (Ac 11:23), and to discern the fitness of his gifted friend for that important sphere of service (Ac 11:25 f.). After a year's fellowship in work at Antioch, Barnabas and Saul were appointed to convey 'the relief' sent thence to the brethren in Jud
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And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad: and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would continually cleave unto the Lord.
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul,
which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And as he considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of one John, which was called Mark also, where many were gathered together in prayer.
And Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their office, and took with them John, which was also called Mark.
There were at Antioch, in the congregation, certain prophets and teachers: as Barnabas and Symeon called Niger; And Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, Herod the tetrarch's nurse-fellow, and Saul.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the preacher.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the preacher.
But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard that, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying
And when there was risen dissension and disputing not a little unto Paul and Barnabas, against them: they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should ascend to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Then all the multitude was peaced and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul which told what signs and wonders God had showed among the gentiles by them.
It seemed therefore to us a good thing, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul:
Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch teaching, and preaching the word of the Lord with other many.
And so sharp was the dissension between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: so that Barnabas took Mark and sailed unto Cyprus.
Either, have we not power to lead about a sister to wife as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
Then fourteen years thereafter, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus also.
and the other Jews dissembled likewise; Insomuch that Barnabas was brought into their simulation also.
Aristarchus my prison fellow saluteth you; And Mark, Barnabas' sister's son: touching whom, ye received commandments. If he come unto you receive him:
Morish
Bar'nabas
A Levite of Cyprus. His name was JOSES (or Joseph as in some MSS); but by the apostles he was surnamed Barnabas, 'son of consolation' (rather 'exhortation'). We first read of him as one who sold his land and laid the money at the apostles' feet. Ac 4:36-37. When the disciples at Jerusalem were afraid of Saul, it was Barnabas who introduced him to the apostles. Ac 9:26-27. When the Gentiles were converted at Antioch it was Barnabas who was sent there from Jerusalem. He rejoiced in the reality of the work and exhorted them to cleave to the Lord; the scripture says he was "a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." He then sought Saul and brought him to Antioch, where they laboured a whole year. They then together visited Jerusalem with contributions from the saints. Ac 11:22-30. Antioch became a centre, from whence the gospel went forth to the Gentiles; it was there that the Holy Ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them," and from thence they started on what is called Paul's first missionary journey. Ac 13:2-4.
On the question being raised as to the necessity of the Gentile disciples being circumcised, Paul and Barnabas (Paul being now mostly mentioned first) went up to Jerusalem about the subject. Ac 15. After this Paul proposed that they should visit again the brethren in the cities where they had preached. Barnabas insisted that they should take his nephew Mark with them; but Paul objected, for Mark had previously left the work. Barnabas persisting in his desire, they parted, and he and Mark sailed to Cyprus, his own country. Thus were separated these two valuable servants of the Lord who had hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus. We have no record of any further labours of Barnabas. Paul alludes to him as one who had been carried away by the dissimulation of Peter, otherwise he speaks of him affectionately. 1Co 9:6; Ga 2:1,9,13.
BARNABAS, EPISTLE OF. There is an Epistle of 21 chapters attributed to Barnabas. Clement of Alexandria treated it as genuine, and Origen called it a 'catholic epistle;' but it is now commonly held that its author was not the companion of Paul. It was most probably written by a Gentile, for it is strongly opposed to Judaism; it has numerous inaccuracies as to the Old Testament, and absurd interpretations of scripture, and contains many silly allusions to the writer's superior knowledge. It was by Eusebius ranked among the spurious writings.
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And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, had land, and sold it, and laid the price down at the apostles' feet.
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to couple himself with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in Jerusalem; And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto Antioch. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad: and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would continually cleave unto the Lord. read more. For he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it chanced that a whole year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and taught much people insomuch that the disciples of Antioch were the first that were called Christian. In those days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in the Emperor Claudius' days. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in Jewry, which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted; The holy ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them." Then fasted they and prayed, and put their hands on them, and let them go. read more. And they, after they were sent of the holy ghost, came unto Seleucia, and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Either only I and Barnabas have not power this to do?
Then fourteen years thereafter, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus also.
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
and the other Jews dissembled likewise; Insomuch that Barnabas was brought into their simulation also.
Smith
Bar'nabas
(son of consolation or comfort) a name given by the apostles,
to Joseph (or Jose), a Levite of the island of Cyprus, who was early a disciple of Christ. In
we find him introducing the newly-converted Saul to the apostles at Jerusalem. Barnabas was sent to Jerusalem,
and went to Tarsus to seek Saul, as one specially raised up to preach to the Gentiles.
He brought him to Antioch, and was sent with him to Jerusalem.
On their return, they were ordained by the church for the missionary work,
and sent forth (A.D. 45). From this time Barnabas and Paul enjoy the title and dignity of apostles. Their first missionary journey is related in
Returning to Antioch (A.D. 47 or 48), they were sent (A.D. 50), with some others, to Jerusalem.
Afterwards they parted and Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, his native island. Here the Scripture notices of him cease. The epistle attributed to Barnabas is believed to have been written early in the second century.
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And Joseph, which was also called of the apostles Barnabas - that is to say, the son of consolation - being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
They which were scattered abroad through the affliction that arose about Stephen, walked throughout till they came unto Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no man, but unto the Jews only. Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which when they were come into Antioch, spake unto the Greeks, and preached the Lord Jesus. read more. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord. Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in Jerusalem; And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto Antioch. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad: and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would continually cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it chanced that a whole year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and taught much people insomuch that the disciples of Antioch were the first that were called Christian.
which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted; The holy ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto I have called them."
Then came certain from Jewry and taught the brethren, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses ye cannot be saved."
But after a certain space, Paul said unto Barnabas, "Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have showed the word of the Lord, and see how they do."
delivering thee from the people, and from the gentiles, unto thee which now I send thee,
Watsons
BARNABAS, a disciple of Jesus Christ, and companion of St. Paul in his labours. He was a Levite, born in the isle of Cyprus. His proper name was Joses, to which the Apostles added Barnabas, signifying the son of consolation. He is generally considered one of the seventy disciples, chosen by our Saviour. He was brought up with Paul at the feet of Gamaliel. When that Apostle came to Jerusalem, three years after his conversion, Barnabas introduced him to the other Apostles, Ac 9:26-27, about A.D. 37. Five years afterward, the church at Jerusalem, being informed of the progress of the Gospel at Antioch, sent Barnabas thither, who beheld with great joy the wonders of the grace of God, Ac 11:22,24. He exhorted the faithful to perseverance. Some time afterward, he went to Tarsus, to seek Paul, and bring him to Antioch, where they jointly laboured two years, and converted great numbers; and here the disciples were first called Christians. They left Antioch A.D. 44, to convey alms from this church to that at Jerusalem. At their return they brought John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. While they were at Antioch, the Holy Ghost directed that they should be separated for those labours among the Gentiles to which he had appointed them. They departed into Cyprus, where they converted Sergius Paulus, the pro-consul. They preached at Perga in Pamphylia without much success, by reason of the obstinacy and malice of the Jews; but being come to Iconium, they made many converts. Here the Jews stirred up a sedition, and obliged them to retire to Derbe and Lystra, in Lycaonia, where St. Paul curing one AEneas, who had been lame from his birth, the people of Lystra regarded them as gods; calling Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury; and would have sacrificed to them, which the two Apostles with great difficulty hindered: nevertheless, soon afterward, they were persecuted in this very city. Having revisited the cities through which they had passed, and where they had preached the Gospel, they returned to Antioch in Syria.
In A.D. 51, Barnabas was sent with Paul from Antioch to Jerusalem, on occasion of disputes concerning the observance of legal rites, to which the Jews wished to subject the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas were present in the council at Jerusalem, and returned immediately to Antioch. Peter, arriving there soon afterward, was led to countenance, in some degree, by his conduct, the observance of the Mosaic distinctions. Barnabas, too, (who, being by descent a Levite, might retain some former notions,) used the like dissimulation: but Paul reproved Peter and Barnabas with great freedom: Paul afterward determining to visit the churches in the isle of Cyprus, and in Asia Minor, Barnabas desired that John Mark might accompany them: but Paul objected, because Mark had left them on the first journey. Hereupon the two Apostles separated: Paul went toward Asia; and Barnabas, with Mark, to Cyprus. This is all we know certainly concerning Barnabas.
There is extant among the writings of the fathers an epistle which is attributed to Barnabas; though, being without an inscription, it is not known to whom it professes to have been addressed. It was first published by Archbishop Usher in Greek and Latin, and translated by Archbishop Wake, in his "Genuine Epistles of the Apostolical Fathers," and has often been reprinted. That it is not the production of Barnabas, the companion of Paul, may be safely concluded from internal evidence; though it may have been written by some other person of the same name. There is also a tract which goes by the name of, "The Gospel of Barnabas," still extant; from which Dr. White, at the end of his Bampton Lectures, has given extracts sufficiently copious to satisfy any impartial mind that it is spurious.
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And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to couple himself with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in Jerusalem; And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto Antioch.
For he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the Lord.