Feast Day: June 11
Title: Apostle, though not one of the Twelve
Patronage: Cyprus; Antioch; against hailstorms; invoked as peacemaker
Symbols: Olive branch, gospel book, martyr’s palm
Early Life and Conversion
Saint Barnabas, though not one of the original Twelve Apostles, is called an Apostle in the Acts of the Apostles due to his eminent role in the early Church. He was a Levite, born in Cyprus, and originally named Joseph (or Joses). The Apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which Acts 4:36 interprets as meaning “son of consolation” or “son of encouragement”.
Barnabas was among the earliest converts to Christianity after Pentecost. Demonstrating great generosity and detachment from earthly possessions, he sold a field he owned and laid the proceeds at the feet of the Apostles (Acts 4:37), a gesture reflecting the communal charity of the first Christian community in Jerusalem.
Apostolic Ministry
Barnabas first emerges prominently in Acts as a trusted and noble figure within the Jerusalem Church. When Saul of Tarsus (later Saint Paul) converted, most Christians feared him due to his past persecution. Barnabas, however, received Paul, testified to his conversion, and introduced him to the Apostles (Acts 9:26–27).
Barnabas later played a foundational role in the mission to the Gentiles. Sent by the Church in Jerusalem to investigate the new community of believers in Antioch, he rejoiced at their faith and exhorted them to remain faithful (Acts 11:22–24). He then sought out Paul in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch, where the two labored together in teaching for a year. It was there that the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).
The Holy Ghost later chose Barnabas and Paul for the first missionary journey (Acts 13:2–3). They preached in Cyprus (where Barnabas was native), Pisidia, and Asia Minor, enduring persecution and hardship. On this journey, they brought with them John Mark, cousin of Barnabas and later author of the Gospel of Mark.
Later Years and Martyrdom
After a sharp dispute with Paul over Mark’s fitness for ministry (Acts 15:36–39), Barnabas parted ways with Paul and returned to Cyprus with Mark. Tradition, especially that preserved in the writings of early Church Fathers and the apocryphal Acts of Barnabas, holds that Barnabas continued his apostolic ministry in Cyprus, converting many to the faith.
He is said to have been martyred in Salamis, Cyprus, around the year 61 A.D., stoned to death by Jews who opposed his preaching of Christ. According to tradition, he was buried by Saint Mark in a cave outside Salamis.
Veneration and Legacy
Saint Barnabas was widely venerated in the early Church. His feast has long been celebrated on June 11 in both the Western and Eastern traditions. The Church Fathers praised his missionary zeal, his charity, and his role as peacemaker in the early Church.
According to a Cypriot tradition dating from the 5th century, his relics were miraculously revealed to Archbishop Anthemios of Salamis after Saint Barnabas appeared to him in a dream. The body was found with a copy of the Gospel of Matthew on his chest, confirming the ancient belief in his apostolic mission.
Spiritual Reflection
Saint Barnabas is a model of charity, encouragement, and peace. He sought the good in others, as seen in his trust of Paul and his defense of Mark. His name, “son of consolation,” befits one who encouraged fledgling Christian communities and extended the hand of mercy and trust to those others doubted. He reminds us that the mission of the Church is not only to teach but to encourage, to lift up the fallen, and to be a living witness of hope.