Saint Barnabas

Who is he?

Saint Barnabas was an Apostle of the early Church. He was not one of the Twelve, but the Acts of the Apostles calls him and Saint Paul “the apostles” (cf. Acts 14:14). He is known for always supporting and encouraging others.

Life story

His real name was Joseph, a Levite (a member of the tribe that served in the Temple) from the island of Cyprus. He owned a field, and he sold it and laid the money at the feet of the Apostles to help the poor brothers and sisters. The Apostles named him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement” (cf. Acts 4:36-37).

When Saul, who had once persecuted the Christians, was converted, everyone was afraid and did not believe him. It was Barnabas who vouched for him, brought him to the Apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord (cf. Acts 9:27). That Saul later became Saint Paul.

The Church sent Barnabas to the city of Antioch. When he saw how many people had come to believe, he was overjoyed and encouraged everyone to stay faithful to the Lord. The Acts of the Apostles praises him: “he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24). He went to find Paul and brought him back to teach with him; it was there that the disciples were first called Christians (cf. Acts 11:25-26).

Then the Holy Spirit chose Barnabas and Paul to go far away to announce the Gospel (cf. Acts 13:2). The two of them sailed across the sea and walked through many cities, suffering many hardships. Later, they disagreed about Mark, a young man who had once left a journey unfinished. Barnabas still believed in him and took him along back to Cyprus (cf. Acts 15:39). Mark later became a valued helper of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

According to tradition, Saint Barnabas was martyred at Salamis, on Cyprus, and was buried with a copy of the Gospel of Saint Matthew.

Why is he a saint?

Saint Barnabas was generous and dared to give away what he owned. He saw the good in others when everyone else still doubted, and gave people who had stumbled another chance. He faithfully preached the Gospel to the end of his life.

A lesson for you

• When there is a new classmate, or someone everyone avoids, be the first to make friends and help them fit in.
• Practice saying encouraging words, like “You can do it!”, instead of criticizing.
• When someone makes a mistake and then tries to change, give them another chance, just as Barnabas did with Mark.