Although not one of the Twelve, Scripture (Acts 14:14) calls Barnabas an apostle, References to Barnabas are numerous in the Acts of the Apostles and in the letters of St. Paul. In Acts 4:36, he is identified as Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus. His added name Barnabas is interpreted to mean "son of consolation or encouragement." He recruited the convert Saul (Paul) from Tarsus to serve at Antioch. Later, they joined in missionary journeys together and defended the mission among the Gentiles. They participated in the Council of Jerusalem (ca. 50 AD). Barnabas and Paul successfully evangelized among the Gentiles who believed in God and attended synagogues in various cities now in Cyprus and Turkey.
Although Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement and continued their missions separately, they seem to have been continued in mutual respect (cf. Colossians 4:10). According to later tradition, Barnabas suffered a martyr's death at the hands of a mob in his native Cyprus. Today we give thanks for the contribution and example of St. Barnabas. May we likewise be faithful witnesses, and like him be sons and daughters of consolation!
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