The Son of Consolation and Apostle of the Gentiles
The Encourager: Name and Calling
Barnabas, whose name means “The son of consolation” (Acts 4:36, KJV), stands as one of the most selfless and essential figures in the early Christian church. Though not one of the original twelve Apostles, he earned the title “Apostle” and was instrumental in shaping the New Testament’s outreach to the Gentile world.
Born Joses, a Levite of the country of Cyprus, he was among the first in Jerusalem to demonstrate a radical commitment to the community of believers. His initial act of generosity set a profound example for the fledgling church:
“Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:37, KJV)
This voluntary sacrifice was characteristic of a man whose entire life was dedicated to encouragement, mediation, and service.
The Advocate: Vouching for Saul
Barnabas’s greatest recorded act of faith and insight was his sponsorship of Saul (later Paul). After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Saul came to Jerusalem, but the disciples were terrified of him, believing his conversion was a ruse to entrap them:
“But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9:27, KJV)
Without the timely and powerful advocacy of Barnabas, Paul, the greatest missionary in church history, might have been ostracized and his ministry stifled. Barnabas’s willingness to risk his own standing for a perceived enemy showcases his spiritual maturity and singular gift of discernment.
The Missionary: The First Great Journey
When the church at Antioch flourished and was in need of stable leadership, the Apostles sent Barnabas, for he was:
“…a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” (Acts 11:24, KJV)
He subsequently sought out Paul in Tarsus and brought him back to Antioch, where they ministered together for a year. The Holy Spirit then specifically commissioned them for the first great missionary journey (Acts 13:2), which took them through Cyprus (Barnabas’s home) and into Asia Minor.
On this journey, Barnabas’s leadership was so recognized that the people of Lystra, thinking the two men were gods, identified them accordingly:
“And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.” (Acts 14:12, KJV)
While Paul was the primary orator, Barnabas was recognized as possessing the greater dignity and presence.
The Mediator: The Parting and The Peace
Barnabas was later involved in a sharp dispute with Paul concerning John Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (Colossians 4:10, KJV). Mark had deserted them during the first journey, and Paul was unwilling to take him on the second. Barnabas, ever the encourager, insisted on giving Mark a second chance, leading to a temporary separation:
“And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;” (Acts 15:39, KJV)
Though difficult, this separation had a blessed outcome: two missionary teams were formed instead of one, doubling the spread of the Gospel. Furthermore, Barnabas’s faith in Mark was vindicated, as Paul later commended John Mark as profitable to his ministry (2 Timothy 4:11, KJV), proving that the Son of Consolation had successfully restored a fallen worker.
Barnabas’s legacy is a testament to the power of selfless encouragement, generosity, and the unwavering conviction that God can use anyone—even a former persecutor—to fulfill His divine purpose.