Barnabas
1st century AD
Cypriot Jewish follower of Jesus who supported the Jerusalem community, introduced Paul, and shared in the early Gentile mission.
Life and Historical Setting
Acts calls him Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, and explains Barnabas as a nickname. He sells property for the community, sponsors the newly converted Saul, and is sent to investigate the mixed Jewish-Gentile church at Antioch.
Work and Contribution
Barnabas and Paul undertake a mission together and defend Gentile inclusion. Their later dispute over John Mark ends the partnership, preserving a rare account of durable disagreement among respected missionaries.
Reception and Influence
Later Cypriot tradition claims Barnabas as an apostolic founder. The anonymous Epistle of Barnabas and Acts of Barnabas were attributed to him, but modern scholarship generally does not treat them as his compositions.
Evidence, Debate, and Interpretation
Acts gives Barnabas a larger role than Paul's letters do, while Galatians reports that he joined Peter's withdrawal from Gentile meals at Antioch. Reading both sources resists turning him into either an uncomplicated hero or a mere assistant.
Known For
- Mission with Paul
- Jerusalem and Antioch Churches
- Encouragement
Key Works
Influenced By
- Jesus Movement
- Jerusalem Church
Influenced
- Paul the Apostle
- John Mark
- Cypriot Christianity
Conversations
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