St. Barnabas

St. Barnabas Biography

St. Barnabas was a prominent early Christian figure and disciple of Jesus Christ. According to tradition, he was born in Cyprus and became a follower of Jesus during the ministry of John the Baptist. He is first mentioned in the Bible in the book of Acts, where he is described as a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.”

After the ascension of Jesus, Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem and joined the nascent Christian community there. He quickly became an influential member of the group, known for his generosity and his ability to encourage others. It was Barnabas who, upon seeing the new convert Saul (later known as Paul), introduced him to the apostles and vouched for him, despite the fact that many members of the community were skeptical of him.

Barnabas is also believed to have been one of the 70 disciples appointed by Jesus, which is another factor that made him one of the respected figures of early Christianity. His name, which means “son of encouragement” or “son of prophecy”, was also well suited to his role in the early church.

Barnabas and Paul then set out on several missionary journeys together, spreading the message of Jesus Christ throughout the Mediterranean region. They visited many cities, including Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, and established many Christian communities along the way. Barnabas played a key role in these missions, acting as a mediator between Paul and the Jewish Christians and helping to build bridges between the different factions of the early church.

One of the most notable stories of Barnabas is related to his visit to the city of Antioch, where he encountered a group of Gentile converts who were being rejected by the Jewish Christians. Barnabas saw the value in these new converts and recognized that they should be accepted as equal members of the Christian community. He worked to convince the other leaders of the church to accept the Gentiles, an effort that eventually led to the council of Jerusalem, a gathering of early Christian leaders that issued a ruling allowing Gentile converts to join the Christian faith without first becoming Jews.

In addition to his work as a missionary, Barnabas is also remembered as a martyr. Tradition holds that he was stoned to death in the city of Salamis on the island of Cyprus, where he had returned to spread the gospel. The year of his death is not recorded but traditionally believed to be around 61-62 AD.

After his death, Barnabas was remembered and honored by the Christian community, and eventually came to be considered a saint. His feast day is celebrated on June 11th in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and on June 14th in the Roman Catholic Church. He is one of the most well-known saints from the early Christian period and is remembered for his encouragement, wisdom, and generosity.

The legacy of St. Barnabas is still carried on by the Christian community today, and he is remembered for his role in spreading the message of Jesus Christ, for his efforts to build bridges between different factions of the early church, and for his encouragement of new converts to the faith. His memory is preserved not only through the stories and traditions that have come down to us, but also through the many churches, schools, and other institutions that have been named in his honor.

Life of St. Barnabas

Saint Barnabas was of the tribe of Levi, but born in Cyprus and, as Holy Scripture relates, was one of the seventy-two disciples of Jesus. The first mention we find of him is in the Acts of the Apostles (4:36), where it is related that “”the multitude of believers had but one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that aught of the things which he possessed was his own””.

No one in particular is mentioned on this occasion but Joseph, a rich Levite from Cyprus, who sold his land “”and brought the price and laid it at the feet of the Apostles””. The Apostles changed his name from Joseph to Barnabas, the son of consolation. It was he who “”introduced”” St. Paul to the Apostles, and thus to the Church. Later St. Barnabas accompanied St. Paul the Apostle during his evangelization of the pagans in Cyprus.

The Church in Jerusalem “sent Barnabas as far as Antioch. …And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul; whom, when he had found, he brought to Antioch. And they conversed there in the Church a whole year; and they taught a great multitude, so that at Antioch, the disciples were first named Christians. Now there were in the Church which was at Antioch, prophets and doctors, among whom was Barnabas, and Simon, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manahen, who was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. And as they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Ghost said to them: Separate me Saul and Barnabas, for the work whereunto I have taken them. Then they, fasting and praying, and imposing their hands upon them, sent them away” (Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3).

Although Barnabas was not one of the “Twelve”, the Church has always honored him as an Apostle. According to tradition, St. Barnabas died for the Faith in Cyprus.

Prayers to St. Barnabas

God our Father, you filled Saint Barnabas with faith and the Holy Spirit and sent him to convert the nations. Help us to proclaim the gospel by word and deed. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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O God, who decreed that Saint Barnabas,
a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
should be set apart to convert the nations,
grant that the Gospel of Christ,
which he strenuously preached,
may be faithfully proclaimed by word and by deed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Prayer to St. Barnabas for Protection

Dear St. Barnabas, you were a faithful companion of Saint Paul, and a faithful disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. I come to you today asking for your protection and guidance. Help me to be a witness to others, just as you were, and to bring the message of love and hope to all those around me. I pray for your continued intercession, that I may be protected from harm and that I may live a life of service and devotion to God. Amen.

Prayer to St. Barnabas for Strength

Dear St. Barnabas, you were a strong and brave apostle, who preached the gospel with courage and conviction. I ask for your intercession today, that I may be strengthened in my faith and that I may have the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Help me to be a beacon of hope and light to others, and to share the love of Christ with those around me. I pray for your strength and guidance, that I may live a life of faith and devotion. Amen.

Prayer to St. Barnabas for Friendship

Dear St. Barnabas, you were a faithful friend and companion to Saint Paul, and a model of friendship and support. I pray for your intercession today, that I may be a true friend to others, and that I may offer my support and encouragement to those in need. Help me to be a source of comfort and hope, and to bring joy and peace to those around me. I ask for your guidance, that I may be a true friend, in good times and in bad. Amen.

What is St. Barnabas the Patron Saint of?

St. Barnabas is a well-known and revered figure in the Christian tradition, known for his work as an apostle and for his unwavering faith in the early Christian Church. He is also recognized as the patron saint of Cyprus, Antioch, and a number of other organizations and causes, and is widely considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of the Christian Church.

So, what is St. Barnabas the patron saint of? There are a number of different organizations and causes that he is associated with, each with its own history and significance. One of the most notable is his patronage of the island of Cyprus, where he was born and where he carried out much of his ministry. He is considered to be the patron saint of Cyprus because of his work in spreading the gospel throughout the region, and his role in establishing the early Church in that part of the world.

St. Barnabas is also recognized as the patron saint of Antioch, another important center of the early Church. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Christian community there, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Antioch. He is said to have traveled to the city to encourage the early Christians there, and to have played a significant role in establishing the Church there as a vital center of Christian worship and ministry.

In addition to his patronage of Cyprus and Antioch, St. Barnabas is also recognized as the patron saint of a number of other organizations and causes. For example, he is the patron saint of converts, due to his work in spreading the gospel and helping people find faith in Jesus Christ. He is also considered to be the patron saint of peace and reconciliation, because of his tireless efforts to bring people together and promote understanding and unity.

So, why is St. Barnabas considered to be such an important figure in the history of the Christian Church? There are many reasons, but perhaps the most significant is his unwavering faith and commitment to the gospel. Despite facing many challenges and difficulties, St. Barnabas remained steadfast in his belief in Jesus Christ, and he dedicated his life to spreading the good news of the gospel to others. He is remembered for his courage, his wisdom, and his unwavering faith, and he continues to be an inspiration to Christians everywhere.

In conclusion, St. Barnabas is a revered and important figure in the Christian tradition, and his legacy continues to inspire and encourage Christians today. Whether as the patron saint of Cyprus, Antioch, or any of the other organizations and causes that he is associated with, St. Barnabas will always be remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to the gospel, and his tireless efforts to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.

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Homily reflection on the feast of St. Barnabas

The feast day of St. Barnabas is celebrated on June 11th. St. Barnabas was one of the first apostles and a companion of the apostle Paul. He is known for his dedication to spreading the word of God and for his compassion towards others.

One of the most notable lessons that we can learn from St. Barnabas is the importance of compassion and generosity. St. Barnabas was known for his kindness and his willingness to help others. He sold his own land and gave the proceeds to the apostles to help support the poor and those in need. He demonstrated that compassion and generosity are important aspects of a Christian life.

Another important lesson that we can learn from St. Barnabas is the importance of perseverance and determination. St. Barnabas was not discouraged by the difficulties he faced while spreading the word of God. He was determined to continue spreading the good news and he worked tirelessly to help others. He teaches us that, despite the challenges we may face, we should not give up and keep striving to do good in the world.

St. Barnabas also serves as a powerful example of the importance of teamwork and collaboration. He worked closely with the apostle Paul and other Christian leaders, and he demonstrated that working together is essential for achieving our goals. In the modern day, we can immulate St. Barnabas’ example by working together with others to make the world a better place.

St. Barnabas’ dedication to God also serves as an inspiration for us to pray and seek guidance from God. He always turned to God for guidance and wisdom in his work, and it helped him to achieve his goals. In the modern day, we can immulate St. Barnabas’ example by seeking guidance and wisdom from God in all things we do.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Barnabas, let us remember the lessons that he taught us. Let us strive to be compassionate and generous, like St. Barnabas, and to help others in need. Let us also strive to be perseverant and determined, like St. Barnabas, and to keep striving to do good in the world. Let us also strive to work together and seek guidance from God, like St. Barnabas, and by doing so, we can live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God and that brings us closer to Him.

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Lessons Learned from Life of St. Barnabas

1. The Importance of Encouragement: St. Barnabas was known for his encouragement and support of Saint Paul, even when others were skeptical of Paul’s conversion. This lesson shows us the importance of being a source of encouragement to others, and of helping others to believe in themselves.

2. Faithfulness and Loyalty: St. Barnabas remained loyal and faithful to his mission, even when it was difficult. This lesson reminds us of the importance of staying true to our beliefs, even when it is hard, and of being steadfast in our faith.

3. The Power of Forgiveness: St. Barnabas was instrumental in bringing Saint Paul back into the fold of the Church, after he had persecuted Christians. This lesson highlights the power of forgiveness, and shows us that even the worst of sinners can be redeemed.

4. The Importance of Unity: St. Barnabas was known for his role in promoting unity among the early Christian communities, and for his efforts to bridge the gap between different groups. This lesson teaches us the importance of unity, and of working together towards a common goal.

5. The Power of Love: St. Barnabas was a disciple of love, and his actions showed his love for God and for others. This lesson teaches us the power of love, and shows us how love can change the world.

Saints Similar to St. Barnabas

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Paul the Apostle. St. Barnabas and St. Paul the Apostle were early Christian missionaries and companions in their efforts to spread Christianity. St. Barnabas played a significant role in the early Christian community, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. St. Paul is one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. Next up: Biography of St. Bartholomew the Apostle

 

Also check out our handmade St. Barnabas Medal and St. Barnabas Rosary and St. Barnabas Rosary Bracelet .