Meaning of the Name Barnabas
A name of Aramaic origin; Acts 4:36 itself supplies the meaning: the apostles gave Joseph of Cyprus the name Barnabas, 'son of encouragement'.
Origin
The name Barnabas is of Aramaic origin.
Who is Barnabas in the Bible?
Barnabas is the Levite from Cyprus who sold his field and brought the money to the community. He lives up to his name: he vouches for the newly converted Saul (Paul) when everyone else is wary, strengthens the community at Antioch and sets out with Paul on the first missionary journey.
The story of Barnabas in the Bible
Barnabas was born Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, but the apostles gave him a name that means Son of Encouragement, and he lived up to it. He first appears selling a field and laying the money at the apostles' feet. When Saul came to Jerusalem after his conversion and everyone feared him, it was Barnabas who took him in, brought him to the apostles, and told how boldly Saul had spoken in Damascus. When the good news spread in Antioch, the Jerusalem church sent Barnabas there; Acts describes him as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. As the work grew, he went to Tarsus, found Saul, and brought him into that ministry. Together they set out on the first missionary journey, from Cyprus into Asia Minor. A later disagreement over Mark parted them, and Barnabas, giving the young man another chance, sailed with him to Cyprus. Encouraging others and giving up on no one, he stands among the early church's great bridge-builders.
Is Barnabas mentioned in the Quran?
The name Barnabas does not appear in the Quran; in the Bible he is remembered in the book of Acts as an encourager in the early church and a companion of Paul.
Verses where Barnabas appears
- Acts 4:36-37 —
Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’…
- Acts 9:26-27 —
When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to…
- Acts 11:22-24 —
The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch, who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all,…