Paul and Barnabas at Lystra - Jacob Pynas
According to Acts of the Apostles, Barnabas was a Cypriot Jew, a Levite. He travelled with Paul on his first mission.
Tradition has it, that he set up the Cypriot Orthodox Church and was martyred in AD 60.
From the end of the Epistle to the Colossians, it is believed Barnabas was the cousin of John Mark, one of the Gospel writers and a fellow missionary with Paul.
Son of Encouragement
In Acts 4, we first meet Barnabas. We are told his name was originally Joseph, but the Apostles changed it to Barnabas, meaning ‘son of encouragement’.
Acts 4 v 36
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”)
The word translated ‘encouragement’ is paraklésis. Depending on the context, this can mean encouragement, comfort and consolation. But also can be translated as exhortation or giving a warning.
Barnabas is an Aramaic name. Aramaic was the ‘language of Jesus’ and His disciples.
In Aramaic, ‘Bar’ translates as ‘Son of’ and ‘Nabas’ translates as ‘the prophets’. So in Aramaic, his name means ‘son of the prophets’.
This fits in with paraklésis, as a prophet’s role includes encouraging as well as giving warnings.
So this verse tells us Barnabas was not only of the tribe of Levi, but also from the line of the prophets.
Epistle of Barnabas
When the New Testament was eventually compiled, three books were left out. These were
1 Clement (written 97AD)
Shepherd of Hermes (written 2nd Century)
Epistle of Barnabas (written late 1st Century or early 2nd Century)
There are various reasons why the above books were not included in the Nee Testament. But in the case of the Epistle of Barnabas, it looks like St Barnabas did not write it. Evidence suggests it was written in Alexandria, possibly by someone else called Barnabas.
The Epistle discusses the symbolism of the law, delves into gematria (using the numerical value of words to hid deeper meaning, e.g. 666) and paraphrases and misquotes the Old Testament scriptures. This didn’t meet the high bar set for a book to be considered Scripture.
On a side note, one of the early Church fathers believed the Epistle to the Hebrews was written by Barnabas and not Paul.
Remembering St Barnabas
On this day, 11 June, the Church of England remembers St Barnabas. We recall how he supported Paul, journeyed with him and became a key member of the early Church.
In honour of St Barnabas, I will begin to unpack his story in this new series.
Yes! Barnabas is one of my favorite people from the NT. Can't wait.