St. Barnabas

Barnabas appears in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the first great bridge-builders of the Church. A Jew from Cyprus, originally named Joseph, he was given the name Barnabas, meaning “son of encouragement,” by the apostles in Jerusalem. Around the 30s and 40s A.D., as the Gospel moved from Jerusalem into Antioch and the wider Mediterranean world, Barnabas became a trusted figure who recognized the work of grace where others might have hesitated.

His most important historical role was helping welcome Saul of Tarsus, later Saint Paul, into the Christian community after Paul’s dramatic conversion. Barnabas traveled with Paul on missionary journeys through Cyprus and Asia Minor, preaching in cities shaped by Roman power, Greek culture, Jewish synagogue life, and emerging Christian communities. His feast reminds us that the Church grows through encouragement, trust, and the courage to recognize God’s work in unexpected people.

Prayer: Saint Barnabas, son of encouragement, pray that we may strengthen others in faith and help open the way for the Gospel. Amen.