Barnabas
Also identified as Joseph called Barnabas
Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, enters Acts through an act of generosity. He sponsors the newly converted Saul, helps lead the Antioch church and travels with Paul before a sharp disagreement over John Mark.
Barnabas in the larger story
Barnabas repeatedly uses social trust to bring an uncertain person into a community. His story also prevents Paul’s mission from being imagined as a solitary achievement.
Key moments and where to read them
Introducing Saul
Barnabas brings Saul to the apostles when others remain afraid.
Acts 9:26–28Leading at Antioch
Barnabas recognizes grace in the mixed community and recruits Saul from Tarsus.
Acts 11:19–26Disagreement over Mark
Barnabas and Paul separate over whether John Mark should rejoin the journey.
Acts 15:36–41
Primary reference trail
Acts 4:36–37 · Acts 9:26–28 · Acts 11:19–30 · Acts 13–15 · Galatians 2:1–13 · 1 Corinthians 9:6
The references above locate the profile’s central claims. They are not a concordance of every possible allusion or later tradition concerning Barnabas.