June 11: Saint Barnabas the Apostle

Early First Century–c. 61
Patron Saint of Cyprus, Antioch, and peacekeeping missions
Invoked against hailstorms
Pre-Congregation canonization

Saint Barnabas, originally named Joseph and a Jew of the tribe of Levi, was born on the isle of Cyprus (see Acts 4:36). Joseph followed Jesus during his public ministry and might have been one of the seventy-two disciples whom Jesus sent out on a mission (see Luke 10:1–24). Barnabas’ first mention in the New Testament appears when he “sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles” (Acts 4:37). The Apostles changed Joseph’s name to Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” 

After Saint Paul had converted to Christianity and spent three years fasting and praying in Arabia, he traveled to Jerusalem. The Apostles hesitated to receive him, but Barnabas brought Paul to them. Paul recounted his story before returning to his hometown of Tarsus. During that time, a Christian community grew among the Gentiles in Antioch in Syria. After the Apostles sent Barbabas to Antioch, he found St. Paul in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch to help preach the Good News.

After a year in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem, bringing money from the Antioch Christians to aid those suffering from famine. When they returned to Antioch, the Holy Spirit revealed to the Christian community that Paul and Barnabas were to be “set apart” for a special mission. The two were ordained as bishops and sent forth on a mission, bringing with them Barnabas’ relative, John Mark, the Gospel writer. Over the next year, they traveled to Seleucia, Cyprus, Salamis, Paphos, Perga of Pamphylia, Antioch of Pisidia, Lystra, Derbe, Iconium, and back to Antioch, Syria. They won many converts but also encountered opposition, including a failed attempt to stone Paul. The two returned to Jerusalem to help settle disputes about Gentile converts before being sent on another mission. Before the second journey, Barnabas and Paul disagreed about whether to include John Mark, who had left them while in Pamphylia. Unable to agree, Barnabas and John Mark went to Cyprus, while Paul took Silas with him to Syria and Cilicia.

Nothing else is known for certain about Barnabas’ missionary activity with John Mark in Cyprus. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians and his letter to the Colossians indicate that he and Barnabas maintained their friendship; Paul even mentioned John Mark affectionately in a later epistle.

According to a fifth-century tradition, Barnabas was preaching the Gospel around the year 61 and was arrested, dragged out of the city, and either burned or stoned. Another legend holds that in 478, Saint Barnabas appeared to the Archbishop of Cyprus and revealed his burial site to him. Archbishop Anthemios found Saint Barnabas’ body incorrupt, holding the Gospel of Matthew. The Roman emperor erected a church at the site and buried Saint Barnabas there. The church was later lost to history, but excavations uncovered what people believed to be Saint Barnabas’ tomb. Saint Barnabas is the patron saint of Cyprus because he was the first missionary bishop on that island.

Let Us Pray: Saint Barnabas, you listened to the Gospel from Christ Himself, witnessed His miracles, and allowed His saving message to transform your life. You spent the rest of your life preaching the Good News and saving many souls. Please pray that I will dedicate my life to the mission to which I am called. Saint Barnabas, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.