Bible Character Explorer
New Testament • 1st century AD
Barnabas
Son of EncouragementThe generous encourager who vouched for Paul and gave Mark a second chance
"And Barnabas... was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."
Acts 11:24 (KJV)
Overview
Barnabas, whose name means 'son of encouragement,' was a Levite from Cyprus who sold his land to support the early Jerusalem church and became one of its most trusted leaders. He was the one who vouched for the recently converted Saul when other believers still feared him, partnered with Paul on the first missionary journey, and later broke with Paul over a second chance for John Mark, a decision history would vindicate as Mark went on to write a Gospel.
Gospel Connection
Barnabas's ministry of encouragement and reconciliation reflects the heart of the gospel itself, which extends grace and a second chance to those who have failed, exactly as Barnabas extended a second chance to Mark and vouched for the once-hostile Saul. His willingness to see potential in the unproven and grace for the fallen mirrors the way Christ himself deals with every believer, none of whom come to him with a spotless record, all of whom are given, through him, the encouragement and opportunity to become useful in his kingdom.
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See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.
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