St. Barnabas

Barnabas, the companion of St. Paul, was likewise considered an apostle by the early Church. Barnabas may have been one of Jesus’ disciples or he may have converted shortly after Pentecost. His given name was Joseph, but he was named Barnabas “son of consolation” by the Apostles, probably because of his preaching ability. Barnabas stood up for the newly converted Saul (St. Paul) when many Christians still feared Saul for his former persecutions (Acts 9:27), introducing him to St. Peter and St. James. Barnabas accompanied Paul extensively on his missions to the Gentiles. Little is known of Barnabas apart from what is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Some later sources have him martyred in Cyprus, but these are unreliable. St. Barnabas’ feast day is June 11.