Barnabas, << BAHR nuh buhs, >> was a Christian missionary during New Testament times. The apostles of Jesus Christ named him Barnabas, which meant son of encouragement, and he is known by this name throughout the New Testament. A Jewish priest from Cyprus, Barnabas was among the first Jews to be converted to Christianity by the apostles. He became an important and respected figure in the Christian community in Jerusalem. He set an example of the radical attitude toward possessions that encouraged members of the early Christian community to give whatever they had for the welfare of others.
Barnabas later went on a mission to Antioch, capital of the Roman province of Syria. In time, he became leader of the Christian community there. Saint Paul served as his assistant in this ministry. The Christians of Antioch sent Barnabas and Paul on the first Christian mission to Cyprus and Galatia. Barnabas later returned on a second mission to Cyprus.
