Lesser Known Disciples
Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37 (ESV)
The Acts of the Apostles tells us about a man named Joseph and his travels with the Apostle Paul. They called him Barnabas, which means ‘son of encouragement.’ It seems clear that he was a man who often encouraged his fellow believers.
Barnabas was also an Israelite, from the family of Levi, a son of Jacob. Levites were responsible for the maintenance of the tabernacle and the temple, and some served with the priests in the temple. As a result of the scattering of tribes, Joseph was born a native of Cyprus, an island off the coast of Syria in the eastern Mediterranean.
It was Barnabas who brought Saul of Tarsus to the fearful Apostles who, knowing about his past, were skeptical of Saul’s conversion. It was Barnabas who explained to them how Jesus had appeared to him on the road outside of Damascus (Acts 9:27). It was also Barnabas who, some years later, traveled to Tarsus to find Paul, bringing him back to Antioch in Syria. For a whole year the two of them met and taught a great many people. It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called ‘Christians.’ (Acts 11:26)
We will always need men like Barnabas, who encourage us with the Word of God and dedicate themselves to teaching people about Jesus. May God raise up and call them to serve.
O Almighty God, who has built Your Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Head Cornerstone, grant us to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
The Collect for Apostles’ Days, The Lutheran Hymnal