Biography of Saint Barnabas the Apostle

Saint Barnabas the Apostle

Detail of a stained glass window of Saint Barnabas the Apostle; old cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Bazas, Gironde, France; photographed on 28 March 2013 by GFreihalter; swiped from Wikimedia CommonsAlso known as

Bernabé
Joseph
Memorial

11 June
Profile

Levite Jewish convert, coming to the faith soon after Pentecost, taking the name Barnabas. Though not of the chosen Twelve Apostles, Barnabas is mentioned frequently in the Acts of the Apostles, is included among the prophets and doctors at Antioch, and is considered an Apostle. Companion of Saint Paul who introduced him to the Apostles. Like Paul, Barnabas believed in the Church‘s mission to Gentiles, and worked with him in Cyprus and Asia, but split with him over a non-theological matter. Evangelized in Cyprus with Saint Mark. Founded the Church in Antioch. Subject and possible author of some apocryphal works. Martyr.

Born

Cyprus as Joseph
Died

martyred in c.61 at Salamis
at the time of his death he was carrying a copy of the Gospel of Saint Matthew that he had copied by hand
Canonized

Pre-Congregation
Name Meaning

son of encouragement; son of consolation
Patronage

against hailstorms
Antioch
Cyprus
invoked as peacemaker
Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain
Marino, Italy
Representation

ax
lance
middle-aged bearded apostle, often bearing a book or olive branch
standing on or near a pile of stones while holding a book
stones
with Saint Paul
Storefront
books
medals and pendants