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Lumen

Barnabas

Also: Joseph

One of the most important and least-known figures of Acts: he vouched for Paul when the community still feared him, and became his missionary companion.

  • Early Church
  • Missionary

Awaiting theological review

What we know — and how

Scripture tells us

  • A Levite from Cyprus named Joseph, called Barnabas (son of encouragement); he brought Paul to the apostles and was sent out with him from Antioch.(Acts of the Apostles 4:36–37; Acts of the Apostles 9:26–27; Acts of the Apostles 11:22–26; Acts of the Apostles 13:2–3)

Key passages