Saint Barnabas – The Encourager

We all have gifts to share and to grow God’s kingdom.

Barnabas lived into his name – Son of Encouragement – and shared his gifts to grow the early church. June 11 is the day we remember Saint Barnabas the Apostle.

Barnabas, like Paul, was a Jew who became a follower of Jesus. The disciples in Jerusalem didn’t trust Paul, a former persecutor of Jesus’ followers. It was Barnabas that encouraged the twelve to accept Paul’s conversion and total transformation.

Paul and Barnabas became a missionary team, first bringing famine relief to the Church in Jerusalem, then heading out to proclaim the Good News and encourage new believers in Asia Minor.

As happens from time to time, partners disagree. The missionary team of Paul and Barnabas split over Mark’s return to Jerusalem. Paul continued his missionary journeys without Barnabas. Barnabas and Mark (John Mark) continued encouraging new believers in Cyprus, where Barnabas is traditionally honored as the founder of the Church there.

One hopes that some reconciliation occurred between Barnabas and Paul as Paul referenced Barnabas in several of his letters.

Tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus. He joined the company of apostles, those sent by Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the love of Christ.

May we each be a Barnabas, an encourager of others in their journey with Christ.

Let us pray the Collect for Saint Barnabas the Apostle:

Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well-being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Pentecost Blessings,

Judy Q+