Topical Encyclopedia Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is a central figure in the New Testament, renowned for his missionary journeys and theological contributions to early Christianity. One of the significant partnerships in his ministry was with Barnabas, a fellow believer and missionary.Background of Barnabas Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," was a Levite from Cyprus. He first appears in the Book of Acts as a generous member of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Acts 4:36-37 notes, "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet." His character and actions earned him a reputation as a man of faith and encouragement. The Partnership Begins The partnership between Paul and Barnabas began in earnest when Barnabas sought out Paul in Tarsus. After Paul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, he spent time in Arabia and then returned to Tarsus. Barnabas, recognizing Paul's potential and calling, brought him to Antioch. Acts 11:25-26 states, "Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch." The First Missionary Journey Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit for missionary work during a time of worship and fasting in Antioch. Acts 13:2-3 records, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." Their first missionary journey took them to Cyprus and various regions in Asia Minor, where they preached the gospel, performed miracles, and established churches. This journey is detailed in Acts 13 and 14, highlighting their boldness in the face of opposition and their commitment to spreading the message of Christ. Challenges and Disagreements Despite their successful partnership, Paul and Barnabas faced challenges, including a significant disagreement over John Mark, Barnabas's cousin. John Mark had accompanied them on their first journey but left them partway through. When planning a second journey, Barnabas wanted to take John Mark again, but Paul disagreed. Acts 15:37-39 describes the situation: "Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company." Separate Paths Following their disagreement, Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas as his new companion and continued his missionary work through Syria and Cilicia. Despite their separation, both Paul and Barnabas continued to serve the Lord and spread the gospel. The New Testament later indicates reconciliation, as Paul speaks positively of Barnabas and John Mark in his letters (see Colossians 4:10 and 2 Timothy 4:11). Legacy The partnership between Paul and Barnabas was instrumental in the early spread of Christianity. Their collaboration exemplified the power of teamwork in ministry, the importance of encouragement, and the reality of human disagreements even among devoted servants of God. Their account serves as a testament to the dynamic and sometimes challenging nature of Christian ministry. Nave's Topical Index Acts 11:25,26Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: Nave's Topical Index Library If Paul had Known any Mysteries Unrevealed to the Other Apostles ... The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... Paul and his Praying Paul's Missionary Labors. First Missionary Journey Scripture His Missionary Travels Introductory Note to the Epistle of Barnabas Sanctification. Appendix to Part iii. Writings of the Apostolic Fathers, with Some ... Acts XV Resources Are the writings of the Apostle Paul inspired (see 1 Corinthians 7:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from what the Bible says about Paul and Timothy? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the account of Paul and Barnabas? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
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