St. Barnabas

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St. Barnabas

St. Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was an early Christian convert and a prominent figure in the Apostolic Age. He was a native of Cyprus and a Levite. Known for his missionary work and close association with the Apostle Paul, Barnabas played a significant role in the spread of Christianity.

Here are some key points about St. Barnabas:

1. Companion of Paul: Barnabas introduced Paul to the apostles and later worked closely with him on missionary journeys, particularly to the Gentiles.
2. Council of Jerusalem: He participated in the Council of Jerusalem, where early Church leaders discussed the issue of Gentile converts and the requirements for their inclusion in the Christian community.
3. Missionary Journeys: Along with Paul, Barnabas embarked on missionary journeys, spreading the Gospel in various regions, including Cyprus and Asia Minor.
4. Dispute and Separation: Barnabas and Paul eventually had a disagreement over John Mark (Barnabas’s cousin), leading to their separation. Barnabas continued his missionary work with Mark.
5. Martyrdom: Tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus, where he is venerated as a patron saint.

Barnabas’s legacy is celebrated in the Christian tradition for his role in the early Church’s expansion and his efforts to bridge cultural divides within the Christian community. His feast day is observed on June 11.

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