“Son of Comfort”

WHEN Saul of Tarsus returned to Jerusalem after a three-year absence, he sought out the Christians there. (Gal. 1:15-19) To him, they were now his brothers and sisters, but to them, he was still a vicious persecutor. Many, it seems, did not know that he had truly changed. One man, though, had the courage and compassion to help Saul. He came to be called Barnabas.

Barnabas first appears in the Bible record as a Christian named Joseph. About the time of Pentecost 33 C.E., Joseph sold some property and contributed the money to help his fellow Christians in need. Because he was known for his kindness and willingness to comfort others, the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “Son of Comfort.” Later, about 36 C.E., he courageously rose to the challenge of welcoming Saul. We read: “Barnabas came to his aid and led him to the apostles.”

Thus began a long and rewarding friendship. Saul preached so zealously in Jerusalem that some religious fanatics wanted to kill him. The brothers responded by sending him to Tarsus, his birthplace. As for Barnabas, about nine years later, he was sent to encourage new believers in Antioch, Syria. We read that “he was a good man and full of holy spirit and faith.” So many responded to the good news in Antioch that Barnabas needed more help. He went to Tarsus in search of his friend Saul. The two made a powerful preaching team. They also helped to organize a relief effort to come to the aid of needy Christians.

Saul, who in time became known as Paul, undertook a missionary journey with Barnabas. Again and again, their courage was tested. At Iconium, some opposing Jews wanted to stone them to death, so the missionaries wisely left for Lystra. There, the people at first thought they were gods! But opposers came from Antioch and Iconium and swayed the crowds. They turned on Paul, stoning him and leaving him for dead outside the city. As the Christians of Lystra gathered around Paul, he stood up and was able to walk back into the city. Imagine Barnabas’ relief! Later, they departed safely. Not long afterward, though, they returned to Lystra to comfort the Christians there. What courage!

Together, Barnabas and Paul faced many harrowing dangers and shared many thrilling experiences. Yet, on one occasion, their friendship came under strain. Barnabas was determined to bring his young cousin Mark along on their next journey. Paul was against the idea, for Mark had left them once before. Neither man was willing to budge. “There was a sharp burst of anger,” and they parted company.

Barnabas’ courage thus faced a new test. When an angry disagreement arises between Christians, it may be tempting to hold a grudge, to speak badly of a fellow Christian, even to withdraw from the brotherhood. It takes courage to resist that easy course and to work instead at maintaining peace with God and with fellow Christians.

Clearly, neither man allowed that disagreement to hinder his service to Jehovah. Barnabas and Mark sailed to Cyprus, where they continued their work of making disciples. Paul continued on his journey with Silas and accomplished great things in Jehovah’s name.

Did the two men hold a grudge against each other? No. Consider: Paul later spoke well of Barnabas in his inspired letters. In one, he mentioned that his friend, like Paul himself, worked to support his own ministry. (1 Cor. 9:6) In another, he mentioned Mark, “the cousin of Barnabas,” in a positive way. (Col. 4:10, 11) The close partnership between Paul and Barnabas may have ended, but the friendship did not. No doubt Barnabas continued living up to his name, comforting others with the good news as long as he was able. And as he worked with Mark, he surely gave the younger man further training. We will consider Mark’s courage in the next chapter.

Read the Bible account:

• Acts 4:34-37; 9:23-31; 11:19-30; 12:25–13:5, 42-52; 14:1-26; 15:35-41

For discussion:

In what ways did Barnabas show courage?

Dig Deeper

1. 1. Levites did not receive any land inheritance. So how did the Levite Barnabas come to own land? (Num. 18:20; Acts 4:36, 37; w98 4/15 20 ¶4, ftn.)

   Your answer

2. 2. Why was Barnabas called an apostle? (Acts 14:14; it “Barnabas” ¶3)

   Your answer

3. 3. In Cyprus, Barnabas and Paul preached to a man named Sergius Paulus. Was Luke, the writer of Acts, correct in referring to Sergius Paulus as “the proconsul”? (Acts 13:7, 12; it “Cyprus” ¶7) A

   Your answer

   

   Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation Collection

4. 4. Why was it not surprising that the people of Lystra wanted to welcome Barnabas and Paul with sacrifices? (bt 97, box)

   Your answer

Reflect on the Lessons

• In what practical ways can we imitate the generosity of Barnabas?

  Your answer

• Although Barnabas apparently took the lead in their missionary journey at first, Paul later became more prominent than he was. Yet, it seems that Barnabas never became envious. In what situations might we imitate his example? B

  Your answer

  

• In what ways can you imitate the courage of Barnabas in your life?

  Your answer

Meditate on the Bigger Picture

• What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

  Your answer

• How does the account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?

  Your answer

• Why are you thankful that Barnabas was chosen to rule with Christ in heaven?

  Your answer

Learn More

How does the relationship between Barnabas and Paul teach us that people with different personalities can work together?

“Will You Resolve Conflicts and Promote Peace?” (w17.06 16-20)

In this dramatization, see how brothers today can settle differences as Barnabas and Paul did.

“We Needed to Make Things Right” (3:23)