Barnabas in Smiths Bible Dictionary

(son of consolation or comfort) a name given by the apostles, Ac 4:36 to Joseph (or Jose), a Levite of the island of Cyprus, who was early a disciple of Christ. In Ac 9:27 we find him introducing the newly-converted Saul to the apostles at Jerusalem. Barnabas was sent to Jerusalem, Ac 11:19-26 and went to Tarsus to seek Saul, as one specially raised up to preach to the Gentiles. Ac 26:17 He brought him to Antioch, and was sent with him to Jerusalem. Ac 11:30 On their return, they were ordained by the church for the missionary work, Ac 13:2 and sent forth (A.D. 45). From this time Barnabas and Paul enjoy the title and dignity of apostles. Their first missionary journey is related in Ac 13:14 Returning to Antioch (A.D. 47 or 48), they were sent (A.D. 50), with some others, to Jerusalem. Ac 15:1,36 Afterwards they parted and Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, his native island. Here the Scripture notices of him cease. The epistle attributed to Barnabas is believed to have been written early in the second century.