Barnabas in the Bible — The Son of Encouragement

Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus renamed 'Son of Encouragement' by the apostles. He was the first to sell his property and lay the money at the apostles' feet. When the newly converted Saul arrived in Jerusalem and no one believed he was really a Christian, Barnabas stood up for him, introducing him to the apostles. He later recruited Paul as his missionary partner. The first missionary journey was his initiative. Below are 6 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about barnabas?

Who is Barnabas in the Bible? The Levite from Cyprus who sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles — who vouched for the newly converted Saul when no one else trusted him, became Paul's first missionary partner, and whose very name means 'Son of Encouragement.'

6 Bible Verses About Barnabas (KJV)

“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,”

Acts 4:36 KJV Read Acts chapter 4 →

“But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”

Acts 9:27 KJV Read Acts chapter 9 →

“For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”

Acts 11:24 KJV Read Acts chapter 11 →

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

Acts 13:2 KJV Read Acts chapter 13 →

“And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;”

Acts 15:39 KJV Read Acts chapter 15 →

“Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?”

1 Corinthians 9:6 KJV Read 1 Corinthians chapter 9 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Barnabas in the Bible

What does the Bible say about barnabas?
Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus renamed 'Son of Encouragement' by the apostles. He was the first to sell his property and lay the money at the apostles' feet. When the newly converted Saul arrived in Jerusalem and no one believed he was really a Christian, Barnabas stood up for him, introducing him to the apostles. He later recruited Paul as his missionary partner. The first missionary journey was his initiative. Key KJV passages: Acts 4:36, Acts 9:27, Acts 11:24, Acts 13:2, Acts 15:39.
What are the best Bible verses about barnabas?
The most important KJV passages on barnabas include: Acts 4:36, Acts 9:27, Acts 11:24, Acts 13:2, Acts 15:39. Read all 6 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about barnabas?
The Bible addresses barnabas throughout both Testaments. Key references include Acts 4:36, Acts 9:27, Acts 11:24, Acts 13:2, Acts 15:39, 1 Corinthians 9:6. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
What does the New Testament say about barnabas?
New Testament scriptures on barnabas: Acts 4:36, Acts 9:27, Acts 11:24, Acts 13:2. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
How do I study Bible verses about barnabas?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 6 passages on barnabas at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.