Saint Barnabas the Apostle

St. Barnabas was one of the first disciples of Jesus to spread Christianity to the world. He introduced St. Paul to the other Apostles and they preached the word of Jesus together for a year. This is seen in scripture:

Acts 11:20-26

20But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists* also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. 22News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. 25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with* the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called 'Christians'.

St. Barnabas Still Remembered

St. Barnabas is still remembered today each time the New Testament is read by Christians. He is one of the reasons that the Christian faith has remained alive for over two thousand years. St. Barnabas spread the Good News of Christ to his part of the world and today, Christian wear a Saint Barnabas medal or a Saint Barnabas necklace to venerate this saint and martyr.

St. Barnabas Prayer

Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of thy faithful servant St. Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well-being of thy Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.