The following is what we can glean from the Scriptures related to Barnabas.
Act 4:36 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,
Joses, named Barnabas by the apostles, was a Levite from Cyprus. Today Cyprus is an independent Republic, an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, but then it was part of the Roman Empire.
Barnabas comes into focus when Paul returned to Jerusalem. The disciples were afraid of him, but Barnabas convinced them of Paul’s true conversion and that he had seen the risen Saviour.
Acts 9:26-27 KJV And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27But 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.
Barnabas was an apostle and made the first missionary mission recorded in Scriptures. He is said to be a good man full of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 11:19-24 KJV Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
The focus moves from Barnabas to Barnabas and Paul for a while.
Acts 11:25 KJV Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
The missionary partnership between the two begins at this time with them carrying a offering of help to the saints at Jerusalem.
Acts 11:29-30 KJV Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
After returning to Antioch from Jerusalem their missionary efforts really began and Mark enters the picture.
Act 12:25 KJV And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Acts_13:2 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.
Barnabas and Paul eventually had a falling out over Mark and went their separate ways.
Acts 15:36-40 KJV And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 37And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Later Mark proved himself and Paul thought him profitable for the ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 KJV Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
The focus fell upon Paul becoming the leader of the work and point man for organizing and explaining salvation to the Gentile Church.
Romans 11:13 KJV For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
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