Divine Lexicon

Person

Barnabas

Also known as Joseph · Joses

Levite from Cyprus and companion of Paul.

Filed underTheologians & Historical Figures

Definition

Originally named Joseph (or Joses), he was a Levite from Cyprus renamed by the apostles to reflect his ability to console and encourage. He was a cousin of John Mark and a key figure in the church at Antioch.

Scripture

  • apt name bestowed by the apostlesnaming
  • even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisyhistorical event

Connections

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Related to
  • ApostleTermAssociated with the apostles in Jerusalem and Antioch.

Sources

  1. 1.Everett Ferguson Church History: Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013). pp. 33-44

Last revised August 18, 2026