Barnabas - the transition from Law to Grace

Faith in Acts - Barnabas in the Transition:

Today we come to the 6th occasion of the word faith in Acts where Barnabas is referred to as “... a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith ...,” Acts 11:2424 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

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

a. As far as I can determine, only Stephen (Acts 6:55 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

) and Barnabas are described as being “full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” They were Jews and along with the rest of the Pentecostal church in Jerusalem, believed Jesus Christ was Israel’s Messiah; had received the gift of the Holy Spirit; sold all their possessions and lived from the church treasury; worshiped in the Temple and were obedient to the Law of Moses while awaiting Christ’s return to establish His Kingdom, Acts 1:55 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

, 8; 2:1-12 & 38; 4:31-37. Others in the Pentecostal church were “full of the Holy Spirit and faith” but it is noteworthy that only Stephen and Barnabas are specifically referred to as such. We examined Stephen in Faith Study Vol 4, No 5. Today we’ll trace all mention of Barnabas and his part in the transition - that being from the Gospel of the Kingdom and God’s setting Israel aside - to the Gospel of the Grace of God for both Jews and Gentiles in the Church the Body of Christ, as revealed to Paul.

Barnabas is first mentioned as “... Joses, (Joseph) who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.” Acts 4:36 & 3736 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,

37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

36 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,

37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

. (The Levites were Israel’s priests. Some commentators believe Barnabas may be Joseph Barsabas, one of the two men appointed by the 11 Apostles to be chosen by lot to fill Judas’ vacancy, the lot having fallen on Matthias, Acts 1:1212 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

- 26.) Whereas Stephen is named 7 times in Acts, Barnabas appears 23 times (the Barnabas in Acts 13:11 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

appears to be a different man) as well as 5 times in the Pauline epistles. Whereas Stephen was one of 7 chosen to handle the Pentecostal church’s treasury, Acts 6:11 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

-7, and his stoning death caused many to flee Jerusalem to other parts of Judea, Samaria and other countries, Acts 8:11 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

, 4; 11:19, marking the beginning of the end of the Pentecostal church period, Barnabas was used by God in the transition that began to occur after Stephen’s death. Barnabas’ involvement in the transition begins when Saul returned from Damascus to Jerusalem desiring to meet with the 12 Apostles but they were afraid of him because they didn’t believe he was a disciple, Acts 9:2626 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.

. We aren’t informed how Barnabas knew Saul but he introduced him to the 12 Apostles and told them how the Lord appeared and spoke to him and how he had preached the Name of Jesus in Damascus, Acts 9:2727 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.

. Saul subsequently fellowshipped and preached in Jerusalem until a dispute arose between he and the Greek speaking Jews and they set about to kill him, at which he left Jerusalem, Acts 9:2828 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

-30.

After believing Jews fled Jerusalem at the stoning of Stephen preaching only to Jews, some Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch (Syria) preaching the Lord Jesus to Greek speaking Jews. The Lord being with them a great number were converted and when this news reached the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem they sent Barnabas to Antioch where he exhorted them to stay in the Lord, Acts 11:1919 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.

-23. Its here Barnabas is described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith and many were added to the Lord, Acts 11:24. Barnabas then went to Tarsus to find Saul who he brought back to Antioch (Syria) where they taught in the church for one year. The believers there were first called Christians. A great famine was prophesied during the time of Claudius Caesar’s reign (41 - 54 AD) so Barnabas and Saul took an offering from the believers in Antioch back to those in Jerusalem, Acts 11:2525 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

-30. When they returned from Jerusalem to Antioch (Syria) they brought Mark with them, Acts 12:2525 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

. (Mark was probably either Barnabas’ cousin or nephew, Colossians 4:1010 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

.) The Holy Spirit then sent Barnabas and Saul to Cyprus where they, along with Mark, preached in Jewish Synagogues, Acts 13:1 - 51 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

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.

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

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In the town of Paphos, Cyprus they encountered a Jewish false prophet named Barjesus with a Roman Government Official named Sergius Paulus (Paul) who called for Barnabas and Saul to preach the Word of God to him. When the Jew Barjesus tried to turn the Gentile Sergius Paulus from the faith, Acts 13:66 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

-8, we see a critical point in the transition from the Gospel of the Kingdom to the Gospel of Grace revealed to Paul. Here the former Pharisee Saul is first identified as Paul, who, filled with the Holy Spirit pronounced blindness on Barjesus “for a season” and the Gentile Sergius Paulus believed in the Lord, Acts 13:99 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.

-12. Barjesus was a type pointing to the Nation of Israel; he being against the Gospel, was “blinded for a season,” just as Israel has been blinded “for a season,” this season lasting almost 2000 years to date, see Romans 9 - 11. Further proof this is the critical point of transition is that up until this point in Acts, he has been referred to by his Jewish name “Saul” and Barnabas has been named first when associated with him; whereas after this point he is referred to by his Roman name “Paul” and he is named first when associated with Barnabas with a couple of exceptions, to be addressed later.

They then sailed to Perga in Pamphylia where Mark left Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem, Acts 13:1313 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

. (Commentators suggest this is where Paul had a falling out with Mark because Mark shrunk from reaching out to Gentiles - see Acts 15:3838 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

.) Paul and Barnabas went on to Antioch in what is now Turkey where Paul preached in the Synagogue to “men of Israel and ye that fear God,” reminding them how God miraculously brought Israel out of Egypt and in spite of Israel’s bad behavior in the wilderness He destroyed 7 nations in Canaan and gave their land to them; then after the Judges and King Saul He gave them King David, a man after His own heart, to fulfill His will. From David’s seed, He raised up their Savior, Jesus. However, the Jews and their rulers in Jerusalem condemned Jesus to death for no reason, Acts 13:14 - 2814 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

, but this was no surprise to God because it had been prophesied (it was God’s will that Christ should die), Acts 13:2929 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

. Then, in spite of Israel’s sin, God fulfilled His promise by raising Jesus from the dead by which they could be saved, this being something the Law of Moses could not do. When the Jews left the Synagogue after Paul’s talk, the Gentiles asked Paul and Barnabas to return the following week and preach again. The next week, almost the entire city showed up to hear them, which made the Jews envious and they blasphemed and contradicted Paul and Barnabas, Acts 13:14 - 4514 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

30 But God raised him from the dead:

31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

.

Back on the road to Damascus the Lord Jesus Christ sent Saul with the Gospel to Gentiles, Kings and Jews, Acts 9:1515 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

, but he has been going to the Jews first every place he visits. When the Jews at Antioch turned against Paul, Acts 13:4545 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

, both Paul and Barnabas told them it had been necessary to preach to them first but seeing they rejected his message and so judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, they were turning to the Gentiles, Acts 13:4646 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

(Jews are informed of this twice again in Acts but whereas both Paul and Barnabas informed them here in Antioch, it is Paul alone who informs the Jews in Corinth of this, Acts 18:66 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

and for the 3rd and last time, those in Rome, Acts 28:2828 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

.) Paul and Barnabas then quoted Isaiah 49:66 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

as their authority to go to the Gentiles “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:47 - 4847 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

. (It is noteworthy that the Prophets had foretold Israel would not believe even if told - Acts 13:4141 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

/Habakkuk 1:55 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you.

.) The Word went throughout the region but Jews stirred up the leaders against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from Antioch, Acts 13:49 & 5049 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

.

Paul and Barnabas traveled to Iconium, where the disciples were filled with “Joy and the Holy Spirit,” and went to the Jewish Synagogue and even though they performed many signs and wonders and many Jews and Gentiles believed, they were ultimately forced to leave by unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. Then to Lystra where Paul was used to heal a man. At this, the people declared Barnabas to be the heathen god Jupiter (the god of sky and thunder, the king of gods) and Paul Mercury (the god of messages/ communication) and tried to worship them. Paul was “scarcely able” to set them straight. (We see Barnabas named before Paul here as the heathen named him Jupiter, the king of gods, thus higher than the god Mercury.) Jews came to Lystra from Antioch and Iconium and stirred up the people, stoning Paul to the point of death. He recovered and with Barnabas went to Derbe and then backtracked to the places they previously had preached and finally returned to Antioch Syria, rejoicing in the fact God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, Acts 13:51 - 14:1 - 28.

A group of Jews came from Jerusalem to Antioch Syria teaching that in order to be saved, believers had to be circumcised according to the Law of Moses. Paul and Barnabas disputed with them and finally they, with others, traveled to Jerusalem and told the Apostles and Elders what God had done with them. However, a sect of Pharisees who believed came in saying it was necessary to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses, Acts 15:11 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

-5. While the Apostles and Elders considered this, Peter reminded them God had directed him to preach to Gentiles and God bare witness those Gentiles believed by giving them the Holy Spirit, purifying their hearts by faith (Acts 10). Peter reasoned therefore that they should not put the burden of the law on these new believers, as Israel had been unable to bear it in the past, and the Grace of the Lord Jesus would save them, Acts 15:66 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

-11. Barnabas (named first here in the presence of Jewish elders in Jerusalem) and Paul told about the miracles God had done among the Gentiles by them. Then James got up, recognizing Peter’s experience and also that prophets had foretold salvation to Gentiles (Zechariah 8:2323 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

; Amos 9:11 & 1211 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.

) he declared they ask only that the Gentiles abstain from eating meat that had been offered to idols, strangled animals and blood and fornication, Acts 15:12 - 2112 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch Syria with Silas and others with the Jerusalem church’s decision, Acts 15:22 - 3522 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.

24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

. The 15th chapter of Acts is the last time in Acts that Peter and the 12 Apostle’s are mentioned.

In Galatians 2 Paul provides additional information about his visit to Jerusalem recorded in Acts 15: he brought the uncircumcised Gentile Titus with him who was not compelled to be circumcised, Gal. 2:3; that it was false brethren who had come in their midst to spy on them, attempting to bring them into the bondage of the Law of Moses, Gal. 2:4; that the 12 Apostles and those in the Pentecostal church had added nothing to the message Paul had received directly from the Lord Jesus Christ, Gal. 2:5-6. And finally, Paul states it was decided that he and Barnabas would go to the Gentiles while James, Peter and John went to the Jews, Gal. 2:7-9. Also of note is that whereas the account in Acts 15:2020 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

, 28 & 30 indicates the Pentecostal church in Jerusalem asked the Gentiles to abstain from eating blood, meat offered to idols or of animals strangled and fornication (these things would have offended the believing Jews), in Galatians 2:1010 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

Paul states they were only encouraged to remember God’s poor (the believing Jews in Jerusalem whose funds were depleted as that church was being set aside), which Paul already wished to do.

After spending some time in Antioch Syria Paul suggested to Barnabas they travel back and contact the converts in the cities they had visited before but Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them. Paul didn’t because Mark hadn’t continued the work with them and instead left them in Pamphylia. Paul and Barnabas disagreed to the point they separated with Barnabas taking Mark and going to Cyprus (from where Barnabas originally came, Acts 4:36 & 37) while Paul and Silas went to minister where Paul and Barnabas had been before, Acts 15:3636 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.

-41. This is the last time in Acts we read of Barnabas, Acts 15:3939 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;

. However, Paul does mention him in 1 Corinthians 9:66 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

where Paul writes about the authority they had to live on support from those to whom they ministered, giving the impression they both worked to support themselves, which means the Corinthian Church was familiar with Barnabas even though the Acts account does not mention him there.