Acts 4:36

BARNABAS

‘Barnabas, (which is being interpreted, The son of consolation).’

Acts 4:36

The name Barnabas may be equally translated ‘Son of Prophecy’ or ‘Son of Consolation.’ We cling to the latter, having grown up with it in our authorised version and having felt its appeal to the needs of our human nature. It is because of his name and character as consoler that St. Barnabas has been chosen in recent years as the patron of that band of workers who minister to the needs of the sick and suffering, some among them being able to minister to the troubled spirit as well as to the weary body, thus proving themselves true Sisters of Consolation and following their patron in his twofold ministry.

Let us trace this ministry in its double aspect.

I. First, his ministrations to bodily needs.—‘Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.’ The fund to which he thus contributed was administered to supply the needs of those who had forfeited the means of livelihood through embracing the Christian faith. Again, he ministered to the relief of ‘the brethren which dwelt in Judæa’ (Acts 11:27).

II. And now to turn to his spiritual ministrations.—We find him (Acts 11:22) sent to Antioch to strengthen and stablish the fresh converts in their faith; and read that he ‘exhorted them all, that … they would cleave unto the Lord,’ no doubt saving many from lapsing under the first strain of persecution and contempt. A few years later we find him specially chosen by the Holy Spirit with St. Paul for definite missionary work; and it is from that time that we find these two given the title and dignity of Apostles. It is interesting to notice that their first sphere of work was in St. Barnabas’ native land, where his countrymen were steeped in idolatry and all manner of luxury and vice. At Paphos, owing probably to the former position of Barnabas in the island, they were sent for by the governor, who ‘desired to hear the word of God,’ with the happy result of his conversion and baptism. From Paphos they returned to the mainland, visiting Perga and Antioch in Pisidia, where, as at the other Antioch, St. Barnabas, now aided by St. Paul, ministered to the Christian converts, persuading them ‘to continue in the grace of God’ (Acts 13:43).

—A. N. Vizard.