St. Barnabas on the Danforth

Today is St. Barnabas Day (though we will celebrate on Sunday!) Did you know that without Barnabas's encouragement, Paul may not have set out on his missionary journeys, and the church might have been very different?

Born in Cyprus, St. Barnabas was a Jew living in Jerusalem when he joined the company of those who believed in Jesus. His real name was Joseph, but the other apostles called him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement,” because he sold a field which belonged to him and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. By this act he encouraged the other disciples to provide for the good of the whole community.

According to the Book of Acts, Barnabas was the one who introduced Paul to the twelve apostles. Later he moved to Antioch (in modern day Turkey) and, again acting as an encourager, he went and sought out Paul in Tarsus to help him lead the Church in Antioch. From there Paul and Barnabas set out on a great missionary journey through the cities of Asia Minor and Greece. Without Barabas’ encouragement, one wonders if Paul would have become such an influential figure in the early Church.

After their great journey, Barnabas and Paul had a falling about continuing the mission: Barnabas returned to Cyprus with Mark, and Paul went his own way. Barnabas spent the rest of his days preaching in Cyprus. It is believed that he was martyred there, which is why his feast day is celebrated with red vestments and altar hangings. He is the patron saint of Cyprus.

Some sources suggest Barnabas wrote the Letter to the Hebrews, but there little evidence of this - but if Barnabas had written letters perhaps he would be remembered with the same esteem as Paul, his partner in ministry!

St. Barnabas is the patron saint of peacemakers.

Image is the St. Barnabas window at St. Barnabas Church on the Danforth.

"Maybe you are thinking – who me? You can’t really want me! You can’t really want to heal me. You can’t really love me. You can’t really want me to serve. And God replies : 'Yes, you, my beloved child. Yes, you!' - Rev. Louise reflecting this morning on how God gets involved in the lives of all kinds of people - like you and me!

St. Barnabas on the Danforth Live Sunday June 7, 2026 10:30am Service "Who me? Surely not me!”- Sermon by Rev. Louise Dightam at St Barn...