St Barnabas the Apostle (Jun 11)

Full of Spirit and Faith

Job 29:11-16; Ps. 112; Acts 11:19-30; John 15:12-17

‘They sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith.’ Acts 11:22-24

The encourager

St Paul, for all his missionary zeal, could not have been the easiest of men with whom to travel. Barnabas and Paul had their differences. But it was Barnabas who first convincingly believed in Paul’s conversion, and stood by him when others were doubtful that the arch-persecutor of the Church could change his spots. It was Barnabas who later accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, with donations for the Church; Barnabas who supported Paul in his altercation with Peter over the Gentiles; Barnabas who defended Mark’s apparent desertion at Perga, and who took the young Mark with him on his next mission to Cyprus, leaving Paul to recruit Silas and go off in the opposite direction. Paul subsequently seems to have forgiven Mark, but his invitation for Mark to join him at Rome during his last imprisonment presupposes that by AD 6o/ 6i Barnabas has died. According to tradition, he suffered martyrdom by stoning at Salamis, on his native Cyprus.

Patron saint of haymakers

Barnabas is revered as the patron saint of Cyprus, haymakers and harvests, his festival occurring at the peak of the haymaking season. In the old calendar, this day was the longest, warmest and sunniest of the year: it is still known as ‘Barnaby Bright’ in some areas. Particularly in parts of Cheshire, ‘Barnaby Fairs’ are still held.

Although not one of the Twelve, Barnabas has quite a high profile in Acts. He began his ministry by selling his entire estate and presenting the money to the Church; from that time forwards, he was a dedicated and disciplined evangelist, allowing Paul the ‘pole position’ on their joint missions, but also able to take the lead – as, for example, when he took the younger Mark to evangelize on his native island of Cyprus. He was a good man to know, and a dependable companion, encourager and friend. As we celebrate his festival, may we, too, ponder whether God is calling us to lead a mission of any kind – or whether he is asking us to support and encourage someone else. The encouragers of this world are not so numerous that their ranks cannot be enlarged. It is an important ministry, and should never be viewed as being ‘low-profile’ or ‘second fiddle’. If Jesus had intended mission to be a one-man band, he would have operated it himself. The fact that he valued the mutual support of the Twelve, the seventy, friends like Lazarus and his sisters at Bethany, and his mother and her team of women who ministered to his team, suggests the very highest value he placed on supportive, encouraging co-ministers. It’s easy to be a criticizer: much harder to be a Barnabas.

Suggested hymns

Father of heaven, whose love profound; God be in my head; Help us to help each other, Lord; When all thy mercies, O my God.