Saint Barnabas the Apostle

The Collect
Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well-being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

~BCP, p. 241

The Psalm
112

The Readings
Isaiah 42:5-12     +     Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3     +     Matthew 10:7-16

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13:2-3

When we think of 'the holy apostles' we often think of the twelve disciples that Jesus gathered around him during his ministry, and whom he then sent out (as we heard this past Sunday) to proclaim the gospel. But the New Testament also identifies some others as apostles, a word that literally means 'one who is sent off'--in this case, sent as a messenger of the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul is the most well known apostle (indeed, Paul is traditionally referred to as 'The Apostle') who was not one of the Twelve, but Barnabas is another one of these. He appears several times in the New Testament, usually as a companion to Paul. 

At the Grow Christians blog, Benjamin Gildas reflects on Barnabas, and what his ministry speaks to us about being people of encouragement and support today.

When we think about the incredible ministry of the Apostle Paul and the legacy he left behind of planting churches around the Mediterranean and leaving us his letters in the New Testament, we must also remember “the other guy,” or better yet, the Son of Encouragement that had Paul’s back throughout his ministry.

Sometimes being “the other guy” is the most important role we can play. Sometimes, being a child of encouragement, providing support, love, and care for someone else’s ministry is the gift God is calling us to give. Sometimes, standing up for someone else is dangerous, and the bravest thing that we can do.

Read the rest here.

Closing Prayer
O God, you manifest in your servants the signs of your presence: Send forth upon us the Spirit of love, that in companionship with one another your abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ BCP, p. 125