While very little is known about St. Barnabas, whose feast we celebrate today, he seems to be an important figure in the early Church. A companion of St. Paul, it is believed that he was a Jew from Cyprus, and convert to Christianity. He accompanied Paul in his preaching ministry in Antioch and at Cyprus. In the Acts of the Apostles Barnabas have a major role at the Council of Jerusalem.
How does one even reach the Barnabas level of discipleship? There is no apostle application process. From the very beginning it would seem that Barnabas had been a leader in the Christian Church at Jerusalem. A ardent defender of the Gentile converts he proclaimed the foundational truths as expressed in the Gospels. Most certainly Barnabas expressed his convictions to the Word of God on a personal and relational level. Perhaps his imitation of Christ was more as a 'Servant-leader' rather than trying to theologize the Paschal Mystery.
St. Paul sometimes alludes to the fact that he always tried to be gentle in his approach, never pouncing on the communities he served. When he had to challenge the beliefs or lifestyle of the various churches, he followed his own advice and did so with love and charity. We have to imagine that the early Church chose its leaders based on their imitation of the Paschal Mystery. It was those persons who preached and lived the cross which were sent out to proclaim the Gospel.
When we consider the the Council of Jerusalem we see in its final consensus a determination to continue on the context of the Gospels, but not making the faith overwhelming for its converts. What is essential for belief in Jesus, and what is simply piety. These are good questions for us in the Church today as well.
Tradition has it that Barnabas was instrumental in the establishment of the Christian Church in Cyprus. Tradition also holds that he was martyred. Though details of the latter are not real clear. What is evident is his faith-filled leadership and commitment to the truth of the Gospel.
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