# Barnabas

> early Christian disciple and bishop

**Wikidata**: [Q185856](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q185856)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnabas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barnabas

## Summary
Barnabas was an early Christian disciple and bishop, recognized as a key figure in the spread of Christianity. He is traditionally identified as one of the seventy disciples of Jesus and later served as a presbyter and leader in the early Church, particularly in Cyprus. His legacy includes associations with New Testament apocrypha and the founding of Christian communities.

## Biography
- **Born**: Circa 1st century (exact date unknown)
- **Nationality**: Likely from Cyprus (associated with the Church of Cyprus)
- **Known for**: Being an early Christian disciple, bishop, and one of the seventy disciples of Jesus
- **Employer(s)**: Church of Cyprus (from 431 CE onward)
- **Field(s)**: Christian ministry, discipleship, ecclesiastical leadership

## Contributions
- **Early Christian Leadership**: Barnabas is credited as one of the seventy disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, playing a foundational role in the early Christian movement.
- **Apocryphal Texts**: The *Acts of Barnabas*, a New Testament apocryphal text, is attributed to him, contributing to early Christian literature.
- **Ecclesiastical Influence**: He is associated with the establishment of the Church of Cyprus, which became a significant Christian jurisdiction in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
- **Cultural Legacy**: Multiple churches, including *San Barnaba* in Florence (founded 1401) and *San Barnaba apostolo* in Marino, Lazio (founded 1640), are named in his honor.

## FAQs
**Who was Barnabas in the Bible?**
Barnabas was an early Christian disciple, traditionally listed among the seventy followers of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. He later became a bishop and played a key role in the early Church.

**What is the *Acts of Barnabas*?**
It is a New Testament apocryphal text claimed to be written by Barnabas, offering additional narratives about early Christian teachings and events.

**How is Barnabas connected to Cyprus?**
He is closely associated with the Church of Cyprus, which was formally established in 431 CE, and is considered a foundational figure in its Christian tradition.

**Are there churches named after Barnabas?**
Yes, notable examples include *San Barnaba* in Florence (1401) and *San Barnaba apostolo* in Marino, Lazio (1640), both in Italy.

## Why They Matter
Barnabas’s influence extends beyond his lifetime as a bridge between the apostolic era and the institutional Church. His leadership helped solidify early Christian communities, particularly in Cyprus, where the Church of Cyprus became a lasting Eastern Orthodox jurisdiction. The apocryphal *Acts of Barnabas* also provides historical insight into early Christian thought, while churches bearing his name preserve his legacy in Christian architecture and devotion.

## Notable For
- Being one of the seventy disciples of Jesus (Gospel of Luke)
- Serving as a presbyter and bishop in the early Church
- Association with the *Acts of Barnabas*, a New Testament apocryphal text
- Foundational role in the Church of Cyprus (established 431 CE)
- Namesake of multiple historic churches, including *San Barnaba* (Florence) and *San Barnaba apostolo* (Marino, Lazio)

## Body
### Early Life and Discipleship
Barnabas, also known by the aliases *Joseph the Levite* and *Joses the Levite*, was an early follower of Jesus Christ. He is traditionally identified as one of the seventy disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:1–24), a group sent by Jesus to spread his teachings. His early involvement in the Christian movement positioned him as a key figure in the transition from Jesus’s ministry to the organized Church.

### Ecclesiastical Leadership
Barnabas’s role evolved from disciple to ecclesiastical leader. He is recognized as a presbyter (elder) and later as a bishop, particularly in Cyprus. The Church of Cyprus, formally established in 431 CE, traces its origins to his influence, making him a pivotal figure in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. His leadership helped shape the administrative and theological foundations of the early Church in the region.

### Literary and Apocryphal Contributions
The *Acts of Barnabas*, a New Testament apocryphal text, is attributed to him. While not part of the canonical Bible, this work contributes to the understanding of early Christian narratives and traditions. The text reflects the theological and missionary concerns of the post-apostolic era, offering additional perspectives on the spread of Christianity.

### Cultural and Architectural Legacy
Barnabas’s impact is also evident in Christian architecture. The church *San Barnaba* in Florence, Italy, founded in 1401, and *San Barnaba apostolo* in Marino, Lazio, founded in 1640, are named in his honor. These structures serve as physical testaments to his enduring influence in Christian devotion and history.

### Historical and Theological Significance
As a bridge between the apostolic age and the institutional Church, Barnabas’s contributions are both historical and theological. His work in Cyprus and his association with early Christian texts highlight his role in preserving and propagating the faith. The Church of Cyprus, under his influence, became a center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, further cementing his legacy.

### Identifiers and References
Barnabas is referenced in numerous catalogs and databases, including:
- **Wikidata**: Q40304 (member of the seventy disciples)
- **Library of Congress**: n50065733
- **Virtual International Authority File (VIAF)**: 279907297
- **GND (Germany)**: 118652559
- **BNF (France)**: 119575666
- **Open Library**: OL4476891A

These identifiers reflect his widespread recognition in historical, religious, and academic contexts.

## References

1. Source
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. CiNii Research
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Calendarium Romanum Generale (1969)
6. general catalog of BnF
7. CERL Thesaurus
8. A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints
9. [Source](https://brewiarz.pl/czytelnia/swieci/06-29.php3)
10. Enciclopedia Treccani
11. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aistich.php)
12. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Barnaba;3874504.html)