BARNABAS (bar'na-băs, Gr. Barnabas, explained in Acts.4.36 to mean son of exhortation or consolation). The surname of Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, who was an early convert to Christianity. He sold a field and gave the proceeds to the support of the poorer members of the church in Jerusalem (Acts.4.36ff.). In Acts.11.24 he is described as “a good man and full of the [[Holy Spirit]] and faith,” traits that early brought him into leadership. When the church in Jerusalem hesitated to receive Paul into their fellowship, Barnabas removed their fears by speaking in the apostle’s behalf (Acts.9.27).