Barnabas was one of the main disciples in the New Testament era. He was a man of the tribe of Levi, and his real name was Joseph, but people called him Barnabas, meaning "son of encouragement." 
Acts 4:35Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,Acts 4:36having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.Acts 4:37having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
회심을 한 이후 모든 재산을 팔아 교회 공동체에 주고 한 형제로 지내던 중, 핍박자로 유명하던 바울이 회심했다는 이야기를 듣게 된다. 많은 사람들이 여전히 의심하고 두려워하였으나 바나바가 친히 그의 보증인이 되어 주었다.
Acts 9:26But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.Acts 9:27He was with them entering into Jerusalem,
이후 안디옥에 자생적으로 그리스도인들이 생겨났다는 이야기를 득고 교회는 바나바를 보내 살펴보게 하였는데, 보고 난 뒤 바울과 함께 안디옥으로 가 교회를 세우며 사람들에게 말씀을 전파하였다.
Acts 11:20The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.Acts 11:21The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,Acts 11:22who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.Acts 11:23For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.Acts 11:24Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.Acts 11:25When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.Acts 11:26Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
마가의 삼촌이다.
Acts 12:25Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John who was called Mark.