Barnabas
Barnabas, also known as Joseph or Joses, was a Levite from Cyprus who played a significant role in the early church and accompanied Paul on missionary journeys.
Barnabas, born Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus who sold a field and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet, earning the nickname 'Son of Encouragement' (Acts 4:36–37). He was instrumental in integrating Paul into the Jerusalem church after his conversion, vouching for the formerly feared persecutor (Acts 9:27). He was sent to Antioch to investigate the growing Gentile church and then recruited Paul from Tarsus to help lead it (Acts 11:22–26). He and Paul undertook the first missionary journey together (Acts 13–14), visiting Cyprus and southern Asia Minor. After a sharp disagreement over John Mark's reliability (Acts 15:36–41), they parted ways; Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus while Paul chose Silas. He is likely the author of the Epistle of Barnabas, though this is disputed by scholars.