In chapter four of the Acts of the Apostles, we find the following passage: “There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” This is the first of many references to Barnabas, the saint we celebrate today.
We know he was the one who introduced Paul to the other disciples and that he accompanied Paul on a missionary journey to Asia Minor. When the two entered the city of Lystra, they encountered a man who could not walk, so Paul healed him. Seeing this, the people declared, “‘The gods have come down to us in human form!’ Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates; he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifice.” Of course, Paul and Barnabas were horrified at this and proclaimed to them the Good News of the One True God, but such an event speaks to the charismatic appeal of both these men of God. Later, Barnabas went to Cyprus with Mark and is honored as the founder of the church there. According to tradition, due to his success in converting the people, he kindled the wrath of the Jewish religious leaders, who had him dragged outside the city and stoned to death.
There are many fascinating details about Barnabas’ life, but that moment of courage during his first encounter with Paul speaks of his great faith. As you may recall, the Apostle Paul was not always a believer in Christ. He was present at the stoning of Stephen and even describes himself as someone who persecuted Christians: “I persecuted this Way—that is the Christians—up to the point of death by binding both men and women and putting them in prison, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me.” For this reason, the Christians were very afraid of Paul, but as I mentioned, it was Barnabas who brought Paul to the other disciples in Jerusalem so that Paul might plead his case. So what convinced Barnabas that Paul had truly converted and wasn’t just playing some charade to get to the leaders of the Christians?
In our Gospel reading today, Jesus said, “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” When we hear this passage, we often think that we as Christians must be on our guard against those who wish to bring us harm or destroy our faith. While that is true, we sometimes get so caught up in hearing that part of the message that we miss the “innocent as doves” piece. The “wise as serpents” reminds us how to interact with the world, but the “innocent as doves” tells us that we are also to be like Jesus. We are to be on our guard, but we can never escape the fact that in the midst of it all—good and evil—we are to be like Jesus, willing to sacrifice it all for the sake of the Gospel.
Barnabas understood Paul’s reputation. He had good reason to fear him and what he might do, but he also knew Jesus and his message: “Your sins are forgiven.” By accepting Paul, Barnabas extended the same grace that he knew he had received himself.
Like Barnabas, we must be “wise as serpents,” but like him, we should never forget to be “innocent as doves.” Through this virtue, we reflect the nature of Christ.
Candle in a Cave 