Barnabas, Saint. A teacher of Christianity, contemporary with the apostles; was a Levite, and a native of Cyprus. His original name is believed to have been Joseph; that of Barnabas, or "Son of Consolation," was subsequently conferred on him by the disciples. He was one of those who, after the resurrection, sold their property, and laid the price of it at the apostles' feet. It was by him that St. Paul was presented to the other apostles, three years after his conversion. He is described by St. Luke as a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. It is said that he was stoned to death by the Jews of Cyprus where, it is added, in the reign of the Emperor Zeno, about 488, his body was discovered with the Gospel of St. Matthew, written in Greek, upon his breast.

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