PAUL AND BARNABAS
S H Y SIE F E R N A N D E Z , S O P HIA LIM, MIGNON DULAY
A story of Friendship
Paul and Barnabas shared a significant friendship
within the context of early Christian history. Their
story begins when Paul, then known as Saul, was still
persecuting Christians. After his dramatic conversion
on the road to Damascus, Paul faced skepticism and
fear from the Christian community because of his
previous persecution.
Barnabas, recognized as a respected and trusted
figure within the church, played a crucial role in
Paul's acceptance into the Christian community. He
brought Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem, vouching
for the authenticity of Paul's conversion and acting
as a bridge between the suspicious apostles and the
newly converted Paul.
Their friendship grew as they embarked on several missionary journeys
together. They traveled extensively, preaching the Gospel, establishing
churches, and facing various challenges in their mission to spread
Christianity.
The account in Acts 15:36-41 highlights a significant
disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark's
involvement in their missionary work. This disagreement led to a
temporary separation in their partnership, with Barnabas
choosing to take Mark with him, while Paul selected Silas
as his companion.
What do you consider significant in
the friendship between your chosen
characters? Despite this dispute, indications in Paul's later letters suggest a
continued positive regard for Barnabas. For instance, Paul mentions
Barnabas in his letters to the Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians, and
Philemon, indicating a continued connection or reconciliation between
them.
Their friendship was marked by mutual support, trust, and shared
dedication to spreading the message of Christianity. Both figures played
critical roles in the early Christian community, with Barnabas serving as
a mediator and facilitator for Paul's acceptance among the apostles and
Paul becoming a prominent voice in the growth of Christianity.
The qualities of friendship that Paul and Barnabas portrays that from WhAt are the qualities
of friendship did they
the beginning Paul was against the Lord, however, his beliefs started
to change and grew closer to God. No one believe him, that from a
non-believer he would soon believe in God. But there is one person
exemplify? How?
that trusted him and it was none other than Barnabas. As they
became the Apostles of Jesus, they have traveled to many different
places to bring the good news.
Moreover, Barnabas is much older than Paul, so he became his
mentor. They exchange their understanding about God, as well as
Barnabas teaching Paul more about it. There Friendship grew
stronger day by day, but suddenly they parted ways due to one
conflict. However, they still remained their goal or mission which is
to spread the good news of God. In the end, they forgave each other
and Paul included them in his letters.
It shows that no matter how close you are with someone, there would
always come a time of misunderstanding or conflict. Because in every
relationship there are obstacles that you need to face. And once
you've overcome those obstacles we could say that it's true
friendship. It also portrays that if whether we are right or wrong, we
should always forgive and to lessen our pride. Our pride can easily
break the relationship we have from our peers. That's why it's better
to forgive than to feel regret.
With which character do you identify
yourself as a friend? Why?
We resonate with Barnabas, a character who willfully chose to put forgiveness above grievance by being
vocal about his decision to take John Mark with him during his mission to spread the gospel of the Lord
despite his act of leaving the two at a point during their journey.
Although Barnabas differed with Paul regarding John Mark, he showed a readiness to provide Mark with
another opportunity, demonstrating his commitment to understanding and the possibility of redemption.
This act exemplifies Barnabas' empathetic nature and capacity for compassion towards others. Additionally,
he earned the nickname "Son of Encouragement" due to his exceptional ability to foster positivity and offer
encouragement to those around him. With an acute sensitivity towards the well-being of others, he was
adept at identifying latent talents and potential within individuals and actively worked to amplify their
strengths. In our perspective, striving to develop Barnabas’ values and characteristics can help in our
formation as apostles of Jesus on Earth. We see it as vital and right to see ourselves as equals of one
another, forgiving each other for humane things and embodying Barnabas’ qualities.
THANK YOU!
B Y : SH Y S I E F E R N A N D E Z , S OPHIA LIM, MIGNON DULA Y
