Paul and Barnabas were seasoned missionaries and well-acquainted companions long before their first formal missionary journey.
Within three years after Paul's conversion - which included a lengthy period of him being taught the gospel - he and Barnabas met, probably at Damascus. It was Barnabas who introduced Paul to the apostles at Jerusalem.Years later, they traveled to Antioch and Jerusalem before returning to Antioch where they started their mission. Previous to their mission, they preached in several cities near the Mediterranean coast. (See adjacent map.)
By the time the pair's formal missionary journey began, the convert-turned-Apostle Paul had some 12 years of experience behind him, and Barnabas had even more. (See adjacent article.)
"Some biographies romanticize Paul as meditating for a long period after conversion, but [the book ofT Acts leaves no room for this," wrote Richard Lloyd Anderson in Understanding Paul. "Paul's days of quiet study were long over; he summed up his years after conversion: `I labored more abundantly than they all.' " (1 Cor. 15:10.)
As with Paul, modern-day missionaries are encouraged to prepare early and well for missionary service.
"The home is the seedbed for the preparation of young men," said President Ezra Taft Benson in the April 1985 general conference. "And every young man should be prepared in his home to serve.
"Early preparation consists of teaching a young boy how to pray, reading him stories from the Book of Mormon and other scriptures, having home evenings and giving him a portion of the lesson, teaching him principles of moral cleanliness, starting a savings account for his future mission, teaching him how to work, and providing opportunities to serve others. . . .
"For our teenage young men and women, one of the best preparations for a mission is provided by the Church through seminary and institute of religion classes."
(Additional information)
Barnabas - 'a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost'
Barnabas and Paul seem to have been well-fitted as missionary companions.
They were called by the Holy Ghost, which instructed, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." (Act 13:2.)
Paul, the zealous convert who evidently seized every opportunity to preach, joined the steady and long-time member Barnabas, or "Son of Consolation." Barnabas is first mentioned in the book of Acts as a willing participant when the united order was introduced among the early saints. He joined others in selling his home and property "and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." (Acts 4:36.)
A Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas was probably large and impressive in stature, for he was later once mistaken for Jupiter, the most powerful of the Roman gods.(14:12.) He is described as "a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and faith." (Acts 11:24.)
Although both Paul and Barnabas are referred to as apostles, Barnabas was not one of the Twelve, according to the LDS Bible Dictionary.
When the question of circumcision arose and began dividing the early saints, Paul and Barnabas played important roles. They were selected by Peter to carry a letter to inform the saints in distant cities that circumcision was done away with.
The epistle described the pair as "our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 15:25-26.)
Other references made to Barnabas indicate that he was a faithful missionary.
(Additional information)
Preaching gospel to gentiles made worldwide impact
Taking the gospel to the gentiles was a significant event in the development of the early Church.
The revelation to take the gospel beyond the Jewish people came to Peter, the chief apostle, who was shown a vision of "all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air" and told to "kill and eat."
Peter objected because the beasts were considered unclean by Jewish law. His remonstrance was overcome by the Lord's far-reaching instruction:
"What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." (Acts 10:10-15.)
This revelation to Peter lends itself to be compared with the priesthood revelation of June 9, 1978, received by President Spencer W. Kimball. Each revelation was accepted in great excitement by the members. Each opened new vistas of possibilities for missionary work. And the Church acted immediately upon each, with great energy and many subsequent conversions.
Both revelations harmonize with the teachings of the Savior to "be one," (John 17:21), and to "teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matt. 28:19.)
And while the first has resulted, two millennia later, in millions calling themselves Christians, the impact of the second is just beginning.
When Peter met the devout Cornelius Peter observed:
"Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
"But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Acts 10:35-36.)
The Church Educational System's New Testament student manual explains that when the scripture refers to the word person, that it "was derived from the Latin persona which meant mask, and referred to the masks worn by the actors in a drama. Thus, the original connotation of person was the outward appearance or circumstances of the individual, including status, wealth, position, dress or physical appearance." (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, p. 254.)
When the early disciples heard Peter explain to them his vision and the commandment of the Lord, "they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." (Acts 11:18.)
(Additional information)
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by John L. Hart
Sources: LDS Bible Dictionary, Understanding Paul, by Richard Lloyd Anderson; The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles (Church Educational System student manual); April 1986 general conference report.
