Gospel in Art: Saint Barnabas, Apostle

The Life of St Paul: Paul and Barnabas Taken for Gods, Anonymous Painter, commissioned in 1855, Painted Circa 1857-60, © Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 11 June 2025
Matthew 5:17-19

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: 'Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.'

Reflection on the Fresco Painting

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Barnabas, one of the earliest and most courageous missionaries of the Church. Though not one of the Twelve, he is given the title apostle in the Acts of the Apostles for his foundational role in spreading the Gospel. Barnabas was a close companion of Saint Paul, and together they journeyed across the ancient world, bringing the message of Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. One of the most striking episodes from their missionary travels is found in Acts 14:8-18, which is the scene depicted in our fresco painting.

We see Paul and Barnabas on the left in the city of Lystra, where Paul has just healed a man who had been crippled from birth ( he is shown in the bottom right corner). The miracle sparks an unexpected and chaotic response. The people of Lystra, steeped in local mythology, believe the two apostles to be gods in disguise, identifying Barnabas with Zeus and Paul with Hermes, the messenger god. Their reaction was likely influenced by a well-known story from Ovid's Metamorphoses, in which Zeus and Hermes once visited the region in human form. According to the myth, the townspeople failed to offer them hospitality and were destroyed, while only a poor couple was spared. Fearing a repeat of this fate, the Lystrians attempt to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. But Paul, arms raised in protest as seen in the painting, urgently cries out: "We are of the same nature as you - human beings!"

This dramatic moment is just one of many from the life of Barnabas, whose boldness, faith, and trust in others shine throughout the Acts of the Apostles. When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his conversion, many Christians feared him as the former persecutor of the Church. But Barnabas, guided by the Holy Spirit, saw beyond Paul's past and took a risk on him, introducing him to the apostles and vouching for his sincerity. Their partnership would go on to bear great fruit, especially in Antioch, where Barnabas was among the founders of the Church there, and where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians.

Saint Barnabas reminds us of the power of encouragement, hospitality, and missionary zeal. He was willing to risk everything - reputation, comfort, even his life - to proclaim the Good News. He used his gifts to build up the Church, and he did so with humility and joy, always pointing away from himself and toward the living God. May we, like him, recognise the call to lift others up, to give generously of ourselves, and to bring the light of Christ to those who need it most.

Saint Barnabas, pray for us.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-5-17-19-2025-2/ (with audio)

See also: Video: The Mystery of Pentecost in Music - Tallis and the sound of the Holy Spirit www.youtube.com/watch?v=LobvcLTgfE8