Barnabus: The Unsung Hero and His Legacy

by Douglas Reece

Within the family circle, Barnabas’s character likely began to take shape. We can imagine the influence of his parents, whose faith and example undoubtedly served as a powerful guide. Their conversations, prayers, and actions would have imparted invaluable lessons about faith, compassion, and the importance of community. Were there siblings? Did he have brothers or sisters who shared his upbringing, shaping his personality through sibling rivalry or sibling love? The dynamics within the family, the interactions, and the shared joys and sorrows—all contributed to the mosaic of his character. Did he have an older sibling, perhaps a brother, who mentored him in the ways of Jewish tradition?

Or a younger sister whose innocence and vulnerability ignited his innate compassion? These are questions that tantalize the imagination and illuminate the potential depth of his family life. We can envision family gatherings filled with the warmth of familial affection and the richness of shared traditions. These ordinary and extraordinary moments helped shape the compassion and understanding that would become hallmarks of his future ministry.

The family's religious observance was not confined to the home.

332 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2025