Background
It is thought that the apostles called him by the surname Barnabas, possibly meaning "son of exhortation," because of his extraordinary success as a preacher. His missionary labors with Paul in Antioch and with John Mark in Cyprus and Asia Minor are among the earliest evangelical accomplishments of the Church. Although much of his later life and the details of his death are uncertain, tradition represents him as the first bishop of Milan and as having suffered martyrdom in Cyprus. St. Barnabas' feast day is celebrated on June 11.
