Barnabas

Barnabas, whose original name was Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus and one of the earliest converts to Christianity. The Apostles gave him the surname "Barnabas," meaning "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation," in recognition of his generosity and his ability to uplift the nascent community. He played a crucial role by introducing Saul (the future Saint Paul) to the Apostles in Jerusalem. He was Paul's first missionary companion, accompanying him on their first major missionary journey, which took them to Cyprus and Asia Minor, where they evangelized numerous cities and established communities. Although not one of the original Twelve Apostles, he is recognized as an Apostle by the Church for his exceptional role in the early spread of the Gospel. Tradition holds that he was martyred by stoning in Salamis, Cyprus, around 61 AD.