a vague, unauthenticated tradition that he was one of the "Seventy" whom our Lord sent forth on an evangelistic tour during his own earthly ministry. But the fact that he is not mentioned in any of the four Gospels makes this more than doubtful; for a man of his ability would not have been likely to remain in the background had he been personally associated with Christ. Besides this. his flaming zeal when we first make his acquaintance in the Acts would lead us to believe that he was a new convert, possibly one of the number who found Christ on the day of Pentecost.

We first find Barnabas at Jerusalem already a Christian, one of that number who, in those early days, having possessions, sold them and laid the money at the Apostles' feet. This gives us at the start something of an insight into his character. His conversion marked the consecration of his all. Henceforth he himself and everything he possessed Iwas to be laid on the altar of sacrifice. In this connection we are informed that he was a Levite, a native of the island of Cyprus; and the inference is that his wealth was considerable and his social standing high. It later appears that he was a man of charming physical presence, for at Lystra when he and Paul were taken for gods it was he who was called Jupiter, evidently a tribute to his royal and commanding personality.

This, however, was but one of his minor claims to distinction. In the graces of oratory he probably had but one rival among all the New Testament

preachers, I refer to Apollos. So remarkable was his eloquence that the Apostles themselves surnamed him "Barnabas," that is. "Son of Exhortation" a name which was immediately and universally substituted for that of Joses by which he was originally known.

To magnificence of person and splendor of oratory were joined such irreproachable character and flaming zeal that their possessor became at once one of the mightiest forces of the early church. It is doubtful if Barnabas has, even yet, received due recognition for his indispensable services to Christianity. The fame of Paul has so far overtopped his own that few measure the greatness that was his, or render him the appreciation they should. It shall be part of our task to isolate his resplendent name, count up his services, and contemplate the greatness of his achievements. In doing this we shall but render him his due, and, at the same time, bring still another tribute to the greatness of St. Paul himself, whose genius tends to dwarf the fame of the eminent men with whom he labored, and whom, as friends, he took into his heart of hearts.

II

Barnabas's Dominant Characteristics in His Relation to Other Men--The Trust He Reposed in Them and They in Him.

This might be called the keynote to his character and career. It appears at every stage of his life. It

was this which made him a marked man.

It was

this which made possible his splendid services. He acted upon this principle of confidence in his fellow men when the grounds for so doing were the slightest; at times, even, when it seemed unjustifiable, nay more, dangerous to himself and hazardous to the cause for which he stood. Yet trust men he would and did, whatever the cost to himself, whatever the potential menace to his career; and in every case his judgment and confidence were justified by the event. Thus he gave other men their opportunity in life, thus made Christianity forever debtor to the magnanimity of his heart and splendor of his moral courage.

The first exhibition of this confidence he had in others and others in him, was manifested when Paul visited Jerusalem for the first time after his conversion. Already Paul had attempted to preach at Damascus, but had speedily been driven forth from the city. Coming down to Jerusalem he at once endeavored to join himself to the little Christian community in that city. But every person in it, including the Apostles themselves, were afraid of him and would have nothing to do with him. It looked for a time as though, not the enemies of the Cross, but its friends and defenders, were to render impossible the entrance of the new convert into the Christian fold and into the field of Christian service. All men looked askance at Paul. They suspected his motives. They feared his designs. The last they had known of him he was their bitterest foe. He had consented unto the death of Stephen

and had gone to Damascus breathing forth threatenings and slaughter. He had made havoc of the church, persecuting its members even unto strange cities, compelling them to blaspheme, haling them both men and women to the death.

Now they would not trust his pretenses to having been converted. Never should the wolf which had scattered the flock be admitted to the inmost fold itself. Here then was a crisis for the new convert Paul. His word was disbelieved. No argument he could use convinced the Apostles of his change of heart and purpose. Apparently no man would trust him. Just then when all was blackest, when every door seemed closed in his face forever, Barnabas hears of the matter. He seeks out Paul, listens to his story, believes it and believes in Paul, takes the outcast by the hand and, defying public opinion.. boldly declares in the face of all men his confidence in the fugitive from Damascus. And then what a change took place in public opinion! The Apostles knew Barnabas and believed in him, and on his mere word they received into their company and took to their hearts him who but a short time before had been their deadliest enemy. What a tribute to Barnabas's confidence in others and to the confidence of others in him. Thus he became "the discoverer of Paul" the Christian. Later we shall see him the discoverer of Paul the Preacher.

Soon after this another occasion arose which illustrates the confidence the Apostles and entire Jerusalem church had in Barnabas; a confidence both in his

character and in his tact and ability. "Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them

were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem."

Now that piece of news caused a sensation among the conservative members of the Jewish Christian church. They were always exceedingly watchful and suspicious of any movement not directly under their own eye and supervision. They could scarcely trust the independent acts of their own most capable leaders. Whenever they heard of a work of grace anywhere, they always sent an investigating committee to examine and report; or else summoned the leader or leaders of such a movement to answer before the bar of their judgment seat.

Philip, one of the deacons they themselves had ordained, later preached with marked success down in Samaria and conducted a great revival there. And we read concerning that work: "Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John." Soon after this Peter himself received into the Christian fold by baptism