Saint Barnabas the Apostle was an early Christian disciple and a prominent leader in the early church at Jerusalem, known as a man of great faith and full of the Holy Spirit. Originally named Joseph, he was given the surname Barnabas, which translates to son of encouragement, because of his generous spirit and his ability to uplift others. He played a crucial role in vouching for the newly converted Paul and bringing him into the fellowship of the apostles, and he later became Paul's companion on his first missionary journey. His feast day is celebrated annually on June 11.