There is St. Paul whom scripture calls “apostle”. There is Mathias, the replacement for Judas Iscariot. And there is today’s saint, Barnabas.
A Jew from the island of Cyprus. His birth name was Joseph. He is believed to be possibly the cousin of St. Mark, the evangelist, and was one of the earliest disciples. The fact that he can be an apostles establishes the fact that he was an eyewitness to the earthly ministry of Jesus.
It strikes me that he may be a better model that Paul for most of us.
In the New Testament Paul is everywhere and his letters make up the bulk of the New Testament. Barnabas is there but in a quieter role. He is the one who accompanies Paul. He inhabits the background of the story, and only occasionally emerges. He is called, not nabi –the prophet , but bar nabia –the son of the prophet.
In a world where it is possible classify “influencer” as a profession, and people’s sense of self is all too often tied to the number of “likes” or “follower” a person has, perhaps we need a Barnabas. He reminds us that it is ok to be quiet, it is ok to remain in the background. Great things can be accomplished behind the scenes.
