³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas^(A) (which means “son of encouragement”),

²⁷ But Barnabas^(A) took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him,^(B) and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.^(C)

²⁴ He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit^(A) and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.^(B)

²⁵ Then Barnabas went to Tarsus^(C) to look for Saul, ²⁶ and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples^(D) were called Christians first^(E) at Antioch.

²⁷ During this time some prophets^(F) came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ One of them, named Agabus,^(G) stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world.^(H) (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)^{(I) 29} The disciples,^(J) as each one was able, decided to provide help^(K) for the brothers and sisters^(L) living in Judea. ³⁰ This they did, sending their gift to the elders^(M) by Barnabas^(N) and Saul.^(O)

² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,^(A) “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work^(B) to which I have called them.”^{(C) 3} So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them^(D) and sent them off.^(E)

On Cyprus

⁴ The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit,^(F) went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.^{(G) 5} When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God^(H) in the Jewish synagogues.^(I) John^(J) was with them as their helper.

³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark,^(A) with them, ³⁸ but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them^(B) in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. ³⁹ They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,