QUESTION: What was the original name of the apostle called Barnabas?

ANSWER: Barnabas was not an apostle in the sense that Paul and the twelve were. The word “apostle” literally means “one sent out.” It is in this sense that Barnabas is referred to as an apostle in Acts 14:14. In Acts 4:36, we see him identified by the name Joses and surnamed Barnabas (The son of consolation) by the apostles.