The story of the Apostles Barnabas and Paul of Antioch

Introduction. Antioch occupies a significant part of Hellenistic history. Located in the Middle East, it became the cradle of one of the oldest Christian churches Antioch. This article analyzes the history of Antioch in the period from 40 to 46 AD, when Barnabas and Paul actively conducted their apostolic activities in the country according to the Christian religion and the church in Antioch. Materials and Methods. The main historical source for this period is the Christian Bible, as well as canonical texts that reveal the life and work of the apostles Barnabas and Paul. First of all, the Gospel of Barnabas and the Epistle of Barnabas should be noted. The last work is non-canonical, as it freely and allegorically interprets biblical texts. However, Clement of Alexandria and Origen addressed this treatise (Epistle), and Eusebius of Caesarea, despite doubts about authenticity, left it among the readers. It is important to note that the historicity of biblical events in terms of coverage of church construction and the spread of Christianity is beyond doubt. The article uses the historical and genetic method, the biographical method, as well as the methodology of the history of religions. Analysis. Based on the sources and historiography of the issue, the article analyzes the activities of Barnabas and Paul in the organization of the Church of Antioch, as well as the role of this church and its traditions in the general history of Christianity. Against the background of a weakening trend towards Christianization in Jerusalem, Antioch, through the efforts of the apostles Barnabas and Paul, became one of the main centers of Christianity. Moreover, sources first report Christianity in Antioch as a separate movement. Results. I t was Barnabas who was sent to Antioch in order to take care of the community of believers created there and actively growing. It was the activities of Barnabas and Paul who joined him that became key in the formation of the basic principles of the Christian community in Antioch. The article also notes the significant role of Barnabas in the history of the Church of Antioch, which remains underestimated.