Barnabas, a Levite originally named Joseph, was one of the early converts to Christianity in Jerusalem. He accompanied Paul on missionary journeys and defended Conversion of Gentiles, and was part of the Council of Jerusalem. Tertullian claimed Barnabas was the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and he is traditionally known as the founder of the Cypriot Church. He was martyred at Salamis in 61 AD.