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Barnabas's Profile
Every group needs an
"encourager," because everyone needs encouragement at one time or another.
However, the value of encouragement is often missed because it tends to be
private rather than public. In fact, people most need encouragement when they
feel most alone. A man named Joseph was such an encourager that he earned the
nickname "Son of Encouragement," or Barnabas, from the Jerusalem
Christians.
Barnabas was drawn to people he could encourage, and he was a
great help to those around him. It is delightful that wherever Barnabas
encouraged Christians, non-Christians flocked to become believers!
Barnabas's actions were crucial to the early church. In a
way, we can thank him for most of the New Testament. God used his relationship
with Paul at one point and with Mark at another to keep these two men going when
either might have failed. Barnabas did wonders with encouragement!
When Paul arrived in Jerusalem for the first time following
his conversion, the local Christians were understandably reluctant to welcome
him. They thought his story was a trick to capture more Christians. Only
Barnabas proved willing to risk his life to meet with Paul and then convince the
others that their former enemy was now a vibrant believer in Jesus. We can only
wonder what might have happened to Paul without Barnabas.
It was Barnabas who encouraged Mark to go with him and Paul
to Antioch. Mark joined them on their first missionary journey, but decided
during the trip to return home. Later, Barnabas wanted to invite Mark to join
them for another journey, but Paul would not agree. As a result, the partners
went separate ways, Barnabas with Mark and Paul with Silas. This actually
doubled the missionary effort. Barnabas's patient encouragement was confirmed by
Mark's eventual effective ministry. Paul and Mark were later reunited in
missionary efforts.
As Barnabas's life shows, we are rarely in a situation where
there isn't someone we can encourage. Our tendency, however, is to criticize
instead. It may be important at times to point out someone's shortcomings, but
before we have the right to do this, we must build that person's trust through
encouragement. Are you prepared to encourage those with whom you come in contact
today?
Barnabas's Strengths and Accomplishments
1. One of the first to sell possessions to help
the Christians in Jerusalem
2. First to travel with Paul as a missionary team
3. Was an encourager, as his nickname shows, and thus one of the most quietly
influential people in the early days of Christianity
4. Called an apostle, although not one of the original 12
Barnabas's Weakness and Mistake
1. With Peter, temporarily stayed aloof from
Gentile believers until Paul corrected him
Lessons from Barnabas's Life
1. Encouragement is one of the most effective
ways to help
2. Sooner or later, true obedience to God will involve risk
3. There is always someone who needs encouragement
Barnabas's Vital Statistics
1. Where: Cyprus, Jerusalem, Antioch
2. Occupations: Missionary, teacher
3. Relatives: Aunt: Mary. Cousin: John Mark
4. Contemporaries: Peter, Silas, Paul, Herod Agrippa I
Key Verses
"When he arrived and saw the evidence of the
grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord
with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and
a great number of people were brought to the Lord" (Acts 11:23, 24).
Barnabas's story is told in Acts 4:36, 37; Acts
9:27-15:39. He is also mentioned in 1st Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:1, 9, 13;
Colossians 4:10.
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