(story told in Acts 4:36-37; 9:27-15:39)
Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” was one of the early believers in the church. Originally named Joseph, he was a Levite from the island of Cyprus. He earned his nickname because of his generous heart and uplifting spirit. When he saw needs among the believers in Jerusalem, he sold a field he owned and gave the money to help those in need. His kindness and faith made him a trusted and respected member of the growing Christian community.
When Saul, later known as Paul, first became a believer, many Christians were afraid of him because of his past persecution of the church. But Barnabas believed in Saul’s transformation. He brought him to the apostles and shared how Saul had boldly preached about Jesus. Because of Barnabas’s faith and encouragement, Saul was welcomed into the fellowship of believers and began his ministry.
Later, the church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to the city of Antioch, where many Gentiles were becoming followers of Jesus. Seeing God’s grace at work, he encouraged them to remain faithful. Barnabas soon brought Paul from Tarsus to help teach and build up the new church. Together they worked for a year, and it was in Antioch that believers were first called “Christians.”
Barnabas and Paul later traveled together on missionary journeys, spreading the gospel and strengthening new churches. They faced challenges and disagreements but remained committed to God’s mission.
Barnabas’s story reminds us of the power of encouragement and generosity. Through his faith, kindness, and belief in others, he helped shape the early church and showed that lifting others up is one of the most powerful ways to serve God.