Barnabas’s story is told in Acts 4:36-37; 9:27-15:39
Barnabas – The Encourager of the Early Church
When we think of famous names in the Bible, Paul, Peter, and John might come to mind. But one man quietly played a big role in the growth of the early church: Barnabas. His name means “Son of Encouragement,” and his life truly reflected that meaning. Let’s take a closer look at who Barnabas was and what we can learn from him.
Who Was Barnabas?
Barnabas was a Jewish man from the island of Cyprus. He was a Levite, which means he came from the tribe of people who helped in the temple. After hearing about Jesus, Barnabas became a follower and was known for his strong faith and kind heart. The apostles trusted him and gave him the nickname “Son of Encouragement.”
A Generous and Supportive Man
One of the first things we learn about Barnabas is his generosity. He owned a piece of land, sold it, and gave all the money to the apostles to help those in need (Acts 4:36–37). This simple act showed his deep care for others and his willingness to support the church in any way he could.
Standing with Paul
After Saul (who later became known as Paul) became a follower of Jesus, many believers were afraid of him. They remembered how he had once hunted down Christians. But Barnabas believed in Paul’s change. He stood by him, brought him to the apostles, and explained how Paul had seen the Lord and boldly preached about Him. Without Barnabas, Paul might not have been welcomed so quickly into the church.
Spreading the Good News
Barnabas and Paul soon became ministry partners. They traveled together to preach the message of Jesus, especially to people who were not Jewish. In the city of Antioch, they spent a whole year teaching others about Jesus. It was there that believers were first called “Christians.”
Barnabas helped grow the church through teaching, traveling, and supporting new believers wherever he went.
Giving People Another Chance
Later, Barnabas and Paul had a disagreement about a young man named Mark. Mark had left them during a previous journey, and Paul didn’t want to take him again. But Barnabas saw potential in Mark and wanted to give him another chance. So, Barnabas chose to take Mark with him, while Paul went in a different direction.
Barnabas didn’t give up on people. He believed in second chances and was willing to invest in others, even when it wasn’t easy.
What We Can Learn from Barnabas
Barnabas may not be the most well-known character in the Bible, but his story teaches us powerful lessons:
- Encourage Others: Just like Barnabas lifted up Paul and Mark, we can support people who need a friend or a second chance.
- Be Generous: Whether it’s time, money, or kindness, giving what we have can make a big difference.
- Work Behind the Scenes: You don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a big impact. Quiet encouragement can change lives.
Conclusion
Barnabas played a key role in helping the early church grow. Through his encouragement, generosity, and belief in others, he supported leaders and built strong communities of faith. His life reminds us that being an encourager is one of the most powerful ways we can serve God and others.
Let’s follow his example and be people who lift others up with our words, actions, and hearts.