In Acts 4:36 we are introduced to a Levite named Joses whose actions in the early church so impressed the apostles that they gave him a new name, “Barnabas,” meaning son of consolation or son of encouragement. His first recorded act was selling his land and giving all of the proceeds to the church. What a selfless beginning!
But Barnabas did not stop there. He went on to do many important things that strengthened the life of the church and supported the spreading of the gospel.
It was Barnabas who stood beside Paul when the disciples were afraid to meet with him because of his past (Acts 9:26–27). Barnabas believed in the work God was doing in Paul’s life when others were unsure. Later, he accompanied Paul on his missionary journey (Acts 13:1–4) and played an integral part in that ministry.
Let us also remember that it was Barnabas who chose to partner with John Mark when Paul no longer wanted him on the journey (Acts 15:37–40). While Paul saw failure, Barnabas saw potential. That same John Mark would later become a trusted worker in the church and is widely believed to be the writer of the Gospel of Mark.
From these moments we see the kind of person Barnabas was. He did not only give his money, but he also gave his time, his influence, and his encouragement. Most importantly, he was a man of character. Barnabas was a friend to Paul when others doubted him, and a restorer to John Mark when he was being rejected. In doing so, Barnabas helped bring two men into the work of the gospel who would later reach countless others.
Shouldn’t we all strive to be like Barnabas?
There is so much we can do to build the life of our churches. We can give financially to support the work of the church, but let’s not stop there. We can be friends to those who feel distant, shy, or overlooked. We can stand beside those others hesitate to accept. We can encourage those who are ready to give up.
Our homes, churches, and communities are full of wounded and hurting people. Our God can heal the brokenhearted and replace the turmoil in shattered lives with peace, but we need to introduce them to our Savior.
When Jesus said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men,” He was calling people not only to believe in Him, but to be instruments to bring others to Him. Barnabas shows us what that kind of follower looks like in action. Barnabas answered that call through generosity, encouragement, and faith in people others overlooked.
Jesus is still calling ordinary people to participate in His work of reaching others.
So church, let us rise up and be a Barnabas, a son (or daughter!) of encouragement to those who need it most.
