Learning From Barnabas

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Learning From Barnabas

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Acts 11:24


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We often address godly examples in scripture.  When we do, we usually notice some of the main characters of God’s plan – Noah, Abraham, Joseph, David, Daniel, Paul, Peter, Jesus, etc.   But there are also a number of “supporting characters”, some who are moderately known and others who briefly enter an account or two.  Today I would like to address one of these better known “supporting characters” – Barnabas.

We are first introduced to Barnabas in Acts 4:36, where he find his name was Joses, of the tribe of Levi from the country of Cypress.  But the apostles named him Barnabas, “which is translated son of encouragement” or “son of consolation”.  The word actually means one who is a source of comfort.  It is from the same word root word as “the Helper, the Holy Spirit” (John 14:26).  The word is descriptive of one who stands beside you to lend support when needed.  That is what encouragement is about.

As Christians, we are to be an encouragement to one another and to others.  And, all of us from time-to-time NEED encouragement.  The Bible talks about this in passages like, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 which says, Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing; and 1 Thess. 5:14 which says, Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.  In this last text, the word exhort (urge – NASU, LSB) is the closer word to comfort that we have been talking about.  But the point is, we are to be a source of encouragement to one another.  Words like consolation, exhort, encourage and comfort all point to this.

Coming back to Barnabas.  Why was he given this name? His name is mentioned 29 times in the New Testament, and almost always he is standing beside someone.  So let us take a look at what made Barnabas an example of encouragement.

  1. He was a man of faith – Acts 11:24
    1. He was a good man – good means one who has desirable, honorable moral qualities. Biblically, being good means you are honorable toward God.  You have characteristics that are consistent with being a Christian.  Therefore, you are someone trustworthy and worthy of imitation. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 calls for us to test everything and hold fast to what is good.  It will be seen not only in what you are but what you do – cf. Matthew 5:16.
    2. Full of the Holy Spirit – Barnabas was likely inspired – cf. Acts 13:1.
      1. Being full of the Holy Spirit in the 1st century could have meant he had some gifts of the Holy Spirit (likely, but never specifically stated).
      2. OR it could mean one who was full of conviction based upon what he had learned about Jesus through inspired men.
      3. We read of other examples of this in Acts 6:3-5, where 7 men were chosen to help the needy in Jerusalem or Acts 7:55 – Stephen who was stoned to death for preaching Christ. Luke 1:15 as the birth of John in announced he was described as one who would be “filled with the Holy Spirit.”
    3. Full of faith – clearly, he believed God and trusted. Hebrews 11:6. That is evident by the MANY things we read about him throughout the NT.
  2. He is a godly example
    1. He stood up for others
      1. Paul – Acts 9:26-27. IN Jerusalem, after Saul’s conversion, Barnabas stands up for Paul explaining his conversion.  As a result, Paul was accepted.
      2. Brethren in Antioch – Acts 11:19-26. When the church at Jerusalem heard that Hellenists had obeyed the gospel in Antioch (of Syria).  They sent Barnabas
      3. John Mark – Acts 15:37 (36-41). After Paul and Barnabas had worked together on their first preaching trip and going to Jerusalem to defend Gentile Christians.  Paul suggests to Barnabas that they revisit brethren.  Barnabas wants to take John Mark, but Paul refuses.  There was sharp contention and they go different ways.  Paul chooses Silas and Barnabas and Mark go to Cypress.  Again, we find Barnabas standing up for someone – giving them a second chance.  Paul would later defend BOTH Barnabas and Mark (1 Corinthians 9:6, 2 Timtohy 4:11. Philemon 24, etc.).
    2. Generosity –
      1. As we read scripture, we find that God expects us to be generous to others as we have opportunity. There are examples in scripture of how churches helped needy saints (1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 8-9, etc.)  As individuals, God looks at how we care about each and others – James 1:27, 1 John 3:17-19, Matthew 25:31-46, etc.
      2. We are first introduced to Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37. There were needy brethren in Jerusalem as the church was in its infancy.  Many brethren shared of their possessions.  Specifically mentioned is Joses (Barnabas), who had property that he sold and gave the proceeds to the apostles to help the needy.
      3. He also gave of his time to the cause of Christ – Acts 11:22, 25-26 – after being sent by brethren in Jerusalem to investigate gentiles obeying the gospel, he stays there and begins working with them. We read that he was there for a year – Acts 11:25-26.   Acts 13-14 records him working with Paul for a few years on their first preaching journey.   1 Corinthians 9:6 finds Paul mentioning Barnabas (and himself) and their rights as preachers.  Paul’s point is they worked to support themselves when needed and devoted other time to spreading the gospel.
    3. Being trustworthy –
      1. The idea of trustworthiness is being dependable and proven in truth and honorable behavior. Barnabas could be counted upon to do what was needed. He had already proved himself to be genuine by his benevolence.
      2. Acts 11:22-23 – when Jerusalem heard about the church in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to them. Why?  Because they knew they could trust him!
      3. Acts 11:30 – a short time later, as an act of benevolent relief for the church in Jerusalem, brethren in Antioch collected funds and sent them by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Why? Because they could trust him!
      4. Acts 13:2 – even the Holy Spirit declared his trustworthiness by choosing him and Saul to go preach to Gentiles throughout the empire.
      5. We need to be trustworthy – the word often used is faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 speaks of stewards being faithful.
    4. Not envious –
      1. Acts 11:23 as he arrived in Antioch after hearing the report of Gentiles receiving the gospel. When he saw what happened, Barnabas was glad and encouraged them.   This was in contrast to many Jewish converts who wanted Jesus to be exclusive to them.  BEAR in mind, this is AFTER Peter went to Cornelius – Acts 10, and before the meeting in Jerusalem to discuss circumcision for the Gentiles – Acts 15.
      2. Envy sometimes stands in our way of treating others with kindness and equality. Often when one is envious, they find fault in everything another does.  That is NOT the way to promote true unity.  Ephesians 4:3 calls for us to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Galatians 5:13-15 tells us to look at our differences (mannerisms, etc.) and through love to serve one another.   Envy has no place in the life of a Christian – Galatians 5:21 & 26, 1 Corinthians 13:4 – love does not envy, etc.
    5. Repentance
      1. Like others (and us), Barnabas was not perfect. He sinned.  He had disagreements.
      2. Galatians 2:13 records an occasion when he was carried away with the hypocrisy of Peter.
      3. But we find him useful to Paul in later years demonstrating repentance. 1 Corinthians 9:6, Paul would later address how Barnabas was a faithful worker.  NOTE: This was after their disagreement over taking Mark with them (Acts 15:37).
      4. A key element to faithfulness is NOT being perfect, but with humility making corrections. That is what repentance is about – cf.2 Corinthians 7:10-11.
  3. He shared the gospel with others
    1. Acts 11:24 – after describing the character of Barnabas, we read, and a great many were added to the Lord. Clearly, Barnabas had a part in this. We have seen this throughout this lesson.  He was with Paul preaching throughout Cypress and Asia Minor.
    2. He accompanied Paul on his first journey, and even after their dissention, he took Mark with him and went to Cypress. That is why Paul would view him as faithful and acknowledged him (1 Corinthians 9:6).
    3. We find it in many of the qualities he demonstrated.
      1. He strengthened the new saints – Acts 11:22ff, 13:43, Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
      2. Act 13:46 – he taught with boldness. A quality we need to develop if we are to win more.
      3. Acts 13:50-51 – they did not give up. When cast out of a city, they simply went to the next one.
      4. Acts 15:1-2 – he boldly defended the truth even in audiences that were not receptive (e.g. vs. 5 – the Pharisees who believed).
    4. It goes without saying that, as we mature in the faith, we need to share God’s word with others. That is the premise of the great commission (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20).  1 Peter 3:15 calls for us to defend our faith.  Jude 3, we are to contend earnestly for the faith….
    5. We can certainly learn from Barnabas about the importance of sharing God’s word.

And thus, we are introduced to Barnabas.  We can see why he was recognized early on as, “the son of encouragement.”  Encouragement is about much more than just a kind word here and there.  Its impact is seen in how you live your life and who you are.  The conduct of Barnabas is worthy of imitation.  What about you?  Are these qualities of Barnabas seen in you?  Could you be described as “a son (or daughter) of encouragement”? Think about it!

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