We often associate a person’s actions or character with their name. Barnabas was such an example. He was an individual who encouraged those he met.  We are introduced to Barnabas in the book of Acts:

Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36-37)

He encouraged the disciples through his act of charity. Encouragers are often generous people, generous with their words, their time, and their money. Later in the book of Acts, Barnabas displayed encouragement by forming a strategic link by introducing Paul to the other apostles. Barnabas was a mentor to Paul and believed in Paul when the other disciples were afraid of him:

But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:27)

Barnabas was greatly used by the church as he was sent to minister at Antioch. Barnabas witnessed to the people and began to encourage them with a resolute heart to remain true to God:

The news about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And considerable numbers were added to the Lord. (Acts 11:22-24)

The Bible presents a beautiful description of the ministry of Barnabas in this passage. We see that Barnabas was a good man. The word good denotes an inherent goodness. It conveys the idea of someone who is good inwardly, that is a virtuous person. Barnabas was also filled with the Holy Spirit and he was a man full of faith. What was the result of Barnabas’ ministry? Considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. Because of his ministry of encouragement and many people came to the Lord.

Finally, we see an example of encouragement as Barnabas was desirous of taking Mark with Paul and himself on their next missionary journey. Paul was adamant that Mark not come because he had deserted them earlier. Barnabas however, was committed to giving Mark a second chance and there arose a sharp disagreement between Barnabas and Paul:

Now it turned into such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. (Acts 15:39)

Would others view you as an encourager? When we encourage others we inspire them with courage and confidence. May we be a vessel of encouragement to others by following the example of Barnabas.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark