Are you following Barnabas’ example to be an encouragement?

The hub is Barnabas, and the spokes are his avenues of influence and encouragement. Through his encouragement, Paul’s ministry not only gained credibility but also became the doctrinal foundation that supported the rim of the Gospel for generations to come.

Prior to these two verses Barnabas was having his own extremely successful ministry. Then he went and sought out Saul, who would later be known as the Apostle Paul.

To me Barnabas is one of our Biblical unsung heroes. Acts 11:24 describes him like this: “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”

Let’s take a moment to see how Barnabas reflects Christ. Jesus wrote none of the books of the Bible, as others have pointed out. “He inspired those who did.”

Barnabas wrote none of the New Testament, but he was a friend, mentor and encourager to Paul/Saul, who is given credit for writing 13 of our 27 New Testament books. 

Barnabas was also related to Mark — author of the Gospel of Mark — who at one time had lost favor with Paul. We wouldn’t have that portion of the gospel if Barnabas hadn’t taken his stand to befriend his nephew Mark and continue to share ministry with him even though Paul was not.

It must’ve been a tough decision to separate from his friend and partner in ministry on behalf of another. Barnabas’ ministry took a different direction because he took a chance on another — Mark — who had already proven unreliable. 

The life of Barnabas is of great value to our Biblical heritage. I have heard several sermons on this man, and the one I remember best is: “Who is your Barnabas?” Its focus being: Who encourages you?

I find him to be of great interest. An individual who has given so much to support those who have proclaimed and moved the Gospel of Christ forward, to be known mostly by his nickname rather than given name. He had a willingness to encourage and promote others while demonstrating Godly humility to generations.

Acts 4:36: “Joseph, a Levite from Cyrus, whom the Apostles call Barnabas (which means son of encouragement).”

An example of the work of encouragement is revealed not only in the growth of young Mark but Paul’s reconciliation with Mark in 2 Timothy 4:11: “Get Mark and bring him with you because he is useful to me in ministry.”

Barnabas encouraged both Paul and Mark. Both being used as writers of the New Testament while the man who supported them never wrote a single word.

Personally, I wonder how much of the Holy Spirit’s inspiration was translated to them through the encouragement of Barnabas. 

Hmmm. Who is your Barnabas? Perhaps we should consider: “Whose Barnabas are we?”