The Ministry of Encouragement

Acts 4:32–37 NKJV

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Barnabas, “Son of Encouragement”

His real name was Joses, i.e., “Joseph”

He was a Levite of the country of Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea

He was nicknamed “Barnabas” by the twelve apostles

“Bar Nabas” means, “Son of Encouragement” or “Son of Consolation”.

What is “encouragement”?

Websters: “to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope”.

What are the characteristics of an encourager?

Acts 11:24 says that Barnabas was “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith”.

Barnabas recognized the work of the Spirit in others while others only saw the flaws.

Barnabas believed the best about flawed people in whom God was at work.

Barnabas cultivated and encouraged the good in flawed people.

As a result, Barnabas became a very influential person in the early church.

The Influence of Barnabas

Barnabas was influential in encouraging the work of the gospel among the Gentiles in Antioch.

Acts 11:22–23 NKJV

Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

Barnabas defended Gentiles being saved without the prerequisite of circumcision and keeping the Law of Moses (Acts 15)

Barnabas introduced Paul to the Apostles (Acts 9:26-29)

Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch (Acts 11:25-26)

Barnabas and Paul are sent on their first missionary journey together (Acts 13:1-3)

Barnabas rescued John Mark for ministry

Acts 15:36–41 NKJV

Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Through the ministry of encouragement, John Mark became useful to Paul later in his ministry (2 Timothy 4:11)

Mark became the author of the second Gospel named after him, the Gospel of Mark.

The Ministry of Encouragement

We all need encouragement.

We all need to encourage one another.

We should all develop the ministry of encouragement.

Those we encourage today may be the ones who encourage us tomorrow.

Ways we can encourage others:

By praying for them in person.

By saying “Thank you” often.

By recognizing and rewarding another person’s service and sacrifice.

By encouraging words sent through cards, texts, messages, phone calls, or letters.

By lifting another person’s burden in a time of need.

By “The Ministry of Presence” (Hospice)—i.e., just “being there without having to say a word”. It says to them, “You are not alone and someone cares”.

We must learn to encourage ourselves in the LORD

1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV

Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

Response to the Word

Are you tired, overwhelmed, and in need of encouragement?

Do you know of someone else who has a need for encouragement?

Let us develop the ministry of encouragement.

Remember: The one you encourage today may be the one who encourages you tomorrow.