Welcomed by One

Intro Question:

What makes a good friend?

We’re gonna see how critical friendships are in our spiritual growth. Mark of maturity: Commit to Life-Changing Relationships

Acts 9:20–22 NIV

20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.

When we say Yes to Jesus He radically changes our lives, and others ought to be astonished by the transformative power of Jesus.

But not everyone will be astonished, some will choose to cause affliction

Acts 9:23–25 NIV

23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

Following Jesus will lead to transformation but it will also be accompanied by adversity.

Saul is on the run and he goes to Jerusalem to meet up with other followers of Jesus

Acts 9:26–28 NIV

26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

The believers were rightfully afraid of Saul and skeptical that he had been transformed.

But there was evidence of his transformation, v28 he was preaching fearlessly in the name of Christ

And he had a friend who was willing to vouch for him. Barnabas, was his advocate. V27

Those two words — “But Barnabas…” — change everything.

Barnabas steps in. He listens to Saul’s story, believes in his transformation, and brings him to the apostles. He doesn’t just tell Saul, “I’m praying for you.”

He advocates for him. He risks his own reputation to open a door for someone else.

That’s what godly friends do — they stand in the gap.

Barnabas shows us 4 marks of godly friendship:

He Sees Beyond the Past — Barnabas doesn’t define Saul by who he was but by what God is doing in him now.

He Stands in the Gap — He uses his credibility to lift someone else.

He Strengthens Others’ Faith — His encouragement helps Saul step fully into his calling.

Barnabas’s name literally means “Son of Encouragement.” He didn’t write a New Testament letter. He didn’t plant churches like Paul. But without him, Paul’s ministry might never have begun.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

He Sync’s Saul’s life with other believers - brings them into alignment with each other

keeps you connected to Life-Changing relationship

Illustration: Think about people like that in your life — the ones who gave you a chance when others wouldn’t. Maybe a boss who hired you without all the experience, or a mentor who said, “I see something in you.” We all need that — and spiritually speaking, we all need a Barnabas.

Do you have a Barnabas?

Interactive Question: Who’s someone in your life that has one of these qualities?

Who’s your barnabas? Who can you be a barnabus for?

Acts 9:29–31 NIV

29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

This is contrasted with where we started our series in Acts 8.

Acts 8:1 NIV

1 And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

There will be times of persecution and times of peace - but in the midst of it, we need to rely on the body and enjoy the ability to gather as a church family.

Peace is found in relational proximity

Image: sitting at home with my kids

Main Takeaway: Godly friends help us become who God has called us to be. Everyone needs a Barnabas—and everyone can be one.

Three challenges for you this week:

Identify your Barnabases — Who has believed in you when no one else did? Thank them.

Be a Barnabas — Encourage, advocate, and include someone who needs it.

Build Barnabas Friendships — Surround yourself with people who push you toward Jesus, not away from Him.

___________

Acts 9:20-30; 2 Corinthians 11:32-33; Acts 4:36-37; Acts 11:22-26

Date: November 16, 2025

Speaker: Kyle

Big Idea: Barnabas is a key reason that Saul was accepted by the church despite his past. When we are

filled with the Holy Spirit, we can trust the discernment of the Spirit to help bring new believers into the

mission of the church.

Outline/Notes: Saul didn’t seem to belong anywhere. He went from being top of his class in Judaism, to

people trying to kill him. The leaders in Damascus sought his life, but when he arrives in Jerusalem, the

disciples are afraid of him. It was Barnabas who believed Saul and brought him to the disciples. Barnabas

used his influence to help bring Saul to the leadership of the church. When people first come to Jesus,

they are messy. We need to be like Barnabas and help bring new believers into the church so they can

use their gifts to help join in the mission of the church.

Action: Who has been a Barnabas to you? Thank them and encourage them. Who is one person you can

welcome into the community of believers?

2 Characteristics of Barnabus:

Keeps you connected - “Brought him to the apostles”

Advocate -”he told them how Saul had seen the Lord”