Become a Barnabas

Acts 11:19–30 KJV 1900

19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

One man the church trusted above all others to be careful, discerning, and truthful in searching out this matter. That man was Barnabas. Barnabas is an unsung hero of the New Testament. He is involved in so much of the early church’s activities. He was the first to give to the church. He was Paul’s own mentor in the faith. (Acts 9:27) He was an encourager (That’s what Barnabas means and it wasn’t his real name {Acts 4:36})

Barnabas was a man whom Paul learned from and that we still learn from today. Let’s learn to be a Barnabas.

He Rejoiced with Them

People need someone in their lives to brighten the days and lift their spirits. Barnabas was that kind of man. When he saw the grace of God, he was glad.

Acts 11:23 (KJV 1900)

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad....

Romans 12:15 KJV 1900

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

There is always something to rejoice about in the Lord.

I love being around positive people. It is a drain to be around those who always complain and get frustrated by every little thing. Let’s be joyful people because of God’s grace.

Don’t ignore the grace of God. It’s effects can be seen everywhere and when you see the grace of God, be glad!

He Exhorted Them

How do you exhort or encourage people? The word literally comes from the same word “Comforter” that Christ used of the Holy Spirit.

We are to comfort one another just like the Holy Spirit comforts us.

He reminds us of Scripture

John 16:13 KJV 1900

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

He displays good fruit

Galatians 5:22–24 KJV 1900

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

He prays for us

Romans 8:27 KJV 1900

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

He speaks to our heart

The with purpose of heart, they might cleave unto the Lord.

The Holy Spirit is that still small voice that directs our steps. We must learn to be gentle, loving, and kind as we try to encourage others to follow Christ.

Don’t try to conform someone else to your personal opinions. Help them become like Jesus.

Have a plan, a purposefulness in living for Christ. It doesn’t happen by accident.

He points us to Christ

He exhorted them to hold on to Jesus. When everything in their life was a wreck. They were discouraged by circumstances and rejected by friends and family. Cleave to the Lord!

He found someone to help

Barnabas’ name is rarely heard alone when we teach Sunday school classes or preach messages. Barnabas’ name always goes with another. Paul and Barnabas, brothers in Christ.

Barnabas found someone to whom he could minister and as the Lord led, Paul because someone with whom Barnabas could minister.

Together now, they taught more and more young Christians how to grow in their faith and their love for Jesus.

This is exactly what Paul told a young man who was beginning in his ministry.

2 Timothy 2:2 KJV 1900

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

He Remained Faithful in little things

This one is not directly mentioned here but is obvious throughout the book of Acts. People trusted Barnabas. People trust those who don’t let them down. Be faithful.

Luke 16:10 KJV 1900

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

When the disciples determined to send an offering to the poor Christians in Jerusalem who were suffering, they could find no one more trustworthy to send the funds by than Barnabas.

Never forget, there is no such thing as a small ministry with God. What God has entrusted you with, He expects you to fulfill.

Be a Barnabas! What does that mean?

Rejoice in the Lord!

Encourage others like the Holy Spirit does us.

Find someone to minister to.

Be faithful in little things.