Barnabas

I. Introduction: Occasionally we meet someone that changes our attitude or action in a profound way. It might be their example, an encouraging word or help when in need. The Bible provides a great model of what we can do and should do in God’s service. I know of such a person…

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Acts 4:32-37

II. Background of Barnabas

A. He was a Jew of the tribe of Levi from Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean.

B. We do not know what brought him from Cyprus to Jerusalem; he had family in Jerusalem and apparently stayed long enough to buy some land.

C. We do not know who taught him to gospel but he was an early Christian

D. His real name was Joseph but the apostles nicknamed him Barnabas.

E. Barnabas means “son of exhortation” or “son of encouragement” Barnabas was a very active teacher in the early church and apparently, the apostles respected his ability to preach and exhort others. Barnabas was not only a “son of exhortation” in his preaching but in his manner of life as well.

III. Generosity: Encouraged others through his generosity

A. 1 John 3:16-18 – Open hearts to brethren; love in word and deed

B. Acts 4:34-37 – he sold some land to provide money for needy brethren

C. He worked to have money to buy the land but he freely sold it and gave the proceeds to help others, receiving nothing but the joy of helping. Ben Sweetland: “We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.” The needy Christian saw one who has more concern for people than profit

IV. Edification: Barnabas specialized in building up people and encouraging them

A. Apostle Paul

B. Before his conversion, Paul imprisoned and killed Christians.

C. Acts 9:26-28 - After Paul’s conversion, the brethren were wary of him

D. Barnabas convinced the Christians of Paul’s genuine conversion. It does not appear that God appeared to Barnabas but that Barnabas took it on himself—at risk of his life—to see if Paul were a Christian.

E. Church in Antioch

F. Acts 11:19-23

G. Antioch was one of the chief cities of the empire, a wealthy city on the trade route between Palestine and Asia; many were converted there.

H. The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to encourage them.

I. He rejoiced in their salvation and exhorted them to resolve to remain faithful to the Lord. Through his encouragement, the church grew. He got Paul to help.

J. Throughout their work together, Barnabas is not just a traveling companion nor Paul’s assistant or shadow; Barnabas is a teacher in his own right.

K. John Mark – his cousin – not nephew as some translations say

L. Mark began the first missionary journey, but returned home early. Before the second journey, Barnabas wanted take Mark but Paul did not.

M. Acts 15:36-41 – sharp dissension over this and they went separate ways

N. It is evident from his letters that Paul did not bear a grudge. Sometimes good brethren do not agree; however, these worked towards the same goal, teaching the lost, and felt it best to do so separately.

O. Barnabas was a man who looked past the surface image and faults to see the treasure that was beneath.

P. In Paul, Barnabas saw a real convert and told the church to accept him.

Q. Barnabas saw potential in John Mark and worked with him: John Mark became useful to the kingdom of God through Barnabas’ help.

R. Colossians 4:10 – he is with Paul in the Roman prison2 Timothy 4:11 – in a Roman prison the second time—this time to die—he tells Timothy to brink Mark because “he is useful.”1 Peter 5:13 – Peter refers to Mark as “my son,” probably in the same way Paul referred to Timothy as his son He wrote a gospel that bears his name that encourages us. You never know what impact you will have on the life of another when you invest yourself in them; but the change can be profound.

V. Conclusion:

A. We need more people like Barnabas in the church today.

B. Barnabas was not perfect: Galatians 2:11-13.

C. However, his life was characterized by selfless devotion to Christ and His church, encouraging and exhorting others, and preaching the gospel.

D. Barnabas did not criticize his brethren but sought to build them up. He did not ignore the needs of his brethren but shared the work in helping them even when he had to sell his real estate to meet their needs. He did not observe the work of the church from the sideline but invested himself in service to God by serving and teaching others. He fought for what he believed: whether defending the Gentiles salvation without the Law (Acts 15) or advocating John Mark’s presence on the second missionary journey, yet could disagree without holding a grudge. He was trustworthy—the Antioch church sent money by him to help the Christians suffering a famine in Jerusalem

E. Barnabas teaches a great lesson: We will have more joy when we quit looking for someone to encourage us or do things for us and find someone who needs our encouragement, help in their time of need, or just someone who will see treasure in them when others only see trash.

F. We can never have too many like Barnabas and we will never have enough.