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BARNABAS
In the Apostle Paul’s a farewell address to the elders of the gentile church at Ephesus, Paul stated, “And
now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone Preaching the Kingdom of God, shall see my face
no more” (Acts 20:25). The last record of Paul’s ministry contained in the book of Acts shows that he was still
preaching this message found in Acts 28:30-31, And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and
received all that came in unto him, preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern
the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” This true Kingdom of God gospel had
reached out to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the gentile world
Paul did not do all this preaching by himself. In Acts chapter 14:1, we read of the apostle Paul and
apostle Barnabas, preaching in the synagogue at Iconium. “And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both
together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the
Greeks believed. Dropping down to verse 4, “But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the
Jews, and part with the apostles.”
You will notice others beyond the original twelve are called apostles, as is Barnabas here in verse 1 and
in verse 14, “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard...” Let”s now address the apostle Barnabas, who
was bent over the bloodied body [of Paul], perplexed and distressed. At the first moan and stir of what had
appeared to be a. corpse, The little 'coterie of disciples among the blood-stained stones. were ecstatic as was
Barnabas.” They helped Paul to his wobbly feet after seeing Paul had survived a stoning!
He astonished the group when they heard Paul announce, he was all right, as they watched him turn back
toward the city again. Acts 14:19-20, relates that story to us. We see here the apostle Paul had a strong willed
character, he was the man God chose to get the gospel preached to the uttermost parts of the known gentile world.
But what about the character of his close relieved and grateful partner? hat was the role of Barnabas
in the work at that time? What; value does his example hold for us today?
Some may be surprised to learn that Barnabas was the major human instrument God used to employ Paul
in the ministry and to get the gentile work off the ground. Barnabas was able to see the good in others and
because of this, he be came a prime factor in the growth of the early church.
Cultivation of his qualities in our lives can enhance our impact as god’s called today! Scripture makes
some unusual statements about Barnabas. One concerns the special name he was given by the church leaders,
a name that seems to have characterized his ministry. In the early weeks of the newly called in church, history
tells us the wealthier converts sold real estate and other possessions to share with the more needy brethren.
Curiously the only person named as an example of this generosity was a certain person named Joseph.
We read this in Act 4, “And Joseph who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted,
(the son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the Country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money,
and laid it at the Apostles' feet” (Acts 4:36-37).
The use of this name [ “Son of encouragement” ] is significant. The Greek: word has also been translated
“consolation" or "comfort.” John 14:26, uses a-slightly different form of the Greek: "But the comforter, which
is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He [it] shall teach you all things."
The name Barnabas, has essentially the same meaning as the word Jesus used to describe the presence
of the Holy Spirit. The personification of encouragement as the "father” of Barnabas is also significant, He must
have manifested this trait in an outstanding' way.
His individual uniqueness was a warm encouragement to others. He was positive and uplifting. He was
able to see the best in people, he overlooked the differences that could produce personal bias. This very virtue
was used to open the possibility of membership in the early “church” in all nations.
Jesus Christ had shown His intent just before His ascension to heaven, to ultimately reach all nations
with the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God. Matthew 28:19-20 instructs us to, “Go you therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have Commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of
The world. Amen.”
After Christ provided His church with sufficient humans and material, resources to evangelize foreign
lands, they yet had a major hurdle to overcome: Many Jews were prejudiced against non-Israelites . Many felt
superior [being the chosen of God] they harbored bias that would have weakened their willingness to reach out
to gentiles.
God revealed first [through the leading apostle Peter] his will for the gentiles, through the incident of the
Roman Centurion Cornelius, in Acts 10. The Jews were still hesitant to admit that God must be dealing with
gentiles. Notice verse 28 in Act 10. 28, “And he said unto them, you know how that it is an unlawful thing for
a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another Nation; but God has shone me that I should
not call any man common or unclean.” There was some plain foot dragging going on.
Whom would God use to get things going in the work to the gentiles? this is where Saul enters the story
Saul of Tarsus had been a public enemy No. 1 to the Christians he led a gestapo like groups of Jewish zealots
on a crusade to completely eradicate the Christians. “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time
there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; And they were all scattered abroad
throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). Now in Acts 9: 1-2, “And Saul,
yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And
desired of him letters to damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men
or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”
While on his way to Damascus, Saul was struck blind and brought to repentance by Christ Himself. We
can read of that in Acts: chapter 9:3 - 22. It was there, Jesus made it clear He had chosen Saul to "bear His name
before the gentiles.” Acts 9:15, “But the Lord said unto him, go your way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me,
to bear My name before the gentiles, and kings, and the Children of Israel.”
After a narrow escape from would-be assassins at Damascus, Saul went to Jerusalem to join himself to
the Christians that were there. But his reputation as their chief tormentor kept him on the outside looking in. ‘And
when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him,
and believed not that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26).
God began to use certain man to champion the cause of suspect Saul. Barnabas had perhaps believed
Saul's story, perceiving in him the Holy Spirit. Or he had heard of his conversion and powerful preaching in
Damascus. He was able to put aside fear and bias to see the good in Saul, Barnabas stuck his neck out to help
Saul win acceptance from the apostles. Acts 9:27, “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and
declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had
preached boldly at Damascus in the Name of Jesus.”
But Saul's appointed time had not yet come. After more threats on his life, Saul was sent home to Tarsus.
God let a number of years go by while he further prepared his church for the entrance of the gentiles. Growth
continued, but no real effort was made to take God’s good news gospel to the gentile lands.
Something did finally happen far up the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, in a gentile city called
Antioch. When the church was scattered after the initial severe persecution, some of the believers journeyed as
far as Antioch and took up residence in various gentile cities.
These brethren witnessed to Jews only, until certain ones of them preached to some Greeks. God backed
up their effort, and a great number believed. “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that
arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto
the Jews only. 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. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number
believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:19-21).
When the church leaders at headquarters in Jerusalem heard this news, they decided to investigate, and
they selected Barnabas for the trip. Verse 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.” Barnabas arrived
at Antioch and found that the work of God among the Greeks was genuine.
Being the positive, warm fellow he was, Barnabas was delighted. He encouraged them all that with
purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. “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” (Acts 11:23).
Unhampered by pride and preconceived notions, Barmabas could see the potential for good in gentiles.
Barnabas lived up to his name, welcoming the new converts. Another unusual statement is found in the
following verse. Acts 11:24, “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”
Luke was so impressed with Barnabas that when he compiled the book of Acts, He stated, under
inspiration in verse 24, that Barnabas was filled with the Holy Spirit, known also as the comforter, which his
name meant. He literally stands out for his special ability to see the good in others. Acts 11:24 ends with, “and
much people was added unto the Lord.”
The growth was so rapid that Barnabas realized he was overextended. Assistance was needed to properly
pastor the new brethren and, allow additional growth. Barnabas was about to make a second major move that
would, ensure the great impact of Saul of Tarsus, on the future of gentiles.
Christians. Remembering what had been predicted about Saul, Barnabas realized that now was the time,
and that Antioch was the place, to activate Saul's ministry. Verse 25, “Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek
Saul.” Together they returned to Antioch, staying there for a year. Saul probably acted as a kind of associate
pastor, subject to the leadership of Barnabas. Acts 11:26, “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.
When the two are mentioned together, Barnabas is named first. We can see that in Verse 30. Meanwhile
in Acts 12:24 shows us, “The word of God grew and multiplied.” By the time chapter 13 opens, we find five
ministers operating out of Antioch. “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and
teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been
brought up with Herod the Terarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said,
Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”
God's time had come to expand the work into other parts of the world. And while the ministry there was
fasting and praying about this matter the inspiration of the Holy Spirit made it plain that God had set apart
Barnabas and Saul for a special mission. Acts 13:2-3, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy
Spirit said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called Them. And when they had
fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
A new phase of preaching the gospel was about to unfold. The pair took along young John Mark and
set sail for Cyprus Barnabas home country. It is, ironic that a major change in the roles of Barnabas and Saul
occurred on this very island. Verses 4-5 tells us, they preached the word at Seleucia on the eastern end, then
crossed the entire island to the city of Paphos. Here the party encountered Elymas the sorcerer. It was through
a confrontation with this false prophet that assistant Saul became leader, called Paul. Paul emerges as leader from
that time on. “Then Saul who also is called Paul (Acts 13:9) filled with the Holy Spirit looked intently at
Elymas and said in verses 10, “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all
righteousness, wilt you not cease to pervert the Right ways of the Lord?
Paul, perhaps remembering the impact of his own bout with blindness on the road to Damascus, consider
Barnabas position. He had been in charge over Paul. He had championed the cause of Saul and helped him into
the fellowship of the church. Barnabas was the one who dug Saul out of the wood work at Tarsus and reactivated
him. He was the pastor at Antioch. He also was the leader of this evangelical tour.
What if Barnabas had dwelt on all these things? Barnabas, had to decide there at Paphos whether to
humble himself and submit to God's greater purpose. All we know is that verse 13 simply records, “Now when
Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, They came to Perga.” Previously it had always been “Barnabas and
Saul.” Now it was “Paul and his party.”
Paul was the leader, the entire focus of the rest of the book of Acts is on Paul. But let's stay focused on
the example of Barnabas. Perhaps he was willing to admit that Paul had certain characteristics that were better
suited for the job at hand. “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, it was necessary that the word of God
should first have been spoken to you: but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of
everlasting life, lo, we turn to the gentiles” (Acts 13:46).
Barnabas was a warm and encouraging sort, which is a necessary quality of leadership, but he may have
been of such a temperament that he tried to avoid confrontations. On the other hand; Paul was like a seething
volcano, always ready to erupt with powerful, convicting preaching or debate, and never backing down from a
battle.
Perhaps Barnabas realized this once and for all at Lystra, the city on that first missionary tour. where Paul
was stoned. Watching beleaguered Paul struggle, to his feet and head-right back into the city, may have
convinced Barnabas of the unique qualities Paul possessed. Acts 14:19-20, “And there came certain Jews from
Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the City, supposing
he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the
next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.”
At least it is safe to say that he had a similar attitude to that of John the Baptist. Submitting to the new
leadership of Jesus Christ. John the baptist said, “He ,must 'increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Barnabas practiced what Paul later preached! “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in
Lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than himself” (Phil 2:3).
Are we like Barnabas? Are we content to play second fiddle while someone else blows the trumpet? Or
do you smart under emotional wounds when someone else is promoted– feeling, you are more qualified or
deserving? Do you feel overlooked and mistreated ? A lot of those feelings have went on in the Worldwide
Church of God!
Barnabas humility is also seen in his freedom from feelings of prejudice. Had he been biased, perhaps
of Paul, would not have gotten anywhere with those at Jerusalem. Barnabas was willing to welcome into the
church brethren of other nationalities and cultures. He did not let petty differences keep him from serving God's
people–God’s called.
We need to ask ourselves what bias is still in our thinking that may be keeping God from using us to a
greater extent? Do you pray for God's work here and in other countries? Do you warm up to those of other races?
Would God have been able to send you to Antioch, to serve the needs of newly called brethren of other cultures?
Romans 2:11 tells us, “God is no respecter of persons” (Romans 2:11).
Barnabas- manifested this same attitude by seeing the good in people. He dwelt on positives. He saw
potential for the future. Exactly how much he had to do with Paul's development, and therefore with the growth
of the gentile work, we don't know at this time. We do know enough that, we can benefit from his sterling
example.
What else, after all, would we expect from a man called the son of encouragement? The events in the life
of Paul after the close of Acts can only be derived from his later writings☜
James Russell