Barnabas, ‘Son of Encouragement’
Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 11:22-24; 11:25-26; 11:27-30
In Acts 4:36, Luke mentions a Christian named Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus. Joseph is better known by his Greek nickname, “Barnabas,” which translates, “son of encouragement.”
In ancient times, the Jews sometimes used “son” as an idiom to denote a person’s character. A survey of Barnabas’ life shows why he acquired this nickname: Barnabas encouraged others. How did he encourage? Barnabas encouraged by giving generously out of his own wealth to those in need. In Acts 4:37, he sold a field and gave the proceeds to the apostles to be distributed to needy believers in Jerusalem (Acts 4:35).
Barnabas encouraged by testifying on behalf of others. In Acts 9:27, Barnabas encouraged Saul (Paul) by standing up on his behalf. When Saul visited Jerusalem for the first time after his conversion, the apostles were fearful of him, questioning the legitimacy of his conversion. In response, Barnabas testified as to the genuineness of Saul’s conversion, noting specifically his encounter with the Lord Jesus and fearless preaching in Damascus.
Barnabas encouraged by exhorting new Christians to remain steadfast in their faith. In Acts 11:22-23, Barnabas journeyed from Jerusalem to Antioch to investigate the many conversions among the Greeks. Upon personally witnessing the results of God’s grace, he “encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts 11:23, NIV).
Barnabas encouraged by allowing others to use their gifts in ministry. In Acts 11:25-26, Barnabas traveled from Antioch to Tarsus, a distance of some 86 miles (the distance from Columbia to Cheraw), to find Saul and bring him back to Antioch that he might assist in teaching believers in Antioch. Their teaching ministry lasted a whole year. Though Barnabas’ role as an encourager is not Luke’s main point in these verses, the theme of encouragement may be seen implicitly, for in recruiting Saul’s teaching assistance Barnabas gave him the opportunity to use his gifts and expand his ministry. All of us can testify how edifying it is for others to encourage us to use our gifts to serve the Lord.
A final way in which Barnabas encouraged was by taking a gift to those in need (Acts 11:30). A prophet named Agabus predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world during the reign of Claudius, the Roman emperor (Acts 11:28). In response to this prophecy, the elders in the church at Antioch decided to send Barnabas and Saul with a gift to encourage those who suffered.
Barnabas was an encourager, a man known for his kindness and support of others. His example serves as a model for all believers to follow.
Bryant– Lessons by Michael Bryant, assistant professor of religion at Charleston Southern University. Bryant has a B.S. in history from Charleston Southern and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Southeastern Seminary.