Leadership through Discipleship #16

Barnabas, The Power of Encouragement

“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:36-37).

A Levite from Cyprus named Joses, sold property and donated the proceeds to the apostles in the beginning of the church in Acts. He was well known by the apostles and his reputation for encouragement grew to the extent that they begin to call him Barnabas (meaning son of encouragement). He became a leader among the believers in Christ and is mentioned frequently as an active minister in the spreading of the Gospel.

Barnabas is mentioned as a traveling companion with Paul in the book of Acts and on several occasions in Paul’s letters. It is no wonder that a close affinity developed between them for it was Barnabas who first accepted Paul in Jerusalem, believing that he was indeed converted to Christianity and called of God. Because of Paul’s reputation as Saul of Taurus most Christians were fearful of him. Previously, it had been his ambition to destroy as many Christians as possible. He viewed them as heretics to the faith and enemies of the Lord God. It took a dynamic vision on the road to Damascus and being blinded for three days for Saul to indeed believe that Jesus was the Lord God of the Scripture. (See Acts 9.)

After Paul’s conversion in Damascus, where he was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized, he immediately began to preach Jesus publicly. Still some disciples were fearful that it was just a trick to take them captive and deliver them to the chief priests for persecution and death. The Jews, on the other hand, were seeking to kill Paul to silence this bold new advocate for Christianity. When the plot was learned, some disciples helped Paul escape over the wall of the city at night and he returned to Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, Paul tried to join up with the disciples but again they did not believe that he had truly become one of them. This is when Barnabas stepped in, heard his testimony, and learned of his bold preaching in the name of Jesus while in Damascus. Barnabas shared Paul’s testimony with the other disciples so that they might come to accept him and trust in the ministry to which God was leading him.

Barnabas believed in Paul. He stood with him and encouraged him during the time when he had to prove his loyalty and sincerity to other believers. Perhaps if there had not been a Barnabas to come alongside Paul with encouragement, believing in him, Paul may not have ever been accepted by the believing community. Without Paul we would not have had the incredible revival among the Gentiles recorded in the Book of Acts. Without Paul we would have a very small New Testament; he contributed thirteen epistles to the canon! Without Paul we would have a very limited view of God’s grace to change lives and give hope. One never knows the potential of one convert. All they need is a little encouragement!