His birth name was Joseph, but you likely know him as Barnabas. Barnabas was his nickname given to him by the Apostles because it means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). He was so encouraging and energizing that they gave him that title or nickname! This is a quality all of us can develop! All of us can be encouragers. Encouraging became a habit for Barnabas. It was who he was! Notice three examples of his lifestyle that we can imitate.
First, Barnabas was a sacrificial giver (Acts 4:36-37). Barnabas sold a field and gave the proceeds to the Apostles to distribute to those in need. This was a significant act of sacrifice. This act encouraged others and was so esteemed in the early church that Ananias and Sapphira tried to imitate it through deception (Acts 5:1-11). Giving to others is a great way to encourage. What have you given lately?
Second, Barnabas was a trusted bridge-builder during suspicion times. When Paul first became a Christian after being a persecutor of the church, the early church was reluctant to trust his sudden conversion story. But Barnabas testified to the Apostles of his sincere change and built trust in the relationship (Acts 9:27-28). Being a Barnabas means being a bridge-builder in relationships. He was a peace-maker and unifying presence, rather than a perpetuator of fear and division. Who have you expressed belief in lately?
Third, Barnabas was a mentor to future leaders. He took men with potential, poured his experience and wisdom into them and let them outgrow and out perform him. Barnabas will take Paul under his wings, and allow him to slowly become the leader and great apostle. Young John Mark let Paul down on a previous trip causing Paul to not want to take him on another missionary journey (Acts 15:37-40). But Barnabas sees his potential and separates from Paul to take Mark with him. Later, Paul will need Mark again noting his usefulness to the cause of Christ (2 Tim. 4:11). Barnabas had given him a second chance and it paid off! Who are you developing and mentoring?
Barnabas is an under-appreciated character in the New Testament. Yet, fourteen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are written by men he helped to build. He was a servant-leader who facilitated the success of others. He had no problem moving from first chair to second chair. You and I can be an encourager like Barnabas! Let’s make a difference in the lives of others through the simple act of encouragment.
