Each of us needs role models. This is true whether we are young or old. It is also true whether we are experienced, or whether we are still at the very beginning of our life of faith.
Barnabas as a Role Model
We are not told very much about Barnabas in Acts. But what God’s Word mentions about him is truly remarkable. It motivates and encourages us to have a positive influence among believers. That is exactly what Barnabas did. He really is a role model worth imitating!
Comforter and Encourager
Barnabas was not this believer’s original name. He was from Jerusalem. His parents had named him “Joseph.” But the apostles had given him the surname “Barnabas.” They gave him the name that fit him best.
The writer of Acts gives the meaning of his name as “Son of Encouragement.” It can also mean “one who encourages others.” This surname, or “nickname” as we would say today, casts a beautiful light on Barnabas.
Why did he receive this name? Later mentions of him in Acts show it. He honored his name among believers as an “encourager”. He was also a comforter.
What “nickname” would people who know you well give to you? What name fits you and your behavior among believers? Are you also an “encourager”?
As a “Son of Encouragement,” Barnabas reflects God’s character. God is called the “God of all comfort.” He is also called the “Father of mercies” in 2 Corinthians 1:3. Among the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem and Antioch, Barnabas glorified God. He did so by comforting and encouraging others. This made it visible what God is really like.
Today we especially need such brothers and sisters. There are many hardships in marriages and families. There are also hardships in local assemblies. There are also hardships in individual lives. We need believers who serve like Barnabas. They comfort and encourage. Perhaps someone comes to mind right now. They have become discouraged and need comfort. Then you may learn from Barnabas (see 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
A Levite and His Approach to Money and Possessions
Barnabas was a Levite from the island of Cyprus. He was therefore set apart by God for service among God’s people (see Numbers 3:6–8). The first action mentioned about him is this. He sold a field. Then he laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. As a Levite, he should not really have owned land. The Lord Himself was to be a Levite’s inheritance (see Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 10:9). God’s Word does not tell us how he acquired this field. Yet his generosity makes his attitude toward money very clear. In the end, he gave up part of his earthly livelihood. He sold the one field that he had. Barnabas puts the money under God’s authority. He is also a role model in this way. He is not clinging to earthly blessing. He wants to possess heavenly blessing. Money often keeps us from serving God. We do not consider it realistic or imaginable. We doubt that the Lord Jesus will provide for us. This happens when we want to serve Him. Are you also ready to give your money to God? Do not set your heart on money or possessions (see Matthew 6:19–20)!
Barnabas and the Believers in Jerusalem
When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.
We have just seen Barnabas’ personal devotion to God. Now we gain an impression of his encouraging way with other Christians.
It had not been long since Saul had cruelly persecuted the young Christian community. He had even had some put to death. But now this Saul suddenly appears in the assembly in Jerusalem.
It is remarkable that Saul desired fellowship. He could not possibly return to his former friends. He wanted to join the local disciples. This was a real mark of the new life in him (see 1 John 1:4). Yet it is hard to blame the disciples in Jerusalem. At first they met Paul with mistrust. They were afraid. They did not believe he had truly become a disciple.
A Bridge Builder Between the Brothers and Sisters
Now it is Barnabas who brings these two parties together. He had the confidence of the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. So they believed him when he appeared with Saul. He could comfort them. In doing so, he again lived up to his name, “Son of Encouragement.” “Barnabas took hold of Saul” and then brought him to the apostles in Jerusalem. We are not told what this brief note means in detail. But certainly this much is true: Barnabas spoke with Saul about what he had experienced. He spoke about how God had radically changed him. It is encouraging how Barnabas becomes active as a “bridge builder.” He connects people who actually had a problem with each other.
What do we do with visitors or “newcomers” at the assembly meetings? Who approaches those who always stand on the sidelines? Who seeks those not really integrated into fellowship? There are also Christians and whole churches that do not get along well. Who builds bridges between these brothers and sisters?
An Advocate for Other Brothers and Sisters
Barnabas had three things to report to the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem:
- How Saul had seen the Lord on the road. This had completely changed the man’s life. It was also a necessary mark of an apostle. An apostle had to have seen the Lord. Barnabas therefore makes clear that Saul met this condition.
- That the Lord Jesus had spoken to him. This included the Lord’s commission to Saul (see Acts 9:4–6, 15).
- That Saul had testified boldly in Damascus. This was proof of the genuineness of his conversion.
It is striking that Barnabas did not direct the believers’ attention to himself. He did not highlight his own service. Instead, he pointed them to the Lord Jesus. He also pointed them to His work in Saul.
Do we also desire to direct our fellow believers’ attention in our service to the Lord Jesus Himself?
Preparing the Way into Fellowship with Other Christians
We also learn this from the second mention of Barnabas. No one can be received into fellowship based on his own testimony. The testimony of another is always required. Here it was Barnabas’ testimony about Saul. And yet we should accept one another. Then God will be glorified (see Romans 15:7).
Being received into the fellowship of God’s children is not only about the breaking of bread. It covers a much wider field. Saul, received into fellowship, went “in and out among them”. This did not concern only the meetings as an assembly. He took part in the shared life of believers.
In this second account of Barnabas, we see something else. He had an eye for God’s work in Saul. He also recognized the devil’s intentions. The devil wanted to prevent the brothers and sisters enjoying fellowship with Saul.
Are we truly aware of this? The devil wants to prevent fellowship among God’s children. He even wants to destroy it. Therefore, let us accept one another.
In the next article about Barnabas, we will see something further. He encourages the young believers in Antioch. He urges them to remain with the Lord Jesus with all their hearts. He urges them to live focused on Him.
Comments (0)
No comments yet.