Barnabas - A Man Known by His Actions

Barnabas - A Man Known by His Actions

Barnabas - A Man Known by His Actions

This Bible teaching explores the concept of encouragement through the example of Barnabas, a figure from the New Testament known for his actions of support and exhortation. The message emphasizes the importance of lending energy and support to others in their journey of faith and in life.

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The Essence of Encouragement

The teaching begins with a story illustrating the importance of helping others, even when it's inconvenient. This sets the stage for introducing the word "parakaleo" from the New Testament, which is interpreted as encouragement or exhortation. It means giving a part of yourself to help someone else continue on their path, particularly in their relationship with God.

• Parakaleo: A Greek word in the New Testament, signifying encouragement, exhortation, to beseech, to call upon, or to strengthen.
• The Gift of Exhortation: Encouraging believers to stay focused on their relationship with God, helping them overcome distractions, fear, or resentment.
• Running the Race: The Christian life is likened to a race where believers should encourage each other to persevere and reach the finish line.

Biblical Examples of Encouragement

The teaching provides several examples from Scripture to illustrate the concept of encouragement:

• Moses to Joshua: Moses encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous as he led the people into the promised land.
• God in Isaiah: God encourages His people not to fear because He is with them, offering strength and help.
• Yeshua (Jesus) to Peter: When Peter walked on water but became afraid and began to sink, Yeshua encouraged him and saved him.

Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement

Joseph the Levite, also known as Barnabas, is presented as a prime example of someone recognized for his ability to encourage others. The name Barnabas, given by the apostles, means "son of encouragement" or "son of exhortation." Barnabas stood out in the early Christian community for his generosity and willingness to support others.

• Acts 4:34-37: Describes how Barnabas sold a field and gave the proceeds to the apostles, demonstrating his commitment to the community's needs.
• A Community of Believers: In the early church, believers shared everything, ensuring no one was in need. Barnabas played a significant role in this.
• Looking to the Future: Barnabas focused on what people could become, rather than judging them based on their past.

Barnabas and Paul

One of the most significant examples of Barnabas's encouragement is his support of Paul (formerly Saul). Paul, who had persecuted believers, underwent a transformation and became a zealous follower of Yeshua. However, the apostles were wary of him due to his past.

• Vouching for Paul: Barnabas took Paul to the apostles, vouching for his transformation and declaring how Paul had seen the Lord and preached boldly.
• A Fresh Start: Barnabas was willing to set aside Paul's past and give him a chance, recognizing the potential asset he could be to the kingdom.
• Impact: Without Barnabas's encouragement, Paul might have been rejected, and his significant contributions to the New Testament (13 books) might not have happened.

Barnabas and the Gentile Believers

As the gospel spread, many Gentiles (non-Jewish people) began to believe in Yeshua. This caused some debate, but Barnabas was sent to Antioch to encourage the new believers.

• Acts 11:19-26: Describes how believers scattered after Stephen's death and began preaching to Gentiles in Antioch.
• Sent to Antioch: The apostles in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to encourage the growing number of Gentile believers.
• Finding Paul: Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Paul and brought him to Antioch, where they spent a year teaching together.
• The Term "Christians": It was in Antioch that believers were first called Christians, likely by non-believers to distinguish them from Jews.

The Disagreement Over John Mark

Later, Paul and Barnabas prepared to revisit the churches they had planted. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, but Paul disagreed because John Mark had previously abandoned them.

• A Sharp Disagreement: The disagreement was so strong that Paul and Barnabas parted ways. Barnabas took John Mark to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas as his companion.
• A Second Chance: Barnabas believed in giving John Mark another chance, recognizing his potential for growth and maturity.
• John Mark's Growth: John Mark went on to become a mature leader in the early Christian community and is believed by many scholars to have written the Gospel of Mark.
• Believing in Potential: Barnabas understood the importance of allowing people to grow and believing that God can transform their lives.

Attributes of an Encourager

The speaker, Matthew Vander Els, outlines three key attributes of a Barnabas-like encourager:

• Sacrifices for Others: An encourager is willing to give something of themselves to help others, even if it means draining their own "battery."
• Sees the Best in Others: An encourager focuses on the potential in others, rather than their flaws or past mistakes. This is illustrated by the story of Lutz Long, the German runner who helped Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics.
• Slow to Judge: An encourager does not judge others based on their past but believes in their capacity for change and growth. This is exemplified by Fred Roos, who encouraged Harrison Ford to pursue acting despite his past failures.

Application for Everyday Life

• Carry "Battery Cables": Be ready to offer support and encouragement to those who need it.
• Look for Opportunities: Be observant and look for people who may need a boost or a word of encouragement.
• Believe in Others: Like Barnabas, believe in the potential of others and be willing to invest in their growth.
• Simple Acts of Obedience: Engage in simple acts of kindness and encouragement, recognizing that God uses these acts to accomplish profound things.
• Give of Yourself: Don't be afraid to spend a little bit of your energy on other people. It's better to give than to keep it all for yourself.

References

• Acts 4:34
• Acts 4:35
• Acts 4:36
• Acts 4:37

Resources

• The Bible
• Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary

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