“Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was called Barnabas by the Apostles (which translated, means Son of Encouragement)” (Acts 4:36)
BARNABAS STUCK HIS NECK OUT
Pep Rallies, Monday Night football, the World Series, the Super Bowl. Times we encourage our favorite team. Barnabas is a great example of an encourager. Imagine how the Apostles, and Christians in Jerusalem, must have felt, knowing Saul/Paul, persecutor of believers, was coming to meet with them. Probably shaking in their sandals, looking for places to hide; assuming they were about to be stoned or jailed. “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27).
Barnabas, a trusted believer, “a good man and full of the Holy Spirit“, stuck his neck out, supporting Saul. Barnabas appealed to them that Saul didn’t just change his name to “Paul”, but his life had made a 180° turn-a-round. He asked them to hear him out, and they did. Barnabas diffused their fears.
DIDN’T GIVE UP ON A QUITTER
In Acts 15:36-39 Paul wanted them (Barnabas and Silas) to revisit places they’d previously preached at on their missionary journeys. Barnabas wanted to bring along John Mark, but Paul was adamant not to take him. Paul probably believed he was unreliable, a quitter, as John Mark deserted them once before. Barnabas believed in him, persevered, taking John Mark with him to Cyprus. Paul took Silas to Syria and Cilicia. Barnabas didn’t give up on a quitter.
LET’S TRY AGAIN
John Mark later regained Paul’s confidence. “Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service” (2 Timothy 4:11). We don’t always know why someone bails, but maybe, like John Mark, they just need to be told, “Let’s try again, I think you can do it.” We church members/believers can also be encouragers for people experiencing rejection, anger, conflict, distance from God, loss or discouragement.
Barnabas was open-minded, believing not just Jews, but also Gentiles (whom the Jews considered “dogs”) could receive the Holy Spirit and come to Christ (Acts 11:19-24). His report back to the Jerusalem church convinced them that preaching to outsiders was acceptable.
TO ENCOURAGE
“To encourage” is to inspire others with renewed courage, spirit or hope. Sometimes, we don’t even need words: just an empathetic presence. There is a story of a four-year-old child living next door to an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy just said, “Nothing, I just helped him cry.” (Story courtesy of Pastor Tim Harlow, Parkview Christian Church)
WHO CAN YOU ENCOURAGE?
Is there someone new in your neighborhood or group who’s receiving the cold shoulder? Someone you might encourage the group to accept? Maybe a non-believer waiting for you to share the Good News with them, or to invite them to join you for Church? Someone just needing a hug? Barnabas and this four year offer good examples of encouragers. Go therefore and do likewise.