A Levite from Cyprus whose generous spirit and gift for encouragement earned him the name ‘Son of Encouragement’ from the apostles. Barnabas sold his field and laid the money at the apostles’ feet, then took a risk by vouching for the newly converted Paul when other believers were still suspicious. He partnered with Paul on the first missionary journey and later gave John Mark a second chance when Paul refused to take him. Barnabas’s ministry reminds the church that encouragement and second chances can change the world.
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),Acts 4:36 · Berean Standard Bible
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Peter and John stand before the same council that condemned Jesus. They are told to stop preaching. They refuse.
Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.
The greatest enemy of the early church is struck blind on a road. When he can see again, everything is different — including his name.
When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they…
Peter must explain to skeptical Jewish believers why he ate with Gentiles. His defense is simple: the Spirit fell on them just as on us.
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Paul and Barnabas are sent out by the Spirit from Antioch. Synagogues, sorcerers, and split reactions — the gospel is on the move.
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