Barnabas was an early Christian leader who played a significant role in the early church. His name means “son of encouragement,” which shows his character. Today, we will talk about who Barnabas was, his key actions, and how his life can inspire us in our own walk with Christ.
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What Does The Bible Say About Barnabas
Acts 4:36
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),
This verse introduces us to Barnabas, who is described as a Levite from Cyprus. The apostles gave him the nickname “Barnabas,” which means “son of encouragement.” Barnabas’s role in the early church was to uplift and inspire others, reminding us of the importance of offering encouragement to our fellow believers.
Acts 9:27
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.
Barnabas played a crucial role in the conversion of Saul (later known as Paul). He recognized the change in Saul’s life, brought him to the apostles, and testified about Saul’s encounter with the Lord. This verse emphasizes Barnabas’s faith in Saul’s transformation and his willingness to mediate and bridge the gap between Saul and the rest of the apostles.
Acts 11:22-24
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Barnabas was sent by the church in Jerusalem to Antioch, where he witnessed the work of God’s grace among the believers there. His genuine joy and encouragement inspired the Antioch Christians to remain steadfast in their faith. Barnabas’s character is described as being full of the Holy Spirit and faith, leading to the conversion of a significant number of people.
Acts 11:25-26
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So, for a whole year, Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
After finding Saul in Tarsus, Barnabas brought him back to Antioch. Together, they spent a significant amount of time teaching the church and leading many people to the Lord. Their collaboration and influence were instrumental in the followers of Christ in Antioch being identified as “Christians” for the first time.
Acts 12:25
When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.
Barnabas, along with Saul (Paul) and John Mark, returned from their mission to Jerusalem. Barnabas’s commitment to mentoring and guiding younger believers, like John Mark, is evident in this verse. He played a significant role in supporting and encouraging the early Christian disciples.
Acts 13:2
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.”
The Holy Spirit specifically set apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific work. This verse highlights Barnabas’s calling and the importance of being attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Barnabas’s life reminds us to be open to God’s calling and to step into the specific tasks He has appointed for us.
Acts 13:7
The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.
Barnabas and Saul’s reputation for proclaiming God’s Word reached the proconsul, who desired to hear from them. This verse emphasizes the reputation that Barnabas had built, known for being a teacher of God’s truth. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of living in a way that attracts others to the Word of God.
Acts 13:43
When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
After sharing the message of God’s grace, many Jews and devout converts chose to follow Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas’s ability to connect with and exhort others is evident in this verse. He played a significant role in reminding believers of the importance of continuing in God’s grace and nurturing their relationship with Him.
Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
Facing rejection, Paul and Barnabas boldly redirected their focus to the Gentiles. Barnabas’s steadfastness in the face of opposition and willingness to adapt to different circumstances reveals his dedication to spreading the Gospel message and reaching as many people as possible, regardless of cultural boundaries.
Acts 14:12
Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker.
In Lystra, the people mistakenly identified Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes, due to a healing miracle and Paul’s eloquence in speaking. Although this verse focuses on the misperception, it still showcases the impact Barnabas and Paul had on the people through their ministry and serves as a testament to their faithfulness in sharing God’s truth.
Acts 14:14-15
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.”
When the people of Lystra wanted to worship Barnabas and Paul as gods, they were quick to deny the adoration and redirect them to worship the one true God. This verse highlights their humility and commitment to pointing people towards God, rather than accepting personal glory or praise for themselves.
Acts 15:2
This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
A dispute arose regarding the need for Gentiles to be circumcised, leading to a debate between Paul, Barnabas, and others. This verse underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from the apostles and elders when faced with challenging theological questions. Barnabas’s willingness to engage in these discussions demonstrates his commitment to preserving the unity and integrity of the early church.
Acts 15:12
The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
As Barnabas and Paul recounted the miracles they witnessed among the Gentiles, the entire assembly fell silent. This verse highlights the impact of their testimonies and serves as a reminder of the power of sharing personal experiences of God’s work in our lives to inspire and encourage others.
Acts 15:25
So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul—
In a letter addressing the issue of circumcision, Barnabas and Paul were sent as representatives along with some other men. Their inclusion in this important task signifies the esteem and trust placed in them by the early church leadership. It also showcases their dedication to seeking unity and resolving disputes in the body of Christ.
Acts 15:35
But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.
After delivering the letter from the Jerusalem Council, Paul and Barnabas continued to teach and preach in Antioch. Their commitment to sharing the Word of God and nurturing the faith of believers reminds us of the importance of ongoing discipleship and spiritual growth within the community of believers.
Acts 15:36
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”
Paul proposed to Barnabas that they revisit the believers in the towns they previously preached in. This verse demonstrates their heart for pastoral care and their desire to shepherd and support those who have heard the gospel message. Barnabas’s passion for checking up on the spiritual well-being of believers encourages us to prioritize caring for and nurturing the faith of fellow believers.
Acts 15:37-39
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,
Paul objected to taking John Mark on their journey due to his previous abandonment. This verse reveals a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over Mark’s involvement, resulting in their separation. While this split showcases their human frailties, it also highlights Barnabas’s willingness to give Mark a second chance and support his growth in ministry.
1 Corinthians 9:6
Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul mentions himself and Barnabas as examples of apostles who worked to support themselves. This verse underscores their humility and willingness to labor for the sake of the Gospel, rather than impose a financial burden on the churches they served. It encourages us to be diligent and resourceful in our approach to ministry.
Colossians 4:10
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul mentions Mark as the cousin of Barnabas. This verse serves as a reminder of the ongoing relationship between Barnabas and Mark, reflecting Barnabas’s role as a mentor and supporter of younger believers. It also underscores the importance of hospitality and welcoming fellow believers into our communities.
2 Timothy 4:11
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you because he is helpful to me in my ministry.
In his final letter to Timothy, Paul specifically asks for Mark’s presence, recognizing his value and usefulness in ministry. This verse reflects the growth and restoration in the relationship between Mark and Paul, which may have been influenced by the investment and belief Barnabas had in Mark’s potential. It reminds us of the power of forgiveness and the redemptive nature of God’s work in our lives.
Galatians 2:13
The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
Paul recounts an incident where Peter’s hypocrisy influenced Barnabas to act in a similarly hypocritical manner. This verse highlights the fallibility and susceptibility of even esteemed figures like Barnabas to moral failings. It serves as a reminder that no one is immune to temptation and the importance of accountability and staying rooted in God’s truth.
Galatians 2:9
James, Cephas, and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.
Paul recounts how James, Peter, and John recognized the grace given to him and Barnabas and affirmed their ministry to the Gentiles. This verse underscores the significance of Barnabas’s partnership with Paul and the support they received from other respected leaders in the early church. It emphasizes the importance of working together for the advancement of God’s Kingdom, recognizing and honoring each other’s unique callings.
1 Peter 5:13
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
In Peter’s letter, he sends greetings from “my son Mark.” This verse implies a close relationship between Mark and Peter, potentially influenced by the mentoring and support Mark received through his connection with Barnabas. It demonstrates the interconnectedness of the early Christian leaders and their commitment to nurturing the younger generation.