Preaching on Barnabas: Example of Christian
Today, we are going to dive into the life of a truly remarkable man of God, a quiet hero of the early church whose impact was profound, though often overshadowed by others. We will study The Example of Barnabas, a faithful disciple and a worthy example of Christianity for us to follow.
His very name, "Barnabas," given to him by the apostles, means "Son of Encouragement." And his life, as we will see, beautifully reflected this meaning: he was truly a man who helped, supported, and uplifted many, becoming a blessing to countless souls and to the very expansion of the Gospel.
We will examine his exemplary life through several key actions and characteristics:
These qualities of Barnabas provide a powerful challenge for us to imitate him, just as the apostle Paul taught us to imitate those who follow Christ (Philippians 3:17: "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.").
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I. He Donated Land for the Needy (Acts 4:36-37)
Our first introduction to Barnabas reveals his extraordinary generosity and selflessness.
A. First mention of Barnabas: a Levite, so called by the apostles. In Acts 4:36-37, we read: "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means 'Son of Encouragement'), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet." This is not a casual act; it is the first specific mention of an individual selling property to support the communal needs of the early church, setting a profound example of radical generosity.
B. He sold a piece of property and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet to help those in need. This act was born out of genuine care for the suffering and marginalized within the Christian community. He saw the practical needs of his brothers and sisters and acted decisively and selflessly.
C. Application:
• Barnabas saw the need of his brothers and sisters and acted selflessly. He didn't just feel pity; he took action.
• We are called to have the same spirit of generosity, a practical love that is not merely words but deeds (James 2:14-16; 1 John 3:17-18). James 2:15-16: "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?" 1 John 3:17-18: "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
• We should give with what we have, as Jesus taught in Luke 3:11: "Anyone who has two tunics should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." Barnabas didn't give out of his poverty; he gave significantly from his wealth, demonstrating a heart truly devoted to God and His people.
II. He Spoke Good of the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:27)
Barnabas played a crucial role in validating and integrating a deeply controversial figure into the early church: Saul of Tarsus, the former persecutor, now Paul the apostle.
A. Paul was feared by many, but Barnabas had the courage to defend him. In Acts 9:26-27, after his conversion, Saul tried to join the disciples in Jerusalem: "But they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 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."
B. He valued Paul's good works and presented these evidences to the apostles. Barnabas didn't just vouch for Paul; he presented compelling evidence of his transformation and fervent preaching. He looked beyond Paul's notorious past to see the genuine work of God in his life.
C. Application:
• Instead of criticizing, gossiping, or condemning based on past reputation or current suspicion, we should seek to highlight the good in others, especially those who are genuinely striving for Christ.
• Let us actively avoid gossip, judgment, and suspicion. Let us be edifiers, not accusers or detractors. Barnabas demonstrated how to be a bridge-builder, not a wall-builder.
III. He Encouraged the Brothers (Acts 11:22-23)
Barnabas lived up to his name as a "Son of Encouragement" by strengthening believers, especially in newly formed congregations.
A. Barnabas was sent to Antioch and encouraged the believers to remain faithful. When news reached Jerusalem that many Gentiles were coming to faith in Antioch, the church sent Barnabas: "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." (Acts 11:22-23). He didn't come to criticize or control, but to affirm and strengthen.
B. Application:
• We should actively seek to encourage the discouraged, the weak, and those who are faltering in their faith (1 Thessalonians 5:14: "And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.").
• Our example should be one of encouragement, not a stumbling block (Romans 15:1-4 emphasizes mutual encouragement and bearing with one another).
• When we are not consistent in our own walk, we inevitably influence others negatively. Barnabas's consistent godliness and encouraging spirit were powerful motivators.
IV. He Was a Good Man (Acts 11:24)
This simple statement is a profound commendation from the inspired Word of God.
A. The Bible states that he was good, full of the Holy Spirit, and full of faith. Acts 11:24 describes him: "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith; and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." His goodness was not merely outward appearance; it was rooted in being filled with the Spirit and robust faith.
B. Application:
• We should actively seek to "do good" in every sphere of our lives (Deuteronomy 6:18: "Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you..."; John 5:29: Jesus spoke of "those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.").
• Being filled with the Spirit means manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in our character and conduct (Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.").
• Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."). Barnabas's goodness was a natural overflow of his Spirit-filled, faith-driven life.
V. He Spoke Boldly (Acts 13:46)
Barnabas, often seen as gentle, also possessed great courage in proclaiming the truth.
A. Barnabas was not afraid to proclaim the truth, even in the face of opposition. In Pisidian Antioch, when the Jews rejected Paul and Barnabas's message, Acts 13:46 records their firm response: "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.'" He was courageous in delivering God's message.
B. Application:
• We must speak boldly like Peter and John, even when threatened by authorities (Acts 4:18-20: "But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to obey God rather than human beings? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”').
• God has given us a spirit of courage, not of cowardice (2 Timothy 1:7: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.").
• Like Stephen, let us be faithful to the end, even in the face of persecution (Acts 7:55-57: Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, boldly testified before his executioners).
VI. He Was Humble (Acts 14:14)
Despite being a prominent leader and miracle-worker, Barnabas maintained a profound humility.
A. When they wanted to worship him as a god, Barnabas refused. In Lystra, after Paul healed a lame man, the crowd tried to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, calling them Zeus and Hermes. Acts 14:14-15 describes their reaction: "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.'"
B. Application:
• Only God should be worshipped (Revelation 19:10: The angel tells John, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!").
• Many today seek first place, status, or recognition within the church, like Diotrephes, who "loves to be first" and refused to welcome true apostles (3 John 9-10). Barnabas offers a stark contrast.
• We must humble ourselves before God and man, recognizing that any good we do is by His grace and for His glory.
VII. “Son of Comfort or Encouragement”: Characteristics
• Solidarity, Acts 4:36, 37: Barnabas's generous act of selling his land and giving the proceeds to the apostles exemplifies his solidarity with the early church.
• Understanding, Acts 9:26, 27: Barnabas's willingness to believe in Paul's conversion, despite the initial skepticism of the other apostles, demonstrates his understanding and discerning spirit.
• Gift of Exhortation, Acts 11:23: "When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." This verse highlights Barnabas's ability to encourage and strengthen believers.
• Filled with the Holy Spirit, Acts 11:24: "Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." This verse underscores the spiritual foundation of Barnabas's ministry.
• Inspiring Influence, Acts 11:25, 26: Barnabas's initiative in seeking out Saul and bringing him to Antioch demonstrates his ability to recognize and nurture potential.
• Trustworthy, Acts 11:29, 30: His role in delivering aid to the believers in Judea shows that he was trusted to handle important tasks.
• Pleasant Personal Appearance (?), Acts 14:12: The people of Lystra mistook Barnabas for Zeus, possibly suggesting that he had a dignified or impressive appearance.
• Adapted to Missionary Work, Acts 13:2: The Holy Spirit’s direction to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work shows his fitness for such work.
• Supported Himself, 1 Corinthians 9:6: This quality shows his dedication, and that he did not burden those he ministered to.
- Preaching on Balaam: A Study in Compromise
- Preaching on Aquila and Priscilla: A Model of Godly Partnership
- Preaching on Andrew, the Apostle: The Quiet Influence
Conclusion:
Barnabas's life serves as a powerful example of encouragement, partnership, and dedication to the Gospel. He was a man who recognized potential in others, fostered unity within the church, and played a crucial role in the early expansion of Christianity. His legacy reminds us of the importance of encouragement and the power of supportive relationships in advancing God's kingdom.
