Articles
Person Of The Week: Barnabas
This “Son of Encouragement,” so nicknamed by the apostles (Acts 4:36), is a bright light of Christian character and service in the early church. He was generous, even to the point of selling land and donating the proceeds for the care of the brethren (Acts 4:37). He was courageous and inclusive, trusting that Paul’s conversion was genuine and mediating his association with a fearful Jerusalem church (Acts 9:26-28).
Barnabas is then sent on a difficult assignment to encourage the new Gentile/Jewish converts in Antioch (Acts 11:22-26). His flexibility, willingness to sacrifice and genuine love for people were great assets in this new phase of kingdom development.
But all of these early challenges prepared him for greater things, for he and Paul went as a team on the first preaching journey among the Gentiles (Acts 13-14). Barnabas’ willingness to part with his possessions is surpassed by his willingness to part with his very life ... but he is spared so serve in future endeavors.
But let’s not forget that, for all his faithfulness, Barnabas “was a man with a nature like ours” (James 5:17) and was susceptible to temptation and failure (Gal. 2:11-13). Bible “heroes” are people just like us who set their minds on serving God and loving their brethren. They developed their skills and talents and encouraged others by their life of faith. So can we.
