When I was in high school, I had the assignment one time for Teen Bible Study in my local congregation of giving a presentation about the Apostle Barnabas. How many of you have never heard of Barnabas? Barnabas is not one of the most famous names of the Bible, unlike Paul or Peter, but he is certainly nowhere near as obscure a minister as some of the other apostles, like Mathias. Despite being less well known than some leaders, Barnabas has a very important role in the Bible for his generosity of spirit and for his ability to encourage others. In fact, the name Barnabas means “Son of Encouragement,” and he largely lived up to his name. Today we will find out why Barnabas is important and what lessons we can learn about him from his biblical record of generosity of spirit, his concern for his family, and even from his struggles.

A Generous Spirit

Barnabas was noted for his generous spirit, and this generous spirit allowed him to be recognized by the early brethren of the Church and allowed his talents and abilities to give him prominent opportunities for service. We first read of Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37. Acts 4:36-37 is a short passage but one that tells us a lot about Barnabas. It reads: “And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated “Son of Encouragement”), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet.” This passage tells us quite a lot. It tells us first that Barnabas was given his name by the apostles because he encouraged them. He was a well-to-do Levite from the island of Cyprus, among those people who had duties to serve God among the people of Israel, and he generously sold his land and gave the money to the apostles so that they could take care of the poorer Judean brethren. For this he was honored and received a well-earned reputation for generosity of spirit.

Nor is this the only time that we know of Barnabas through his generosity in material goods. Let us turn to Acts 11:27-30, where we hear again about the generosity of Barnabas and hear as well of Barnabas’ connection to Saul (better known as the Apostle Paul). Acts 11:27-30 reads as follows: “And in those days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to their ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Here we see again that Barnabas was connected with generosity for his desire to help the poor brethren of Judea. We are used to thinking of Israel as a wealthy nation, but then Israel was under the rule of the Romans, and the land was owned by corrupt and ungodly men and the people of the land greatly suffered in poverty, not having enough to eat when times were good, much less during times of famine. And Barnabas again took a lead role in helping the brethren of Judea through his generosity.

Nor was Barnabas’ generosity limited strictly to material possessions. His generous spirit also led him to help support and encourage Paul at the beginning of his ministry. Let us turn to Acts 9:26-30. Acts 9:26-30 shows of the great encouragement and support Barnabas gave to Paul at the beginning of Paul’s ministry: “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had boldly preached in Damascus in the name of Jesus. So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.” Here we see that Paul’s previous violence against the Church of God (which can be read in Acts 7 and 8) led the disciples of Jerusalem, many of whom had probably been thrown in jail by Paul or lost their friends and family to Paul, to be afraid and disbelieving of Paul’s conversion. And yet Barnabas’ bold generosity allowed him to overcome these fears and show the apostles and the brethren the newfound zeal of Paul for Jesus Christ. And when Paul’s zeal led the Greek-speaking Jews to threaten Paul with death (not for the first or the last time), the brethren of Jerusalem were so persuaded by Barnabas of Paul’s sincerity that they helped him escape to his hometown of Tarusus. Again, Barnabas’ generosity allowed him to serve the best interests of his brethren.

Barnabas’ generosity of spirit even extended to his lack of concern about title and power in his relationship with Paul. In Acts 11:19-26 we read of how it was Barnabas that was responsible for Paul even being seen as an apostle and leader by the Church of God in Antioch. Acts 11:19-26 reads: “Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all with purpose of heart that they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Here we see an amazing picture. Barnabas is sent out to investigate the ministry from Jerusalem, and what does he do but encourage the new brethren in their faith. The Bible itself calls Barnabas a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. Who wouldn’t want the Bible to say that about each and every one of us? And part of Barnabas’ goodness was not staying and glorying in the praise of the people at Antioch, but going to Tarsus and bringing Paul to enjoy it as well, seeing as Paul had been off on the sidelines in Tarsus. Instead, Paul is brought to a prominent role in Antioch when Christianity was being established there.

As a result of the preaching of Barnabas and Paul, they were soon seen as among the elite leaders of the congregation at Antioch. But God had bigger plans for the two of them. Let us read about these plans in Acts 12:25-13:3. Acts 12:25-13:3 talk about the beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey, in which Barnabas started out as the leader: “And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark. Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” Here we see that among the leaders of the Church of God in Antioch Barnabas was preeminent, and Saul was included at the end. That may seem strange to us, considering that we read so many of Paul’s letters, but that is how it was at the beginning of Paul’s missionary journey—he was the junior minister to Barnabas, with John Mark (better known as Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark) as their assistant.

That position did not last, for we read just a little while later that after Paul’s bold and harsh rebuke of a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet, that Paul is seen as the leader of the party due to his boldness. Let us look at Acts 13:13, where we see this change. Acts 13:13 reads: “Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.” Whether it was out of homesickness, immaturity, a disappointment that Barnabas was no longer in charge, or some other reason, John Mark left the party and went back home to Jerusalem. Nonetheless, we do not read anywhere in scripture that Barnabas himself was jealous for a position or for preeminence. He seems to be one of those (rare) generous spirits who are more concerned about the success of other people, including his protégé Paul, then in their own fame or glory. And so for the remainder of their time together Paul is seen as the preeminent leader among their group. In large part due to the frequent generosity of Barnabas, we have the biblical record of Paul’s acts and writings to learn from today. Let us all show appreciation to Barnabas for his encouragement of Paul in helping him be such a vitally important leader in the early Church of God.

Barnabas’ Family Concerns

We have already seen how Barnabas’ concern for the brethren was great. Multiple times he showed such generosity to the brethren of the Church of God in Judea that the Bible records it. Multiple times he showed such generosity and support and encouragement of Paul that is written in the pages of scripture. And the name Barnabas name itself was given to him by the apostles in Jerusalem because he encouraged them. And yet Barnabas was known as well for his concern for his physical family and not only his brethren in the Church of God.

We know this from a chain of evidence included in the Bible. First, let us turn to Colossians 4:10. Paul is writing here to the church at Colosse, and happens to mention Mark and his relationship to Barnabas. Colossians 4:10 reads: “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome come). Here we see that John Mark, author of the Gospel of Mark, the assistant of Barnabas and Paul on their missionary journey, was a close relative of Barnabas himself, and that Barnabas’ interest in him had at least a little touch of family concern and not only Christian concern. We also see here that Mark (and presumably Barnabas) remained godly servants preaching the gospel long after they are no longer mentioned in Acts, and that Paul considered them godly ministers.

This is important to remember because the Book of Acts leaves Paul and Barnabas at an awkward place. Acts 15:36-41 tells of the split and hostility between Paul and Barnabas. Acts 15:36-41 reads as follows: “Then after some days Paul aid to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention between them became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” Here we see that Barnabas showed a special concern for his relative Mark. Mark had a reputation for being somewhat flighty. He was probably the young man in Mark 14:51-52 who ran naked when Jesus Christ was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and he ran again from Paul and Barnabas when they arrived in what is now Turkey. Nonetheless, Barnabas was determined to give his immature relative a second chance, true to his generous character, while the much harsher Paul was very strict in not wanting someone to come along with them that could not tough out their often dangerous journeys, dangerous especially because of Paul’s rather blunt and fierce personality.

And so the two of them parted. Sometimes people disagree so much they can no longer work together, not because either are wrong, but because their characters and natures are so different that they cannot see eye to eye. And so it was with Barnabas and Paul. They both preached the word of God but had to go their separate ways, even as they remained fellow ministers both committed to the Kingdom of God. We know that some ten years or so after their split that Paul still considered Mark to be a minister of God. We also know that Paul eventually saw Mark as worthwhile, after his hostility to him so many years before, due to his thoughtful comment in 2 Timothy 4:11. 2 Timothy 4:11, written at the very end of Paul’s life, tells us the following about Mark: “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.” Under the gentle guidance of his relative Barnabas, Mark became a responsible and worthy minister, though it took a little bit of time. Even though some of us, like myself, have personalities a lot like Paul, being a bit harsh and strict and fierce, it’s good to learn how to be a godly minister from someone as gentle and generous in spirit as Barnabas. We all need someone like Barnabas in our lives.

The Struggles of Barnabas

Nonetheless, despite the fact that Barnabas is recorded in the Bible as a godly man, he certainly had his struggles and his flaws. Even as we celebrate the worthiness of Barnabas and his generous spirit, let us comment a little bit on what Barnabas had to struggle with so that we have a whole and balanced picture of the Bible’s portrayal of this good, but not perfect, man. Let us look in particular at two of his struggles—the weaknesses of his gentleness and his struggles with singlehood.

The most critical comments that the Bible makes about Barnabas can be found in Galatians 2:11-14, in a harsh comment about the hypocrisy of Peter. Galatians 2:11-14 reads: “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?” Here we see that Barnabas, probably in his eagerness to please and avoid a quarrel, was carried away as many are into hypocrisy, not believing it was a sin for Jews to eat with uncircumcised Gentiles but not eating with them when very strict Jews were around for fear of being thought of as not sufficiently serious about God’s law. Paul, being a much more blunt and fierce and straightforward person, took a much harsher tone, telling difficult but necessary truths to Peter and the rest of the Jews who were acting like hypocrites in refusing to eat when the conservative Jews were around. Every strength has its weakness, and the people pleasing nature of Barnabas led him astray in leading him not to stand up and fight for what is right when necessary, as it was in this case.

We find an additional and surprising struggle of Barnabas in 1 Corinthians 9:5-6. 1 Corinthians 9:5-6, in the middle of a long series of rhetorical questions to the immature brethren of Corinth, reveals that both Barnabas and Paul were single: “Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working?” Here we see that Barnabas and Paul were apparently the only two unmarried apostles of the lot—as Peter (here called Cephas), James, Jude, John, Matthew, and all the other apostles were married with families of their own to help provide for them, while Paul and Barnabas had to work for themselves without family to support them or without a wife to help them out and ease their burden. So, even though Barnabas was a son of encouragement for the brethren and for the apostles, he had no godly wife to encourage him. Speaking personally, that is a struggle I know well.

Conclusion

So, today we have explored what the Bible has to say about Barnabas, son of encouragement, an apostle in the early Church of God. We have shown how his generous spirit became well known in the early Church and how he more than once helped Paul by giving him an opportunity to show his faith and talents before the apostles and the brethren in Jerusalem as well as Antioch. We have seen how Barnabas was unconcerned with being seen as the chief minister in his own missionary journey and how he worked hard to help and encourage his somewhat immature relative John Mark through the years to become a godly minister as well in his own right. We have also seen that his generous personality had weaknesses in sometimes leaving him unable to take a firm and fierce stand against evil. And we have also seen that Barnabas had to deal with the struggle of remaining single in a church culture that greatly encouraged marriage, and still does today. Therefore, let us remember to cultivate within ourselves the same tendencies of generosity and encouragement that enabled Barnabas to be seen by the Bible as a good man, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, without being gentle to excess and unable to make the hard decisions and face the fierce struggles that are sometimes necessary, if unpleasant. No matter what our natural personality may be, may we all cultivate within us at least a piece of the generous spirit of Barnabas, the son of encouragement, with the help of God’s Holy Spirit.