Let’s Talk About BARNABAS THE SON OF CONSOLATION

Barnabas If you had a nickname that described your character, what would it be? In Acts 4:36, the apostles nicknamed Joseph as "Barnabas". This word is Strong's # 3874 and is defined as, "a calling near, imploration, supplication, entreaty, appeal, exhortation, admonition, encouragement, consolation, comfort, solace" (Vine, Thayer, Strong). Thus, Joseph was called the "son of encouragement." But the question is: Why was he called this? What was Joseph doing in order to be described this way? In Acts 4 we read of the generosity of believers toward brethren who were in need (4:32-35).

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas Acts 15:35 “But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also, the words of the Lord.”

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas. He gave of his possessions to further the work of the Lord. Acts 4: 36–37 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. Do we feel that giving to the work of the church, to support local evangelism, is a burden rather than an opportunity?

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas. He gave of his possessions to further the work of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 9:6,7… 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 16:1-2… 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. Then, Barnabas knew how to supply for the need of the Saints.

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas. He saw the best in his fellow men, even when other Christians did not. Acts 9:26-28: 26 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. 27 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 preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. Do we believe the worst about some people, believing that they cannot change?

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas. He saw the best in his fellow men, even when other Christians did not. For Barnabas it was not so. He trusted in Paul’s changes and he trusted in God’s power to save man. Romans 1:16… “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek”. Can God change the most horrible men into the most useful Christians? Yes, God can do things that we cannot even imagine and Barnabas knew it!

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas. He saw the best in his fellow men, even when other Christians did not. Can we as Christians see the best in our brothers? Can we consider our brothers better than ourselves? Do I put them down because of their humble origin, because of their humble position in this life or simply because they are not like me? Barnabas can teach great things, so please, let’s copy from this great man’s example. Romans 12:3… 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas He encouraged others to be faithful Acts 11: 23-24 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Are we an encouragement to others or do we just expect to be encouraged by others?

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas He encouraged others to be faithful We must understand that the duty of every Christian is to help and encourage those weak in faith. It is our job to support everyone in the body of Christ. Barnabas knew his duty, What about us? Hebrews 10:24… “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works”, Galatians 6:2…Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. Romans 15:7… “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God”.

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas He encouraged others to be faithful The church of Christ will grow only until each and every member understands the bible concept that we must support one another, and that two, are better than one, in every task that we take in life. Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10… “ 9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up”.

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas He wanted more experienced Christians around him. Acts 11: 25-26 25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 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. How often do we forget the importance of keeping older, wiser, more experienced people around us?

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas He wanted more experienced Christians around him. Are we seeking the company of Godly people in our everyday lives like Barnabas? He knew what it meant to be around good people. After all Paul wrote: 1 Corinthians 15:33… “Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas He willingly served the church when he was needed. Acts 13:1-3… 1 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. 2 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." 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Do we use the talents God has given us to serve Him?

Lord, May We Be Blessed With More Brethren Like Barnabas He gave John Mark a second chance to be of service. Acts 15: 36 – 41 36 Then after some days Paul said 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." 37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 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. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Is it difficult for us to forgive someone for a wrong they have committed?

Application Are we willing to give of our means to help spread the word? (Acts 20:35; Eph. 4:28) Are we willing to give others the benefit of the doubt? (I Corinthians 13:7) Are we willing to take the time to exhort others? (Heb. 3:13) Are we willing to be humble enough to take advice from more experienced Christians? (Titus 2:3-4) Are we willing to serve God to the best of our ability? (Romans 12:6-8) Are we willing to forgive people and give them second chances? (Colossians 3:12-13; Luke 17:3-4) May the Lord Help us to be like Barnabas in our lives.