CHARACTER STUDY OF BARNABAS

CHARACTER STUDY OF BARNABAS – ENCOURAGER AND COMPANION OF PAUL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 4:36-37

"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."

Supporting Texts: Acts 9:26-27, Acts 11:22-26, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 15:36-41

INTRODUCTION

Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus and a prominent leader in the early church. His name means "Son of Encouragement," which reflected his character and ministry. He played a key role in the growth of the church by supporting Paul, mentoring young leaders like John Mark, and being a missionary to the Gentiles. His life teaches us the power of encouragement, generosity, and faithfulness in God's work.

1. BARNABAS' EARLY LIFE AND CHARACTER

a) He was a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36)

Barnabas was of the priestly tribe of Levi, yet he lived in Cyprus, a Gentile-dominated region. This background helped him later in ministry, as he had cultural exposure to both Jews and Gentiles.

b) He was known for his generosity (Acts 4:37)

Barnabas sold his property and donated the money to the early church. This act of sacrificial giving demonstrated his commitment to God’s work and his concern for the needs of others.

c) He was a man of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24)

Barnabas was not just a generous man but also a deeply spiritual one. He was described as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith," making him a reliable leader in the church.

d) He had a heart for encouragement (Acts 9:26-27)

When the disciples were afraid of Paul after his conversion, Barnabas stepped in, vouched for him, and brought him into fellowship with the believers. His encouragement helped Paul find acceptance in the church.

e) Biblical Example: Jonathan's encouragement to David (1 Samuel 23:16-17)

Like Barnabas, Jonathan strengthened and supported David when he was in distress, showing the power of godly encouragement.

2. BARNABAS AS PAUL’S COMPANION IN MINISTRY

a) He introduced Paul to the apostles (Acts 9:27)

After Paul’s dramatic conversion, many were hesitant to trust him. Barnabas personally took him to the apostles and testified about his transformation, paving the way for Paul's acceptance in the church.

b) He was sent to Antioch as an encourager (Acts 11:22-24)

When the gospel began spreading to the Gentiles in Antioch, the apostles sent Barnabas to strengthen and encourage the new believers. His presence helped the church grow in faith.

c) He brought Paul to Antioch for ministry (Acts 11:25-26)

Recognising Paul’s potential, Barnabas sought him out in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch, where they ministered together for a year. This partnership laid the foundation for Paul’s missionary work.

d) He was commissioned with Paul for missionary work (Acts 13:1-3)

The Holy Spirit specifically called Barnabas and Paul to embark on their first missionary journey, spreading the gospel beyond Jewish communities.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah mentoring Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21)

Just as Elijah guided and trained Elisha for ministry, Barnabas helped Paul develop into a powerful minister of the gospel.

3. BARNABAS' ROLE IN THE MISSIONARY JOURNEY

a) He travelled with Paul, preaching the gospel (Acts 13:4-5)

Barnabas and Paul ministered in various cities, proclaiming Christ and establishing churches. They worked as a team to spread the gospel.

b) He performed miracles with Paul (Acts 14:8-10)

In Lystra, Barnabas and Paul healed a crippled man, demonstrating the power of God. The people mistakenly thought they were gods, but they redirected the glory to God.

c) He suffered persecution for the gospel (Acts 14:19-22)

Barnabas faced hostility and danger for the sake of the gospel. In one instance, Paul was stoned and left for dead, yet Barnabas remained committed to the mission.

d) He defended Gentile believers at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:12)

Barnabas, along with Paul, testified about how God was saving Gentiles, advocating for their inclusion in the church without the burden of Jewish laws.

e) Biblical Example: Moses and Aaron working together (Exodus 4:29-31)

Just as Aaron supported Moses in leading Israel, Barnabas worked alongside Paul to bring salvation to the Gentiles.

4. BARNABAS' SEPARATION FROM PAUL AND HIS MINISTRY WITH JOHN MARK

a) He defended John Mark despite his past failure (Acts 15:37-39)

John Mark had abandoned the missionary journey earlier, but Barnabas saw potential in him and wanted to give him another chance. This led to a disagreement with Paul, resulting in their separation.

b) He continued ministering with John Mark (Acts 15:39-41)

Even though he parted ways with Paul, Barnabas did not abandon ministry. He took John Mark to Cyprus, mentoring him for future ministry.

c) His encouragement led to John Mark’s restoration (2 Timothy 4:11)

Later, Paul acknowledged John Mark’s usefulness in ministry. Barnabas’ investment in him bore fruit, proving that encouragement can restore and strengthen people.

d) He demonstrated that ministry is about people, not just results

Barnabas valued relationships and personal growth over efficiency and productivity, showing the heart of a true shepherd.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus restoring Peter (John 21:15-17)

Just as Jesus restored Peter after his denial, Barnabas restored John Mark, proving that failure is not final with God.

STRENGTHS OF BARNABAS

a) He was a generous giver (Acts 4:37)

Barnabas selflessly gave to support the church.

b) He was a great encourager (Acts 9:26-27)

He strengthened and uplifted believers.

c) He was full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24)

His ministry was Spirit-led and impactful.

d) He was a mentor to young ministers (Acts 15:39)

He developed leaders like Paul and John Mark.

e) He was committed to missions (Acts 13:2-3)

He obeyed God’s call to spread the gospel.

WEAKNESSES OF BARNABAS

a) He was initially swayed by peer pressure (Galatians 2:13)

At one point, Barnabas was influenced by Peter’s hypocrisy regarding the Gentiles, but Paul rebuked him.

b) He had a disagreement with Paul (Acts 15:39)

His argument with Paul over John Mark caused division.

c) He seemed to fade from prominence in Scripture

After parting ways with Paul, Barnabas is rarely mentioned, though his impact continued.

d) He may have prioritised relationships over ministry strategy

While his support for John Mark was admirable, some might view it as an emotional decision over a strategic one.

e) He was sometimes overshadowed by Paul

Though he started as the leader, Paul eventually took the forefront in their missionary work.

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM BARNABAS

a) Encouragement can transform lives (Acts 9:27)

Barnabas' support helped Paul become a great apostle.

b) Generosity is a mark of a true disciple (Acts 4:37)

We must be willing to give for the kingdom’s sake.

c) Second chances can lead to great results (Acts 15:39)

Barnabas’ faith in John Mark led to his restoration.

d) Ministry requires perseverance (Acts 14:22)

Barnabas faced trials but remained faithful.

e) God rewards those who build others up (2 Timothy 4:11)

Barnabas' investment in John Mark led to long-term fruit in ministry.

CONCLUSION

Barnabas was a faithful leader, encourager, and missionary. His life teaches us the power of generosity, encouragement, and commitment to God's work.

PRAYER POINTS

1.  Lord, make me a source of encouragement to others.

2.  Father, help me to see potential in people and build them up.

3.  Lord, grant me the grace to be generous in Your kingdom.

4.  Father, help me persevere in my ministry.

5.  Lord, use me to mentor and disciple others for Your glory.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  You shall be an encourager to many!

2.   The grace of generosity shall abound in your life!

3.  You will raise and mentor great leaders for God’s kingdom!

4.  Your labor in ministry shall not be in vain!

5.  You will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come!