When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.

–Acts 9:26-27

Barnabas’ story is interwoven in the life of Paul, who wrote thirteen of the twenty-two New Testament letters and is a main character in the book of Acts. We’d be hard-pressed to find a New Testament character not connected to Paul in some fashion. Barnabas’ faith is put on full display in their relationship – both the finer points of his spiritual maturity and growth, as well as the times he may have struggled.

Barnabas was born in Cyprus, a large island in the northeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea. His given name, Joseph, reveals his Jewish heritage, but he came to be known by the apostles as Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement” or “Son of Rest.”

We don’t know how Barnabas came to faith in Jesus. As a Levite, he would have been very familiar with the Old Testament system of priests and sacrifices. At some point, he understood Jesus to be the fulfillment of all he had been taught to believe. For us, his story begins when we find him serving as a devoted member of the early church. Indicating he is “all in” with this new faith in Jesus, he sells a tract of land and brings the money to the apostles. By this action, he declares his life will now be spent for the sake of the gospel (Acts 4:32-37).

Well-known by the early church, Barnabas evidently had some influence. He works quietly behind the scenes, learning and growing in his faith, until God decides he is ready for a more challenging assignment. While serving in Damascus, he hears of the conversion of the persecutor, Saul, and personally witnesses his dramatic change of heart and immediate transformation into a fiery, bold, effective, and persuasive preacher of the gospel.

Many days later, Saul escapes from the Jews who are hostile to his message and comes to Jerusalem, but his attempts to associate with the disciples are rejected. They don’t know this man, and do not believe his testimony; they are afraid.

Here is the first glimpse into Barnabas’ heart and strong faith. He lives up to his name as an encourager.

Acts 9:27 – But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.

Barnabas’ faith in the transforming power of the gospel allowed him to accept Saul as one of their own. He didn’t have to speak up for him; he could have left Saul to prove himself. The Holy Spirit had given Barnabas a gift for encouragement. His good words set Saul on a firm foundation in his relationships with the other disciples, and allowed the gospel to be proclaimed more powerfully, just as God desired.

We see this same heart for encouragement a second time in Acts 15. Paul and Barnabas have served on mission for the gospel together for some time. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They’ve suffered hardship and persecution alongside one another and traveled many miles in difficult conditions. And they are clearly able to be honest with one another. Anxious to begin their second missionary journey, Paul urges Barnabas to come with him. Barnabas wants to bring along his younger cousin, John Mark, but Paul strenuously disagrees. He had abandoned them in the middle of the last trip, and in Paul’s opinion, did not deserve this second chance. The disagreement is so sharp the two men separate. Barnabas returns to his home in Cyprus with Mark, perhaps sensing the young man needed time to be mentored and matured.

Barnabas’ faith in what God can do in a man’s heart remained undeterred. He willingly gave up the familiar joy of traveling with Paul so that John Mark had the opportunity to be restored and grow in his faith. Ultimately, God used it for good. The gospel spread in two different directions. And towards the end of his life, Paul asks for Mark to be sent to him, indicating reconciliation had taken place. One wonders if Barnabas facilitated that restoration!

Give me a faith like Barnabas – a faith that encourages others, a faith that will take time to speak on behalf of a younger brother or sister in Christ, and a faith that gives up what I want if it will benefit someone else for the sake of the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.