Biblical Profile: Barnabas

Barnabas

Barnabas is presented in Acts as a model Christian leader. A native of Cyprus, Barnabas was active in the Jerusalem church and demonstrated unselfish generosity in meeting the needs of the poorer members of that community (Acts 4:32-37). His given name was Joseph, but he was nicknamed Barnabas (“Son of Encouragement,” 4:36), which indicates his character. He was a suitable person to give a fair and open-minded assessment of the new work in Antioch (11:19-22). Barnabas perceived God’s blessing there and “encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord” (11:23). His sterling character was clear in his transparent goodness, abundant faith, and Spirit-filled life and work (11:24). The Holy Spirit chose Barnabas and Saul for a special work (known to us as the first missionary journey), and they were sent out by the church at Antioch (13:1-3).

Barnabas’s wisdom is evidenced in his earlier trip to Tarsus to find Saul (11:25). Barnabas had been impressed by the boldness of Saul’s preaching as a new Christian in Damascus and had taken him to the apostles, providing a vital introduction for a man who was under suspicion for his previous unrelenting attacks against believers. Through Barnabas’s intervention, Saul obtained needed contact with the original apostles, received their acceptance, and preached fearlessly in Jerusalem until he was forced out of the city (9:26-30). Barnabas’s trip was successful, and for a full year the two worked together in the Antioch church, drawing large crowds (11:26).

Barnabas was an impressive figure (note his reception in Lystra as Zeus, 14:8-18). He was John Mark’s cousin and mentor and played a major role in giving John Mark a second chance to make good as a Christian leader after he had abandoned an earlier mission (15:36-40).

Barnabas knew peer pressure, and he gave in to it on one occasion even though he knew better (Gal 2:11-13). Barnabas wasn’t perfect, but he was a “Son of Encouragement,” to many and a generous, unselfish man who fostered growth in others and in the church.

Passages for Further Study

Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:19-30; 13:1–15:40; Gal 2:1-14