A famous writer by the name of William Arthur Ward once said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”
Who can forget Joses, who was called “Barnabas” by the apostles, which means “son of encouragement”? We are first introduced to him in the book of Acts, where Luke records, “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 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.” (Acts 4:34-37 NKJV).
Barnabas is an exceptional example to Christians today of what each of us should be. The early church greatly benefited from his remarkable deeds and example that he exhibited before them. Looking at his life and acknowledging his endearing impact on the church can be a great encouragement to every Christian. But the question is, who is Barnabas?
He was a Levite from Cyprus and a cousin of John Mark (Col. 4:10). He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith (Acts 11:24). His name is mentioned twenty-five times in the book of Acts alone. It was Barnabas who introduced Saul to the Christians in Jerusalem when no one would believe him (Acts 9:27). He was sent from Jerusalem to Antioch to preach and encourage the brethren there (Acts 11:22, 23). When God requested two men to be sent out to preach the gospel, it was Saul and Barnabas who were picked to go (Acts 13:2).
What characteristics does Barnabas possess as a “son of encouragement” that we can all learn?
HE WAS HUMANE TO OTHERS (Humane-compassionate, kind-hearted, sympathetic). After the establishment of the church on the day of Pentecost, the Christians gathered in Jerusalem. They stayed in Jerusalem to continue praising God, devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and they were in one accord. They had fellowship with one another (Acts 2:42). Subsequently, their supplies ran out, and the brethren shared their possessions and goods with others (Acts 2:45). In the next two chapters, we can read that many of them stayed longer, and their physical needs had increased substantially.
Amazingly, Barnabas shared his blessings with his brothers and sisters in the Lord (Acts 4:34-37). Barnabas sold his land, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:37). Remember, Barnabas was a Levite, and we know that during the days of the twelve tribes, the tribe of Levi received no land allotment. However, they received several cities with their pasture lands because their living was to be derived from the temple (Numbers 18:20-24; 35:1-8; Joshua 21:41). He fully gave the proceeds of his land to the apostles, unlike Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-2).
Barnabas exhibited an attitude of being helpful, and we too can extend our help to others. We can help others with our own abilities and resources. The apostle Paul exhorts us to take every opportunity to help others, especially those who are in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). James reminds us that when we help someone in need, it should be conjoined with action and not just in words or well wishes (James 2:14-16).
HE WAS HOSPITABLE TO OTHERS (Hospitable-Kindness in welcoming guests or strangers; having an open mind). Acts 9 is the account of the conversion of Saul, who later on was called Paul, and he stayed in Damascus for many days. After many days of staying in Damascus, the Jews had wanted to kill Saul (Acts 9:23-24). Subsequently, the plot of killing Saul was unsuccessful because the disciples helped Saul to escape by delivering him down in a basket (Acts 9:25). However, when Saul tried to join with the other disciples, they feared him because he had been a persecutor of the church before (Acts 9:26).
Nonetheless, Barnabas came to him and took him to the apostles, speaking highly of him (Acts 9:27). Barnabas received Paul regardless of what other disciples thought of him. He reasoned with the apostles that Paul was a renewed man (Acts 9:27). It is said that hospitality is more than opening up your home. It is opening up your heart to receive someone.
Barnabas put himself in Paul’s shoes and received him. He did not hesitate to receive Paul, but rather, he showed his hospitable spirit. We can be a Barnabas to other people. We are commanded to be hospitable to others (Romans 12:13). We are commanded to show hospitality without grudging (1 Peter. 4:9).
HE WAS HOPEFUL OF OTHERS (Hopeful- Be optimistic; be full of hope; have hopes). On their previous missionary trip, John Mark left Paul in Perga (Acts 13:13). We do not know the reason why John Mark left Paul and the Scriptures did not provide an explanation of this. At this time, Paul had become an acknowledged leader of their group. Barnabas showed an admirable quality of serving the Lord in whatever capacity he was needed.
Eventually, when the time came for another journey, Paul did not want to take John Mark. However, Barnabas wanted to give John Mark another chance. Barnabas was optimistic of John Mark’s ability. He saw the best in people, and not their previous mistakes. He gave John Mark the benefit of the doubt. Later on in Paul’s life, he accepted John Mark and recommended him to Timothy because he was useful in Paul’s ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
We can be Barnabas to those who have lost hope. Do we see the best in people or avoid them because of their past mistakes? Do we give chances to others when they make mistakes or do we condemn them because of their past? Similarly, we need to be hopeful of other people and see the best in every person, just like what Barnabas did for John Mark.
The theme for this year at the Jurong church is to “Care for one another and look out for the interest of others.” No doubt, Barnabas looked after the interests of others and he lived a selfless life caring for others. Truly, his notable life perfectly fit the title of the name “son of encouragement,” so we can all remember and emulate his examples written in the Bible.