BE A BARNABAS
21st Feb 2018
In reading through Acts recently I have been impressed by the character of Barnabas,and noted 4 qualities that I believe are great examples for us today.
First in Acts 4:37 it declares that, “he sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles feet.” Barnabas was generous, he was not mean spirited and he was a man of faith with regard to finance. We don’t know what the value of the field represented in his total wealth, but it was a large and significant gift.
Secondly, in Acts 9:27 we discover Paul arriving in Jerusalem after his escape from Damascus, but the disciples are afraid still remembering his reputation. But not Barnabas, he meets with Paul, hears his story and then takes him to the disciples and assures them of his integrity and genuine transformation. That took courage, because it is so easy to judge on hearsay and not meet situations face to face.
Thirdly, once again Paul is under threat in Jerusalem after his bold preaching and debating with Grecian Jews and he retreats to Tarsus. In Acts 11:25-26 Barnabas has been sent by the apostles to Antioch to encourage the church, but he is still thinking about Paul and wondering how he is getting on. So he goes to Tarsus and brings him back to Antioch where they spend a whole year. It would appear that Barnabas is discipling Paul, and as they grow in faith they are strengthening the church.
Fourthly, we again see Paul and Barnabas on another missionary journey and they have John Mark with them, who leaves them at Pamphylia. Later in Acts 15:37 when Paul is suggesting another trip and Barnabas wants to take Mark with them, Paul and Barnabas have a major fall out. However, Barnabas sticks to his guns, takes Mark with him and goes to Cyprus.
Here is a great example of grace, forgiveness and the belief in giving a second chance. Later in 2 Timothy 4 we see Paul has acknowledged that Mark has been restored and is now trusted once more.
Barnabas - a man of faith, courage, compassion and integrity.
by Charles Sibthorpe
