Barnabas: Encouragement in Action
Profiles in Godly Manhood
Introduction
Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” stands as an important figure in the early church. His life, as detailed in the Book of Acts, showcases a model of godly leadership marked by generosity, encouragement, and faithfulness. In this lesson we’ll look at Barnabas’ character, his actions, and the lessons Christian men who are pursuing godliness can draw from his example.
Barnabas is first introduced as a man of significant generosity. In Acts 4:36-37, he sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. This act of selflessness and commitment to the fledgling Christian community highlights a virtue that is critical for godly leadership: the willingness to give sacrificially. In a culture often driven by materialism, Barnabas’ example calls Christian men to be generous stewards of their resources.
True to his name, Barnabas was a source of encouragement to the early church, and especially to the Apostle Paul. When Saul (Paul) faced skepticism from the disciples in Jerusalem, Barnabas vouched for him, presenting Saul’s testimony and conversion (Acts 9:27). This willingness to stand by a new believer (especially one who had been terrorizing Christians) and endorse his ministry illustrates a grace-filled ability to see the potential of those who give themselves fully to Christ. Like Barnabas, Christian men today are called to be encouragers and mentor younger men in the faith. The church today is in desperate need of men who will give of themselves and invest in others.
Initially, Barnabas was the primary leader in his partnership with Paul. However, he gracefully transitioned into a supportive role as Paul’s prominence increased (Acts 13:43). This humility and adaptability are essential qualities for any leader, demonstrating that true leadership is not about holding on to power but about advancing the mission, in this case, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Barnabas’ transition from leader to supporter underscores the importance of humility in leadership.
Finally, Barnabas’ dedication to the ministry is evident throughout his journeys. Despite disagreements with Paul, such as the one over John Mark (Acts 15:36-39), Barnabas remained committed to his mission, taking John Mark under his wing and continuing the work in Cyprus. This perseverance, even in the midst of conflict, is a testament to his faithfulness in God’s service.
Key Principles
1. Follow Barnabas’ example by using your possessions and time to support God’s work to extend his Kingdom into every sphere of life.
2. Actively seek to support and uplift other men in their walk with Christ. Time with these other men will enable you to help them discover and fulfill their God-given potential. Our goal is to make disciples who will make disciples.
3. Embrace roles that may not always be in the spotlight, understanding that you’re playing to an audience of One. Recognize also that true leadership often involves supporting others and promoting the overall mission above personal recognition. This can be hard for men, but it was our Lord himself who said we must deny ourselves, pick up our crosses daily, and follow him.
Bible Study Questions
1. What motivated Barnabas to sell his field and give the money to the apostles? (Acts 4:36-37)
2. How did Barnabas’ support influence Saul’s (Paul’s) acceptance among the disciples in Jerusalem? (Acts 9:27)
3. In what ways did Barnabas exhibit leadership when he went to Antioch? (Acts 11:22-24)
4. Why did Barnabas seek Saul’s assistance in Antioch, and what was the result of their partnership? (Acts 11:25-26)
5. How did the Holy Spirit direct Barnabas and Paul for their missionary journey? (Acts 13:2)
6. Describe the role reversal between Barnabas and Paul during their missionary journeys. (Acts 13:43)
7. What was the cause of the disagreement between Barnabas and Paul regarding John Mark? (Acts 15:36-39)
8. How did Barnabas’ actions in taking John Mark reflect his character? (Acts 15:39)
9. How does Barnabas’ handling of conflict with Paul provide a model for resolving disagreements? (Acts 15:39)
10. How did Barnabas contribute to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church? (Acts 11:22-24; 15:12)
11. In what way did Barnabas’ actions exemplify the qualities of a “good man” as described in Acts 11:22-24?
12. How did Barnabas demonstrate perseverance in his ministry despite challenges? (Acts 15:39)
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
1. How can you practice generosity in your own life, following Barnabas’ example?
2. In what ways can you be an encourager to those around you, in your family, your church, and beyond?
3. Reflect on a time when you supported someone else’s ministry. How did that experience shape your understanding of leadership?
4. How do you handle conflicts in your personal and professional life? What can you learn from Barnabas and Paul’s disagreement?
5. What practical steps can you take to become a better mentor to others in your church and community? What’s holding you back from starting?
6. How can you balance leadership and humility in your roles at work and church?
7. How do you respond to change regarding leadership dynamics within your various spheres of influence? What lessons can you draw from Barnabas’ willingness to support Paul?
8. What specific actions can you take to embody the virtues of Barnabas in your daily life?
Action Steps
1. Identify a possession or resource you can give to support your church or community, similar to Barnabas selling his field. Set a goal to donate a specific amount of time, money, or resources each month to a ministry or charitable cause.
2. Make a conscious effort to encourage someone in your life who’s struggling or new in their faith. Write a letter (a real one, not an email) of encouragement or schedule a meeting to offer support and guidance.
3. Commit to mentoring a man in your church or community, sharing your experiences with Christ and providing guidance. Reach out to your church leadership to identify individuals who might benefit from mentorship and establish regular meetings.
4. Practice conflict resolution by addressing disagreements with humility and a focus on reconciliation. When relational conflicts arise, approach the situation with a prayerful heart, seeking understanding and cooperation rather than a quest for victory. (This can be done without compromising your faith and values.)
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Barnabas, the son of encouragement. Help us to emulate his generosity, his spirit of encouragement, and his humility in leadership. May we be good and faithful stewards of the resources you have given us, and may we always seek to support and uplift those around us. Please guide us in our conflicts, so that we might resolve them, as often as we are able, with grace and unity. Strengthen us to persevere in our callings, just as Barnabas did. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.