Bolstering Barnabas!

Bolstering Barnabas!

Samuel Machado

As we Sweep the Life of Barnabas, there are three eminent Highlights on Barnabas Ministry unto the Church! They are:

1.  Barnabas's Attitude of Encouragement, 

2. Barnabas Boldness and Backing of the Weak, 

3. Barnabas's "Second-Chance" Attitude to the Failed.

And these aspects are richly needed in our Churches today!

Barnabas's Attitude of Encouragement!

Do you know how Barnabas got his name?

It was from the Apostles through his acts of service.

In Acts 4:36 we read how he lost his name "Joseph" to "Barnabas".

"Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet."

Though he was a levite, he gave all he had to the ministry.

He set an example to the Jews who were joining the "Way of the LORD".

He was breaking free from the Old Practices of being a Levite!

He was showing by his acts of giving that he is "New Creation in Christ".

Barnabas Boldness and Backing of the Weak:

When Peter and James declined Paul's induction into the Church; it was Barnabas who backed Paul.

Barnabas assured the Apostles of Paul's genuine conversion and no hidden agenda by Paul.

For we read in Acts 9:26-28:

"When Paul 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. And Paul was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. "

So, A Paul needed a Barnabas!

And we know the rest!

Barnabas's "Second Chance" Attitude:

Barnabas and Paul had a strong dissension on Inducting Mark to the Mission.

For Mark had abandoned them in the First Mission. 

Mark was not comfortable with the Salvation message unto the Gentiles.

Eventually the argument, created a split in the Mission team. Paul took Silas and Barnabas took Mark.

When Paul wanted to give up on Mark, Barnabas insisted not to.

The result: Barnabas Second-Chance attitude brought forth the fruit in it's season.

In Colossians 4:10, Paul asks the Church to welcome Mark.

For now, Mark had become a blessing to the Church.

Yet Unseen is Barnabas! It took a Barnabas attitude to bring forth Mark!

"But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40But Paul chose Silas and left.." Acts 15:39,40

Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas's cousin. 

As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. Col 4:10

Who is the Barnabas in your Church?

Shalom,

Samuel Machado

Judges 6:24