New Testament · New Testament
Barnabas
“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”Acts 11:24
Biography
Barnabas ('son of encouragement') was a Levite from Cyprus who became one of the most important figures in the expansion of early Christianity. He sold a field and gave the money to the apostles. When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his conversion and the believers were afraid of him, Barnabas vouched for him. He was sent to Antioch to oversee the new Gentile church and brought Paul to partner with him there. They were sent together on the first missionary journey. He later gave John Mark a second chance after Paul refused to take him, and they traveled together to Cyprus.
Spiritual Lesson
Barnabas is the patron of second chances. He vouched for Paul when no one else would, gave Mark another chance when Paul refused, and encouraged Gentile believers when the Jerusalem church was uncertain about them. 'Son of encouragement' was not a title given for words — it was given for specific costly acts: risking his reputation on Paul, standing beside Mark, giving what he had. The church grows not only through the preaching of the bold but through the advocacy of those who will vouch for the overlooked.
Walking Together