Barnabas• First mentioned in Acts 4:32-37• Joseph was a Levite from Cyprus• Apostles nicknamed him Barnabas • “son of encouragement”• He gave because of his care for other brethren• His example was encouraging• Macedonians’ example was encouraging 2 Cor.

8:1-5

Barnabas• Next mentioned in Acts 9:27• Saul persecuted the church but then became a

disciple in Damascus 9:1-25• He desired to be with saints in Jerusalem v.26• They were afraid of him v.26• Barnabas spoke up for him v.27• He gave proof of Saul’s conversion v.27• Barnabas understood importance of fellowship• The result was peace and growth v.31

Barnabas• Sent to Antioch by the apostles Acts 11:19-26• Cornelius was first Gentile convert 10:1-11:18• Antioch was the first integrated church v.19-20• Socially delicate situation required peacemaker• A good man Luke 18:19• Full of the Holy Spirit Eph. 5:18-19, Col. 3:16• Full of faith Eph. 3:16-19• He looked for Paul and used him v.25-26• Rejoiced in God’s grace v.23• Continue with purpose of heart v.23

Barnabas• Sent by Antioch to Judea Acts 11:27-30, 12:25• A famine was prophesied v.28• Disciples decided to do something about it v.29• Sent fellowship by trusted messengers v.30;

Acts 15:26• Sent to elders of each church in Judea v.30; 1

Peter 5:1-4• Returned to (not from) Jerusalem 12:25

Barnabas• Sent by Holy Spirit to Cyprus, Pamphylia, Pisidia,

Lycaonia Acts 13:1-14:28• Fasted and prayed first v.2• Then called by the Spirit v.2• The church obediently sent them v.3• Saul becomes Paul; more prominent v.9• Persecuted but persistent; rejoiced v.44-52• Refused to be honored for God’s power 14:8-18• Encouraged new converts v.23-25 • Encouraged Antioch by reports v.28

Barnabas• Stood for truth; stood for Gentiles Acts 15:1-35• Did not compromise v.2• Resolved problem by going to its source

(Jerusalem) v.1-2; 24• Gave proof of God’s approval v.12• Trusted to take Jerusalem letter to Gentiles

v.26-27• Encouraged church with truth v.30-31• However, application was inconsistent with

profession Galatians 2:1-13

Barnabas• Dispute with Paul Acts 15:36-40• Over John Mark the quitter v.38; 13:13• Over John Mark the cousin Colossians 4:10• Good brethren can have different opinions• Do not have to remain together 1 Cor. 9:6• Instead of two (Paul and Barnabas) or three

(Paul, Barnabas and Mark), four men (Paul and Silas and Barnabas and Mark) worked

• Barnabas was right about Mark 2 Tim. 4:11• Or Barnabas made Mark useful

Barnabas• Known by the apostles as an encourager• A generous giver• A fellowship-minded Christian• God called him good• Taught many others• Serve God with purpose of heart• Rejoiced though persecuted• Defended the truth though he didn’t perfectly

apply it• Saw the best in people