BARNABASNovember 18, 2007

Background on Barnabas Also named Joses [or Joseph] (Acts 4:36) A Jew from the tribe of Levi Likely an unmarried man

(1 Cor. 9:3-6) From the island of Cyprus

Located about 47 miles south of Turkey 60 miles west of Syria 200 miles north of Egypt

Cyprus

What Does “Barnabas” Mean? Acts 4:32-33 (NKJV):

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

What Does “Barnabas” Mean? Acts 4:34-37 (NKJV):

Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,

having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Question What do Barnabas’ actions as recorded

in Acts 4:36-37 tell us about Barnabas’ character? Barnabas loved [“agape”-ed] his brothers

and sisters Barnabas gave

Question Why do you think GOD wants us to

give? Among many other reasons, GOD wants us

to give because HE gave, He gives, and He will continue to give … and He wants us to be like Him

Our giving teaches us sacrifice, by which we can better appreciate His sacrifice – “His only begotten Son”

Barnabas Believed in Others Saul of Tarsus – Acts 9:20-30 John Mark – Acts 15:36-41

Question What did Ananias think when Jesus

instructed him to go find Saul of Tarsus? (Acts 9:10-16) “You want me to do what now, Lord?!?”

How do you think the disciples at Damascus felt when Saul of Tarsus entered the door? “Um…Pass the Pepto-Bismol!”

Question Barnabas took a “life-and-death” risk

befriending and defending Saul. How is GOD a risk-taker? He gave angels and humans free will – the

ability to choose, and reject Him Despite the heartbreak, suffering, and

devastation that would follow upon our disobedience, GOD chose to have children

“GOD lets others into His story, and He lets their choices shape it profoundly” – John Eldredge

An Encourager Merriam-Webster defines “encourage”

as To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope To attempt to persuade To spur on

An Encourager “The best athlete is the one who makes

his teammates better.”-- Someone other than Tim Harris

An Encourager Acts 11:21-23

And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.

When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

Encouragers Wanted The world…brethren…people… need

encouragement! Some people have the gift of being

good encouragers (Kerry Lashlee, James Morgan)

Others “have to work” to be an encourager

But being an encourager is something everyone can do

The key to being a good encourager is love!

Encouragers Wanted GOD expects us to edify one another

Romans 14:19; 15:1-2 1 Corinthians 8:1; 10:23-24; 14:26 2 Corinthians 12:19 Ephesians 4:11-16,29 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“He Was a Good Man” Acts 11:24

For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

What a wonderful tribute to Barnabas from the Holy Spirit!

Isn’t this what we want to be said of each of us?

Barnabas Was a Worker Sold his property and donated proceeds

(Acts 4:36-37) Witnessed Saul’s preaching (9:27) Was sent by the church in Jerusalem to

Antioch to witness what GOD had done (11:19-23)

Taught many people with Saul in Antioch (11:26)

“Mentored” John Mark (12:25; 15:36-41)

Barnabas Wasn’t Perfect Galatians 2

The Conclusion Barnabas was clearly a man who loved

the LORD He loved his brethren He made an impact everywhere he

went He gave us a good example of how we

should see what people can be BE A BARNABAS!!!