Being An Encourager
(Series on encouraging – Part 2)
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.
Acts 9:27
Barnabas – Son of Encouragement
Barnabas was a member of the tribe of Levi who perhaps even served in the temple. He and his family were from the island of Cyprus, and his cousin was John Mark (who wrote the book of Mark). According to Acts 4:36, to his nickname was “Son of Encouragement.” He was a man of deep conviction. A man who was not afraid to stand by God’s people in times of persecution. He did everything he could to see that God’s church flourished. He was definitely the kind of guy you wanted around while serving the Lord, especially if you were a new believer. Barnabas had a list of reasons why he was held so highly among the brethren.
He was a good man full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24).
He was a man of commanding appearance (Acts 14:12).
He was a generous man who sold land to support the church (Acts 4:37).
He travelled with Paul on his first missionary journey, and . . .
He helped Paul give hope to the Gentiles about overcoming their sin and receiving salvation (Acts 9:27).
In Acts 9:26–31 the Bible tells, that Barnabas was the first person of influence and responsibility to extend his hospitality to the infamous Saul of Tarsus (Paul). Whom the disciples only knew as a persecutor and murderer of the believers. Barnabas used his gift of encouragement to persuade the disciples in Jerusalem to receive Paul – telling them of Paul’s miraculous conversion and how he preached with power in Damascus. Acts 13:43,
tells us that “Many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.” You see, knowing the grace of God is not enough, you have to follow Him continually.
READ: Acts 13:42-52.
Prayer: Lord God of Hope, please encourage me with Your love and truth. I ask that You lift me out of despair and worry. In these dark times, please counsel and guide me with Your Word. In the Saviour's name, I pray. Amen.
Amen