There was a man in the New Testament whose name was Joses. Almost no one in the church today knows who Joses is. But actually, we do know Joses. We know him by his alias —- Barnabas! Barnabas is a nickname given to Joses by the apostles. 

The meaning of Barnabas is ‘son of encouragement.’ This means that ‘encouragement’ is the parent of Joses. This means that encouragement is the hallmark of this man. If you squeeze him, or just prick him, encouragement flows out!

Let us see 4 characteristics of Barnabas today, as they are distinctive features of what an encourager is like.

(A)        Generous.

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. (Acts 4:36-37)

This is the first time we are introduced to him in the Scriptures, and the first picture given to us is that he is a generous person. He is rich and possesses possessions, but his possessions did not possess him. His hands are opened and stretched out, giving to those in need. To encourage, we need to be generous — with our possessions, and with our time.

(B) Courageous

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:27)

Many were afraid of Paul then. They were not convinced that he has truly been converted. Barnabas was convinced, and he was prepared to stick his neck out for Paul. He has the courage to differ from the majority. To encourage, we need courage at times.

(C) Willingness

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 the purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. (Acts 11:22,23)

Here was a man prepared to travel the distance, to brave the danger, to undergo the inconvenience, in order to be at Antioch, to see and to encourage. He was willing to do this because that is what an encourager will do. To encourage, we must be willing to be troubled.

(D) Selfless

Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.  (Acts 11:25-26)

He knew that Paul is the best person for the church at Antioch. As such, we see once more that he is prepared to travel the distance to look for Paul and bring him to Antioch, Before long, Paul would be more well-known than Barnabas, but it does not matter to him. What is of the greatest concern is the spiritual well-being of the saints. He is selfless, like his Lord. To encourage, selflessness must be cultivated continuously.

Barnabas is held up in Scripture for our imitation. We may not be able to preach like Paul, but we can all seek to be an encourager like Barnabas. May God fill this church with many Barnabas!!

WEI En Yi