A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. Proverbs 12:2 – ‘a good man’ obtains God’s favour.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23 – God adjusts the steps of ‘a good man.’
A good man showeth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Psalm 112:5 – ‘a good man’ does all kinds of gracious acts on behalf of others.
Are there any NT examples of ‘a good man?’ Yes, there are two, each named Joseph.
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Luke 23:50-52
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Acts 11:22-24
Let us think briefly about Joseph, whom the apostles surnamed Barnabas.
INTRODUCTION
After you die, how would you like people to remember you? Or, more to the point, how do you think you actually will be remembered. As a likeable person, someone funny, kind, loyal and supportive? Or as someone tough, powerful, ruthless, cruel, successful? This world tends to celebrate power, prominence, and personal success but the Scriptures we have read quietly lift up another kind of person – ‘a good man’ – someone who is steady, generous, Spirit-filled, and committed to promoting the welfare of others. One such figure emerges in the early chapters of the Acts of the Apostles: a man whose nickname was Barnabas.
Barnabas does not dominate the narrative of Acts like Peter and Paul. He did not write any of the books of the Bible or perform recorded miracles and yet his influence is profound but often overlooked. Without Barnabas, the early Church might have developed differently, if at all. Without Barnabas our New Testament would lack the Gospel of Mark and the Pauline letters. Without Barnabas the early Christian congregations in Asia Minor and Europe might never have been formed. Acts 11:24 gives that simple yet powerful description of him: ‘He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.’ Let us look at some highlights in the life of this ‘good man’ and consider how we each can emulate him, for today’s Church desperately needs people like that. Let us each ask ourselves: ‘Am I willing to ‘Be a Barnabas?’
1. A ‘BARNABAS’ WILL SEE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN NEED AND HELP THEM
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:32-37
Barnabas is first mentioned in Acts 4:36. This verse tells us that his name was Joseph, that he was a native of Cyprus and of the tribe of Levi. Luke, the author of Acts, also comments that the apostles nicknamed him ‘Barnabas’ (which means ‘son of encouragement’) because this was the chief characteristic of his life. A man of some means, he had obviously settled at Jerusalem and become one of the early adherents of the Christian faith. The noun ‘consolation,’ ‘encouragement, comfort’ here is paráklēsis. No doubt your mind has already jumped to John 14:16 where the Lord designates the Holy Spirit as Paraclete (paráklētos) – the Comforter – one who comes alongside to help. Barnabas was certainly an encourager because he was generous and willing to help meet the needs of those who lacked. In Acts 4:32-37, we see Barnabas’s generosity in action. He sold his field and brought the proceeds to the apostles to support the needs of the early church.
Application: In our lives, we can emulate Barnabas by being attentive to the needs of others. This could mean volunteering our time, donating money and resources, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in distress. When we recognise the needs of others and respond with compassion, we are following his example.
2. A ‘BARNABAS’ WILL FIND PEOPLE WHO ARE ALONE AND INCLUDE THEM
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. Acts 9:26-28
When Saul, later known as Paul, sought to join the disciples in Jerusalem, he faced scepticism and fear due to his past as a persecutor of Christians. They rejected him for they were all afraid of him. That is understandable because not much earlier he had been persecuting them. They must have wondered if he was pretending to be a disciple in order to identify followers of Jesus with a view to arresting them or even putting them to death?
Barnabas stepped in, vouching for the reality of Saul’s conversion and introducing him to the apostles. His willingness to ‘stick his neck out’ and include Saul was a significant risk, but it demonstrated his faith in God’s transforming power. It also shows the high esteem in which Barnabas was held by the early church, which accepted the former persecutor on Barnabas’ recommendation alone.
Application: We can be like Barnabas by actively including those who may feel isolated or marginalised. This could involve reaching out to newcomers in our assembly, inviting someone to join a ministry or group, or simply being a friend to someone who seems alone. Including people fosters a sense of belonging and reflects the love of Christ.
3. A ‘BARNABAS’ WILL IDENTIFY HIS/HER OWN SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND EXERCISE THEM
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:1-3
In Acts 13:1-2, we see Barnabas in a leadership role within the church at Antioch, where he was recognised for his spiritual gifts. Since he was exercising his gifts the Holy Spirit called him, along with Saul, to embark on a missionary journey. Notice that Barnabas was willing to step into this further calling.
Application: God has given each one of us unique spiritual gifts. We can emulate Barnabas by identifying those gifts and using them for the benefit of all. Whether it be teaching, serving, encouraging, or whatever, exercising our gifts allows us to contribute to the Lord’s work and support other believers on their Christian pathway.
4. A ‘BARNABAS’ WILL RECOGNISE THE POTENTIAL IN OTHERS AND ENCOURAGE THEM
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 11:19-26
Following the martyrdom of Stephen and the subsequent persecution of Christians much of the Jerusalem church had been scattered. Some of them went to Antioch in Syria and through their proclamation of the gospel ‘a great number believed and turned to the Lord.’ News of this reached the church in Jerusalem and they wished to get a clearer report of this great work. Wisely, they sent Barnabas, the ‘son of encouragement’ – a Hellenistic Jew who would fit in better in Antioch than a Jerusalem Jew.
It would have been so easy for him to criticise, to focus on all that was wrong. Perhaps the format of their church services was different from that in Jerusalem. Barnabas did not disparage the work in Antioch but rejoiced at the evidence of the grace of God. Barnabas helped the church there and we read again that ‘much people was added to the Lord.
Imagine joining an already thriving church and then as a result of your ministry there the work explodes further and great things are happening. What would you think and do? One could forgive Barnabas had he felt rather pleased with himself, lapped up the many compliments and basked in the limelight. But no! Viewing the success of the gospel in Antioch Barnabas’ thoughts were: ‘We need Saul, I’ll go and fetch him.’
Barnabas recognised the potential in Saul and sought him out to come help teach the new believers in Antioch. This partnership not only strengthened the church there but also allowed Saul to grow into the highly influential leader he would become. Barnabas was willing to share his teaching ministry and be a mentor to the future great Apostle to the Gentiles.
Application: We too can look for opportunities to mentor and support others in their spiritual growth. This might involve encouraging a younger believer, sharing responsibilities in ministry, or simply offering guidance based on our experience. By recognising and nurturing the potential in others, we not only help them develop as individual Christians but also build a stronger local church as well.
5. A ‘BARNABAS’ WILL TAKE PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAILED AND RESTORE THEM
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, Acts 15:37-40
Barnabas’s commitment to restoration is evident in his relationship with John Mark. Paul did not want to take Mark on their next journey due to his earlier failure (Acts 13:13) when he left the missionaries and returned home, seemingly unable to endure the hardships of pioneer missionary work. When Paul adamantly refused to take him and set off with Silas Barnabas stood by Mark. Barnabas took Mark and headed off with him in a different direction. This willingness to restore rather than reject is a hallmark of Barnabas’s character.
Application: Throughout life, we may encounter individuals who stumble or fail. We can emulate Barnabas by offering grace and support, helping them to find their way back to the Lord and to the assembly. Restoration is a powerful act of love that reflects the heart of Christ.
SUMMATION
Our world is an ungodly and unrighteous environment in which there is much to discourage. Unfortunately discouragement is not confined to the world but is also found in the local church. Self-centredness and self-promotion, rivalry, a lack of harmony and an absence of Christian love can all lead to a lack of concern for other believers. We can therefore be thankful for those among us who, in such an atmosphere, exercise a ministry of encouragement.
Within the early Christian community Barnabas serves as an example of comfort, encouragement, generosity, and support. We can emulate him in our daily lives by finding those in need, including the lonely, exercising our gifts, recognising potential in others, and restoring the fallen.
Let us therefore commit to being a ‘Barnabas’ in a world that often overlooks the power of encouragement. May we be known for our willingness to help, include, mentor, and restore; reflecting the love of Christ in all that we do. Let us pray for the strength and wisdom to live out these qualities, and thus become true sons and daughters of encouragement, like Barnabas.
A ‘Barnabas’ will see people who are in need and help them.
A ‘Barnabas’ will find people who are alone and include them.
A ‘Barnabas’ will identify his/her own spiritual gifts and exercise them.
A ‘Barnabas’ will recognise the potential in others and encourage them.
A ‘Barnabas’ will take people who have failed and restore them.
Written Exposition 