Son of Encouragement

"One Year Bible" New Testament Passage
Acts 9:26-43

²⁶ And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. ²⁷ 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 9:26-27 (NKJV)

Back in Acts 4, we were introduced to a man named Joses (Acts 4:36).  He had the nickname Barnabas, and it is by that name that we know him today.  Barnabas means "Son on Encouragement".  This man was an encourager, a helper, an empowerer.

In Acts 4, he was a giver.  He sold personal belongings and gave the money in order that needy brothers and sisters be taken care of.  He was the picture of selfless care for others.

Later in Acts 15, Barnabas stood up for John Mark.  He wanted this weak young man to be given another chance in ministry.

In today's passage, Barnabas played a crucial role in the beginnings of the ministry of Paul.  Because of Paul's previous activity as a persecuter of the church, he was not received by the church.  They did not trust him.  Paul found himself in quite a predicament.  His old friends among the Jews wanted to kill him because he had converted to Christianity, and his new friends wouldn't have anything to do with him.

At that moment, the Son of Encouragement shows up.  Barnabas took him to the apostles, the lead guys.  Barnabas was not afraid to identify with this new convert.  His trust level was high.  As a result, Paul continued to grow in effectiveness, and ultimately was used by God to plant churches and lay the foundation for much of the Early Church.  This "insignificant" act of encouragement was the set-up for one of the greatest ministries in church history!

We are today in great need of men and women like Barnabas -- folks who will provide the help that is needed at crucial moments -- folks who will stand up for each other when the chips are down -- folks who will enable each other in ministry.  Encouragement is like a drink of refreshing water.  May we be that to each other today.