Some Lessons Relating To Barnabbas

Serving – November 2024 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Some Lessons Related To Barnabas

Certain believers seem particularly used by the Lord to encourage others. Barnabas was one of those people. The name given to him at birth was Joses, also translated as Joseph. Derived from the Hebrew, this name means “May Yahweh add” or “The L ORD may add” (see Gen. 30:24). Later, Joses was, as we will read, called Barnabas, which means “son of consolation,” “son of comfort” or “son of encouragement.” He honored his new name on many occasions, and this name suggests that God’s encouragement is available to all believers, wherever they are.

Barnabas is almost always mentioned in association with Saul, or Paul. We can learn many lessons from both men, who were true followers of the Lord in glory. With that in mind, let’s consider the passages where the name “Barnabas” appears, in the order we find in Scripture.

Barnabas’ Roles At The Beginning, First In Jerusalem And Then In Antioch

Reference 1 – Acts 4:36 NKJV
Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus.

Luke, the author of Acts, recorded the new name for Joses, who was born in Cyprus. That name, “Barnabas,” was received from his fellow believers, the apostles, in Jerusalem, and it summarized this faithful believer’s attitude, behavior and activities as one who was fully committed to God’s interests. He was a source of encouragement to the people of God in those days – a time when they were marked by the character of “first love” (Rev. 2:4; consider Acts 2:42-47). Sadly, decline came in quickly, already in Acts 5, and has continued. What special name might the believers around you give to you as a testimony about you?

The expression “first love” indicates that the Lord Jesus is everything to us, and it implies that we, if we are marked by it, are devoted to His interests. This was true in those early days in Jerusalem, and later in Ephesus, where Paul had worked with great results (Acts 19:1-20). However, about 25 years later, the Lord sent the Ephesian believers a message through John because they had forsaken their “first love” (Rev. 2:1-7). What about us today?

Reference 2 – Acts 9:27
Barnabas took him [Saul] 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.

Barnabas continued on the line of “first love” as he showed compassion, even to the former persecutor Saul of Tarsus. What a blessed ministry Barnabas had as he introduced Saul to the Jerusalem saints! The former persecutor, who had had part in the death of several saints, had now become one of them – a true believer. What a miracle of God’s grace (1 Tim. 1:13; Gal. 1:13-24)! However, it was not a happy ending yet, because Saul had to flee from Israel (Acts 9:30).

Meanwhile, God continued His work of grace with the salvation of Cornelius and his house in Caesarea (Acts 10). This really interesting chapter shows how Peter used the keys of the kingdom, which the Lord had given him (Mt. 16:16-19). What ministry or area of service has the Lord given to you?

Reference 3 – Acts 11:21-22,25
A great number [in Antioch] 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 … Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.

Soon after Saul’s conversion, God extended the work beyond Israel’s borders, north to Antioch, a well-known city in Syria. Many people there got saved. The apostles and the believers in Jerusalem were evidently interested in what God was doing, according to Christ’s plan (1:8), and decided to send Barnabas to them. They knew Barnabas as a willing and useful instrument, a true servant. When he arrived in Antioch he saw the grace of God at work. Barnabas “was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (11:23).1 Nevertheless, Barnabas realized that these new believers needed more teaching than he was able to give. This is another proof of God’s grace, shown in this son of comfort, who decided to look for Saul where he had fled when his life had been in danger in Israel (9:29-30). Do we recognize the needs of others which are greater than we are able to meet, and then do we seek help for them?

Reference 4 – Acts 11:29-30
The disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

The new believers in Antioch heard about a famine that would affect Jerusalem and Judea (vv.27-29) and wanted to send a gift to help the believers there. Doctrinally, Paul later explained that Gentile believers are in debt to the Jews, in particular the believers among them (see Rom. 15:25-27). This principle is based on what the Lord told the Samaritan woman, “Salvation is of the Jews” (Jn. 4:22). What was practiced at Antioch was taught by Paul, in harmony with other Scriptures:

• “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jas. 2:15-17).
• “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Pet. 1:22).
• “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (2:17).
• “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (3:8-9).
• “Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 Jn. 3:17). Do we realize the debt we owe?

Reference 5 – Acts 12:25
Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.

Before this return trip to Antioch, Barnabas had been there as a messenger sent from Jerusalem (11:22). As a son of encouragement, he identified with a work of God’s grace. Then, he became one of the messengers sent from Antioch to bring support to the believers in Jerusalem. Now, together with Saul, Barnabas was traveling back to the place where he had seen the grace of God at work in such a remarkable way. After staying at Antioch for some time, he made himself available to be sent on a new mission, as an instrument fit for the Master’s use. What about you and me: are we willing and ready to move on to another area of service as the Lord would direct?

A New Development – Barnabas’ Missionary Journey With Saul, or Paul

Reference 6 – Acts 13:1
Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers; Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Each one of these five brothers in the Lord was marked by God’s grace. They were very capable even though different in race, culture, upbringing and religious background. Yet they were working together in wonderful unity and harmony despite those differences. How is the harmony and unity between ourselves and others who come from completely different backgrounds?

Reference 7 – Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

The Lord in the glory working through His Spirit called Barnabas and Saul for an entirely new mission. They were enthusiastically supported by the local assembly at Antioch, who “fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them” (v.3). What about us? Do we make ourselves fully available to our exalted Lord? Can He use you or me as a vessel fit for the Master, just as He pleases, and in fellowship with our brethren as they did?

Reference 8 – Acts 13:7
The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man … called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.

Supported by the young assembly in Antioch and sent by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul traveled to the island of Cyprus, where Barnabas had once lived. There, he and Saul were invited by the Roman proconsul to tell him the Word of God. However, a Jewish magician, Elymas, was there and opposed the apostles. As this took place, something changed: when the apostles arrived at Cyprus, Barnabas was mentioned first in the account (v.7); but when confronted by Elymas, Saul, now called Paul, was mentioned first. This is because Paul took public action as God’s messenger2 (vv.9-12). The situation implies an additional test for Barnabas: to allow another instrument of God’s grace to be more prominent. In principle, he had already learned that lesson when he had traveled from Antioch to look for Saul. Are we willing for another servant of the Lord to be more prominent?

Reference 9 – Acts 13:43
Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

After their ministry in and around Cyprus and its synagogues (Acts 13:5-6), including meeting the proconsul, the missionary company crossed the sea and traveled to the Roman province of Asia, in present-day Turkey. John Mark decided to go back to Jerusalem (v.13), but Paul and Barnabas passed through the country until they arrived at Antioch in Pisidia. There, on the Sabbath, they visited the synagogue and were asked whether they had a “word of exhortation” (v.15). Paul used this God-given opportunity and gave a message about Israel’s history, the coming of the Messiah and how He was rejected and had died on a tree but saw no corruption, as God raised Him from among the dead (vv.16-37). They added a serious and solemn warning not to reject God’s invitation to believe (vv.38-41). The challenge was clearly presented to each one, to repent and believe.

It was after this that we read about Paul and Barnabas speaking to those who followed, persuading “them to continue in the grace of God” (v.43). Just as Barnabas had told the new believers at Antioch in Syria to remain or continue on with the Lord (11:23), so Paul and Barnabas instructed and convinced the new believers at Pisidian Antioch to abide with Him. Are we also faithfully continuing on in His grace while sharing the gospel and encouraging believers?

Jewish Opposition And More Challenges

Reference 10 – Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy3 of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.”

Many among the Jewish audience at Antioch did not believe. Witnessing faithfully to their fellow Jews, Paul and Barnabas confirmed the principle in God’s ways, “first to the Jew” (Rom. 1:16). However, God’s grace also reaches out to Gentiles, as both stand on the same ground before God. “The righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:21-23). This was unacceptable for the Jewish leaders, wherever and whoever they were, and still is so, even today. Are we convinced, showing in word and deed, that God’s grace truly is available to everyone?

Reference 11 – Acts 13:50
But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

The opposition went as far as to expel God’s messengers from the area, as had happened to the Messiah in His earthly ministry. Being cast out, He went out (Jn. 19:15; Heb. 13:12). Now in Acts 13 the heavenly Lord was rejected through His messengers. Earlier, in Jerusalem, the Twelve and Stephen experienced similar rejection (Acts 4–7). All believers need to realize that their Savior and Lord is rejected in this world, where His rights will not be honored until He comes to claim and enforce them. Then, every knee will bow to Him (Phil. 2:10-11). For now, we are counted with Him in His rejection.

Another Form Of Opposition – This Time By Gentiles

Reference 12 – Acts 14:12
Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.

The antagonism of the Jewish community described in Acts 13 was followed by the opposition of the pagan world, which was controlled by idolatry (14:11-13). It should be noted that in this context Barnabas was placed before Paul. In their pagan thinking, Barnabas, who was of a greater stature than Paul, represented Zeus, whereas Paul, being smaller, was thought to be Hermes. The world perceives us according to their way of thinking, which is also different from God’s thoughts.

Reference 13 – Acts 14:14
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out.

First, we note that the Holy Spirit called Barnabas an “apostle,” for the enemy’s opposition targeted especially the Lord’s exalted messengers, His sent ones. This passage shows how unregenerate people can be quickly influenced, turning from one extreme to another (vv.11-19), as happened later on the island of Melita (28:4-6). Here in Lystra (Acts 14:8-20), the people wanted to worship the apostles as gods, but then, influenced by Jewish opponents who came all the way from Antioch and Iconium (v.19), the same people wanted to kill Barnabas and Paul. This was because they opposed their idolatrous ideas. The multitudes stoned Paul to such an extent that the people thought he was dead (v.19), but in the next verse we read that “he rose up” (v.20).

The Lord helped the apostles in their hour of distress. Similarly, we need to trust the Lord for His help and support in critical situations, which sometimes arise suddenly with no way of escape.

Reference 14 – Acts 14:20
When the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

After the tremendous attack in Lystra, having experienced the Lord’s gracious and powerful intervention in raising him up, Paul, together with his faithful companion, continued on his mission. In spite of all the trouble they had experienced, both acted according to the exhortations they had given previously (11:23, 13:43), namely, to persevere.4 This is another important lesson we may learn from them: Do not give up but continue, with the Lord’s help and because of love for the Master and His interests.

Barnabas’ Further Role At Jerusalem And Beyond

Reference 15 – Acts 15:1-2
Certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them ...

In the beginning at Antioch, Barnabas had witnessed the grace of God (11:22). However, the Judaizers attacked this grace with their legalism. They did not deny that Gentiles could be saved, but they wanted to put and keep them under the Mosaic law – either to be saved by it or to keep it as a rule of life. In both cases, as a consequence, they were putting God’s grace aside! Politically, the Jewish leaders may have wanted to keep everyone under their control, by maintaining this kind of legal power. Where God is at work, the enemy is soon to follow, but these matters needed to be clarified. Similar challenges have come up in Church history and, sadly, divided God’s people. Are there things today in relation to you and me that are setting aside God’s grace?

Reference 16 – Acts 15:2
... They determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

The believers in Antioch realized that something needed to be done after the Judaizers had troubled them. With wisdom and courage, they sent certain ones to inquire about the matter, going to where the Judaizers claimed to have come from: the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. Barnabas, the son of comfort and encouragement, is again a messenger. In this case he was returning to Jerusalem in defense of God’s grace. That grace had been demonstrated at Antioch (11:21-25) and throughout the first missionary journey (see 14:26) – despite the Judaizers’ organized resistance. In matters that arise, do we seek guidance from His Word?

Reference 17 – Acts 15:12
Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.

At the Jerusalem council, the Lord thwarted the enemy’s efforts to divide or mislead the new believers. There, Barnabas and Paul testified about the grace of God they had seen at work among the Gentiles. This was followed by further consultation, after which the unanimous decision was made by all present, under the Spirit’s leadership, not to trouble the new believers. Can we give testimony as to what God has done through us, and not create difficulties for new believers out of our own desires?

Reference 18 – Acts 15:22
Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

Now Barnabas, together with Paul and in fellowship with Peter and James, sought to thwart the enemy’s efforts to divide. After this meeting concluded in marvelous unity worked by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas became a messenger from Jerusalem to Antioch to reconfirm God’s grace. At this occasion, his mission was, together with two leading brothers from Jerusalem, Judas and Silas, to confirm the Jerusalem decision with respect to the Judaizers. Barnabas was once more an instrument of encouragement, consolation and comfort. As a result of the message he carried, the believers “rejoiced” (v.31). Can the Holy Spirit use you and me to bring comfort to believers in distress, in situations where they do not see any solution?

Reference 19 – Acts 15:25
It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.

The issue that caused this new mission, described in the previous reference, was clarified in writing and verbally confirmed by the two chosen witnesses, Judas and Silas, who accompanied the apostles. Silas, or Sylvanus, would later accompany Paul on a long missionary journey (15:40) and, much later, may have helped Peter as his editor in writing his first epistle (1 Pet. 5:12). Are we able to walk and serve together in unity with other believers?

The Son Of Comfort – Grace And Failure

Reference 20 – Acts 15:35
Paul and Barnabas … remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

After the latest mission had been completed, Barnabas continued his tasks as a son of comfort. Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch and continued with Judas and Silas to show God’s grace in accordance with the “word of the Lord.” In situations of much conflict and controversy, these brothers were useful instruments, able to bring comfort and help, in submission to the Lord in heaven. Today, the challenge for laborers among God’s people is to bring comfort and encouragement while maintaining the word of the Lord. How well do we do that work?

Reference 21 – Acts 15:36
Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”

Paul’s shepherd heart moved him to make this proposal to Barnabas, his faithful companion of the first missionary journey. Are we concerned for the brethren with whom we have had contact in the past?

Reference 22 – Acts 15:37
Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.

Problems arise, and there is failure along the way. Even with such an instrument of comfort as Barnabas was, failure can happen despite good intentions. His relative Mark had accompanied Barnabas and Paul on their first journey, but he had suddenly left them. In Paul’s estimation, Mark was not yet ready for service, but that would change later when Paul commended him (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11). At this point, however, Mark was not yet fully restored, and a disagreement arose between Paul and Barnabas. As a result, a sad breakdown took place for a time. There probably was failure with both apostles, but only the Lord knows exactly. We may need to ask ourselves, “When disagreements arise between myself and a fellow laborer in the Lord, how do I react?”

Reference 23 – Acts 15:39
Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so, Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.

We do not know exactly why, but it seems that Barnabas may have lacked some wisdom with respect to the discipline needed for Mark’s full restoration. Paul possibly failed in one way or another as well. This is, however, not the end of the story.

The relationship between Paul and Barnabas was restored, as we can conclude from what Paul wrote later (1 Cor. 9:6). Mark was restored as well (Phile. 1:24; Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11), and he was close to Peter who called him his “son” (1 Pet. 5:13). When Mark had written his gospel, Paul called him “very useful” (2 Tim. 4:11 ESV). According to non-biblical sources, Peter coached Mark, and later helped him in writing his gospel. Today, may we encourage and help the next generation of servants.

Reference 24 – 1 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV
Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working?

Writing to the assembly at Corinth, Paul, now on his third journey, defended the apostleship he had received from the exalted Lord Jesus. Paul also identified fully with the faithful companion of his first journey, Barnabas. May we consider both of them to be examples of faithful and useful service.

More Points To Ponder

Reference 25 – Galatians 2:1
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me.

The conflict with the Judaizers caused Paul to make sure that the son of comfort would be going with him to Jerusalem as a witness to defend the truth of God’s grace. This probably refers to the visit in relation to the famine (Acts 11:29-30) that took place before the council of Acts 15. There are times when it is especially valuable to have another person along with us in His service.

Reference 26 – Galatians 2:9
When James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

This agreement may have taken place during the visit just mentioned in the previous point. In all probability, Galatians was likely written soon after the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. Are we willing to work in coordination with those who are spiritual leaders in the Church, or do we want to go our own way?

Reference 27 – Galatians 2:13
The rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.

Even someone as faithful and experienced as Barnabas, a son of consolation, was able to fail when influenced by Peter’s misconduct, who had been similarly misled by the Judaizers! This is a serious warning to all of us (1 Cor. 10:12). However, Peter accepted the needed correction and later expressed his appreciation of Paul’s ministry (2 Pet. 3:15). We, too, must be careful and may need to be corrected at times!

Reference 28 – Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him).

The last Scriptural reference to Barnabas mentions his family relationship to Mark, who had been fully restored. We do not know whether Barnabas was still alive at this time, but this comment would have greatly encouraged him, the son of comfort. Mark had been occupied in writing the gospel of the “Faithful Servant.”

In considering this last reference we recall that Barnabas made himself available, although being a weak and failing vessel, to be an instrument in God’s hand so Christ’s glories might be displayed in and through him. Today, the glorified Christ at God’s right-hand desires to use all Christians as His instruments. God wants Christ’s beautiful features to be seen in and through us (Eph. 1:23)! Ultimately, what we have learned in God’s school will be displayed forever, for His honor and glory.

ENDNOTES
1. The New Testament uses the word “purpose” (Gr. próthesis) 12 times, of which six are in connection with God’s plans. Acts has this word twice: in 11:23 it indicates a rightful determination of the human heart, while in 27:13 it refers to man’s wrong plan.
2. Paul “looked” at Elymas “intently.” The Greek term occurs seven times (only in Acts 3:4, 7:55, 10:4, 11:6, 13:9, 14:9, 23:1).
3. Literally, “… do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life.” The word “worthy” (Gr. áxios) occurs seven times in Acts (13:25,46, 23:29, 25:11,25, 26:20,31).
4. The verb “to continue on” (Gr. prosménō), used in these two references, occurs seven times in the New Testament (Mt. 15:32; Mk. 8:2; Acts 11:23, 13:43, 18:18; 1 Ti. 1:3, 5:5).

By Alfred Bouter