Below is an excerpt from Pastor Mike Ray’s book Friendship: Privileges and Responsibility, “Chapter 6 — A Barnabas: the ‘Early Days’ Friend”
“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed 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.” Acts 9:26–28
Although not many verses in the New Testament are dedicated to Barnabas, his role in the early days of the church was vitally important. His name means “son of consolation” or “comforter and encourager.” The first mention of Barnabas is a story of him selling some land and giving all of the money to the Lord through his local church. He is called a good man, full of faith and power; the grace of God was upon him. Through his preaching, He encouraged people to stay close to the Lord and to continue steadfast.
Why was Barnabas so vital to the early church work? He was the layperson that Saul of Tarsus (a new convert whose name was later changed to Paul) met when he came to the church at Jerusalem. Was Barnabas an usher, a greeter, or a chariot lot attendant? I’m not sure. But Barnabas gave Paul a big welcome when no one else would (Paul had been torturing, arresting, and killing Christians for many months). Barnabas assured them that Paul had been soundly converted and that he now preached Christ. Barnabas involved Paul in the church and invested in him spiritually. (Perhaps he brought Paul through their “discipleship series.”)
“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. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. 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” (Acts 11:25–26; 12:25; 13:2).
At the beginning of their story, Scripture calls them “Barnabas and Saul.” Barnabas was the leader and the stronger Christian. Later, they are called, “Paul and Barnabas.” But, even after Paul’s ministry had surpassed his own, Barnabas did not become jealous.
“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.” (Acts 13:46, 50; 14:12, 20; 15:2, 35–36).
How important was the friendship of Barnabas to Saul? Because Barnabas helped keep him in church and on the path of Christian growth, Paul was able to become a church planter who brought the Gospel to Asia and Europe. From those churches, the Gospel was ultimately spread to America. Paul also wrote several books of the Bible — Romans, I and II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I and II Thessalonians, I and II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews.
Are you like Barnabas — always looking to include new converts at church and help them grow in Christ?
Hopewell Baptist Church and Hopewell Ministries
Hopewell Baptist Church is an Independent Baptist Church in Napa, California pastored by Mike Ray. It is Bible-based with a warm, friendly atmosphere. Hopewell dedicated to bringing the water of life to the Napa Valley and beyond.
For more information about the Hopewell Baptist Church of Napa, California or the Hopewell Ministries publications of Pastor Mike Ray, visit our church website. You can watch archived services on Vimeo, YouTube, or audio podcast. Stay up to date by following us on Facebook or Instagram.
