“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 11:22-26
God was doing a great work amongs the Gentiles in Antioch. When the church in Jerusalem heard what was going on, they determined to send help. This help came in the form of sending Barnabas. Notice some very specific characteristics of his life that made him the great blessing that he was:
- When there was a need, the person that came to mind was Barnabas. — vs. 22.
He was a blessing and help everywhere he went. Be brutally honest to ask yourself if there was a need, would others know you could help? Would they think you’d be more of a burden than a help?
- When he arrived, he first observed, and then exhorted. — vs. 23.
He gave them what they needed. He wasn’t full of himself, he was full of the Spirit and the Word. He shared from an overfilled life of God. The best advice and encouragement comes from the overflow of a life filled with the Holy Spirit.
- He was considered a “good” man. — vs. 24.
There are only a few people that God calls good. Barnabas wasn’t sinless, but his dependence was on God.
- He was filled with Holy Ghost and faith — vs. 24.
Scripture reveals there were times Jesus couldn’t do things because of the lack of faith (Matthew 13:58). Faith is required to serve God (Hebrews 11:6). It’s easy to proclaim we have faith in God, but what about when it comes to our children’s safety or their future? Do we have faith we can learn a language, share the Gospel, see God provide for the financial needs, and help get through the hard times? May we be wise enough, as the apostles requested, to ask God to “increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
- His time there caused “much people” to be added unto the Lord — vs. 24.
The point is not numbers, rather fruit for the Lord. We should never live life just trying to get through, or buying our time. We should seek to be busy about our Father’s business. We should be faithful and fruitful with our time and life for the Lord.
- He recruited help — vs. 26.
We’re not told if he had been corresponding with Paul, or just remembered the testimony, boldness, and zeal of this newer Christian. But when Barnabas needed help, he decided to recruit others.
It is interesting that the Scripture does not say he asked Paul if God was dealing with his heart, it appears he goes and tells Paul the need, the opportunity, and his desire to have help. This was enough to convince Paul to jump at the opportunity. Every minister should seek to involve and include others in the work of God. As for Paul, he took the opportunity offered to him and God used it to begin the missionary journeys.
- He was the right influence to those whom he ministered — vs. 26.
I do not believe it’s a coincidence that they were first called Christians at the same time Barnabas was ministering there. A test of ministry is changed lives. If all they had was a head knowledge, or outward change, it would not have lasted, and it would not have a God-honoring impact. Their lives had been changed by the Gospel teaching and influence so much that others were calling them “little Christ-followers.” What a compliment! The compliment was not only to the people, but also to Barnabas for teaching the people.
Why would a church want to send a man like this? Why would a church send their best worker? The simple and clear explanation was that the church was more concerned with God’s work than their own work. They were building the Kingdom of God, not trying to build their own kingdom. We should always be more concerned with the Lord’s work instead of our own work.