Everyone wants to be a Paul, Peter and basically stand out leaders, but who wants to be a Barnabas?
“Now Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),”
Acts 4:36 AMP
Barnabas is a fascinating figure in the Bible. Truly a man who lived to his name! He was generous! He contributed to the church, setting an example of selfless giving (Acts 4:36-37).
He was an encourager! He was the one who encouraged Paul, standing by him when the disciples were hesitant to accept him (Acts 9:26-27). He humbly played the second fiddle, yet he boldly defended Mark, who had once faltered in his faith (Acts 15:36-39).
“It requires more grace to play the second fiddle.”
Charles Spurgeon
Barnabas embodied that grace—his very name means “son of encouragement,” and he lived up to it in every way (Acts 11:22-24).
Be a Barnabas!
In an era where ministries abound, strive to be a Barnabas. Time and again, I hear promises about how God is going to use us to lead an amazing ministry through a person, but hardly hear any encouragement to play a second fiddle, to be the best encourager. You can’t lead unless you have learnt to be a follower.
How can you be a Barnabas?
- Support those who lead, guide them, and be a steadfast pillar for them, like he supported Paul.
- Give and open up resources like Barnabas, not for the accolades but in response to the gospel.
- Stand up for the people who have backslidden like Mark.
Being a Barnabas won’t be popular. You may not be as widely known as Paul, but rest assured, when Barnabas steps beyond those pearly gates, our Lord will welcome him with the tightest embrace.
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