Learning about a life of service from a model believer.
by Caroline S. Cooper
The book of Acts, Luke’s historical narrative, details the mission and ministry of Christ’s church. In Acts 2:44, 45 we read that the believers came together, had all things in common, sold their possessions and goods, and shared with those in need. Responding to Jesus’ call for unity and servanthood, the early church emphasized fellowship, prayer, compassion, and giving.
One of those believers was Barnabas. Our first introduction to him in Acts 4 reveals his commitment to the growing Christian community in Jerusalem. In the dozen or so passages in the Bible where Barnabas is mentioned, we discover how we can do ministry like him.
Be an encourager
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet (vv. 36, 37).
The name the apostles bestowed on Joses (or Joseph) reveals they recognized him as an encourager. Barnabas demonstrated this in a number of ways.
Scholars believe that Barnabas possessed great wealth, since he owned land. He gave generously with an attitude of humility, represented by laying the money at the apostles’ feet. His kind and thoughtful gift encouraged the church and the individuals who would benefit from his donation.
In addition to his humble generosity, Barnabas demonstrated a welcoming and discerning spirit as an advocate of Saul, turned Paul. Barnabas had witnessed Paul speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus in Damascus and when Paul came to Jerusalem three years later. With encouragement from Barnabas, the apostles recognized Paul’s commission from the Lord and saved Paul’s life by sending him to his hometown of Tarsus (9:26-30).
Later in Acts, after Barnabas accepted an assignment to serve the church in Antioch, Luke again highlights his encouraging nature: “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (11:23).
The Bible is filled with verses that instruct us to encourage others. We can follow Barnabas’ example when we remember 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (NASB).
Serve the church
Barnabas played a vital role in reaching the Gentiles when the apostles sent him to minister in Antioch (Acts 11:22). His ministry inside and outside the church flourished because of his faith in the Lord, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and knowledge of the Word.
Many years later, Barnabas traveled to Tarsus and invited Paul to join him in Antioch. Scripture does not reveal how long Barnabas had served at this point, but we do know that Paul had been in Tarsus for fourteen years (Galatians 2:1). Barnabas and Paul taught together in Antioch for a year, building a relationship that would carry them through Paul’s first missionary journey. Among their acts of service to the church, they assisted in delivering a contribution to their brothers and sisters in Judea. Due to their dedication to the Lord, the disciples in Antioch were the first to be called Christians (Acts 11:25-30).
As with Barnabas, effective ministry in the church pours out of our intimate relationship with God and spreads to other believers for their good and His glory.
Go on a missions trip
Most Christians are familiar with Paul’s three missionary journeys, but Paul did not travel alone. In fact, Luke places Barnabas’ name before Paul’s when the church in Antioch commissioned them to the mission field.
As they [the church leaders in Antioch] 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.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away (13:2, 3).
Throughout their trip, Barnabas and Saul (referred to as Paul after v. 9) traveled together, preached together, suffered together, and persevered together. Although Paul served as the primary teacher, Barnabas drew from his years of ministry experience in Antioch. He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Paul in speaking boldly for the Lord. After returning from the mission field, they reported all that God had done by opening the door of faith to the Gentiles (14:27).
While most of us may not be called to foreign countries to serve, our mission field is all around us. Family members, friends, neighbors, and social acquaintances need to hear the good news. Barnabas fulfilled the Great Commission to go and make disciples. So can we.
Pursue unity in the body
As Christianity spread outward, churches attracted a diverse group of individuals and families with backgrounds representing multiple nationalities. Maintaining unity proved challenging, and the leaders in Jerusalem wrestled with issues that impacted the inclusion of Gentile believers.
In the early days of the church, the Jewish Christians still clung to the law and traditions. The debate over whether Gentile believers should be circumcised came to Antioch when Peter (also referred to as Cephas) came for a visit. Paul found himself face-to-face and toe-to-toe with Peter when he did not eat with the Gentile believers but “withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision” (Galatians 2:12). As they discussed the matter, other Jews in attendance took sides with Peter, and “even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy” (v. 13).
By the time the Jerusalem Council gathered to resolve the circumcision issue, Peter, Paul, and Barnabas had worked through their disagreements and presented a unified front. Paul and Barnabas came from Antioch to participate in the discussion. “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” (Acts 15:12).
Recognizing the validity of their remarks, the council made a landmark decision that cleared the way for Gentiles to be welcomed into the body of Christ without the added burden of being circumcised.
To celebrate their newfound unity, leaders in Jerusalem sent “leading men among the brethren” (v. 22) to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to demonstrate their commitment to the Gentiles.
Diversity in the body of Christ is something to be celebrated. God commands us to pursue unity despite our unique personalities, backgrounds, and preferences. Barnabas’ efforts were rewarded by a thriving community of believers in Antioch and seeing the gospel spread to nearby nations. Keeping all eyes on Jesus brings about the unity God desires.
Extend grace to fellow believers
Barnabas did amazing work for the Lord, but he had to fight against his human nature like the rest of us. Scripture highlights his great achievements but also reveals the reality of his challenges with fellow human beings.
When preparing to embark on the second missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement. Barnabas’ cousin, John Mark, had accompanied them on the first missionary journey but chose to leave the trip before they had completed the mission. Paul did not appreciate that fact.
When Barnabas suggested taking Mark with them again, “Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work” (v. 38). They could not reach a resolution, so Barnabas went with Mark to Cyprus while Paul took Silas with him.
Barnabas and Paul continued to serve the Lord despite their differences. From clues in Scripture, they may have reconciled later. When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Colossae about a decade later, he referenced Barnabas and John Mark in his closing remarks: “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him)” (Colossians 4:10).
As human beings, we do not always agree with fellow believers, but we can be gracious to one another. We may find it challenging to serve beside people who have different perspectives and ideas. But despite our differences, we can learn to respect and honor each other in our unique acts of service to the Lord.
Natural response
Like Barnabas, we need to extend ourselves in ministry to others. When individuals exhibit Christlike qualities of humility, generosity, kindness, and confidence, as Barnabas did, ministry becomes a natural response to the love of God. Barnabas’ heart for encouragement, service, missions, unity, and grace reveals his passion for the Lord and commitment to remain true to Him (Acts 11:23). We can follow Barnabas’ example in ministry, knowing that we will bring glory to God both inside and outside the church.
