There are heroes in the Bible whose names dominate our sermons and studies—Paul, Peter, David, Moses. But there’s one man, often overlooked, who played a crucial role in the early church. His name? Barnabas.
He wasn’t an apostle who performed mighty miracles like Peter. He didn’t pen half the New Testament like Paul. He never parted a sea or led armies into battle. Yet, his impact on Christianity is undeniable.
Barnabas was a man who saw potential in others when no one else did. He was a bridge builder, a mentor, and an encourager. If we want to live a life that reflects the heart of Yahshua, we would do well to learn from this unsung hero of the faith.
1. Encouragement: The Heart of Barnabas
The first time we meet Barnabas, we learn that his real name was Joseph, but the apostles gave him a nickname—Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36, NKJV).
Imagine being so encouraging that people start calling you by that trait! Barnabas wasn’t just someone who said nice things. His encouragement was action-packed.
One of his earliest recorded acts was an incredible display of generosity:
“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.” (Acts 4:36-37, NKJV)
Barnabas wasn’t just good with words—he was willing to sacrifice for the good of others. He didn’t hoard his blessings; he used them to uplift people.
That’s what encouragement looks like: It’s not just saying, “I believe in you.” It’s backing up your words with action.
Are you the kind of person who encourages others not just with words, but with deeds?
2. Seeing Potential Others Overlook
When Saul of Tarsus (later known as Paul) became a believer, the early Christians didn’t trust him. And who could blame them? He had been hunting down Yahshua’s followers, dragging them to prison and approving of their deaths.
But one man—just one—believed in Saul’s transformation.
“But Barnabas took him 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.” (Acts 9:27, NKJV)
Everyone else saw Saul’s past. Barnabas saw his potential.
What if Barnabas hadn’t stepped in? What if Paul had been rejected and left without a place in the church?
Barnabas changed the course of history because he believed in someone no one else would trust.
Who in your life needs a Barnabas? Who is waiting for someone to say, “I see something in you”?
3. Rejoicing in Others’ Success
Barnabas wasn’t just about lifting others up—he also knew how to step aside when necessary.
When he and Paul went to Antioch, the church flourished. People were being saved, lives were being changed, and the church was growing. Barnabas could have taken the credit. He could have insisted on staying in charge.
But instead, he sought Paul’s help.
“Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11:25-26, NKJV)
Barnabas saw that Paul had a unique calling, and rather than being threatened, he brought Paul into the work.
Are we willing to celebrate the success of others? Are we humble enough to step aside when God calls someone else to take the lead?
4. Standing for the Underdog
Later in his ministry, Barnabas found himself at odds with Paul. Their disagreement? A young man named John Mark.
John Mark had traveled with them on a missionary journey, but for some reason, he left early. When it came time for another journey, Paul refused to take him along. He saw John Mark as unreliable.
But Barnabas? He saw something different.
“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.’ Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But 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. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.” (Acts 15:36-39, NKJV)
Barnabas didn’t give up on John Mark.
And you know what? He was right.
John Mark went on to write the Gospel of Mark. He became a key figure in the early church, and even Paul—years later—acknowledged that Mark was useful in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
Sometimes, encouragement means standing up for someone who has failed. It means giving them another chance.
Who in your life needs another chance?
5. Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Barnabas’s legacy isn’t just in what he did—it’s in who he influenced.
- He believed in Paul, who became one of the greatest missionaries and writers of all time.
- He stood by John Mark, who wrote one of the four Gospels.
- He strengthened the early church and encouraged countless believers.
Barnabas didn’t need the spotlight. He didn’t chase fame. But without him, Christianity as we know it might look very different.
His story challenges us to ask:
- Who am I encouraging?
- Who am I believing in when no one else does?
- Am I using my resources to build others up?
- Do I celebrate others’ success, even if it means stepping aside?
Be a Barnabas
We live in a world filled with criticism, negativity, and division. People are torn down daily. Encouragement is in short supply.
But imagine if we lived like Barnabas. Imagine if we saw people through God’s eyes, not their past mistakes. Imagine if we championed the underdogs, spoke life into the discouraged, and celebrated others’ success.
That’s the kind of life that leaves a legacy. That’s the kind of life that changes the world.
That’s the kind of life that looks like Yahshua.
So today, let’s ask ourselves:
Who can I encourage?
Who can I believe in?
Who can I lift up?
Because if we do that, we might just change someone’s life forever.
