7-8 minute read. Audio version is found here.
As I read the book of Acts, I’m always encouraged when Barnabas’ name comes up. Recently I created a Passage List regarding Barnabas in my Logos Bible platform and wanted to share the principles of this amazing disciple-maker.
The Encourager
Ac 4:36
Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
The first mention of Joseph, also called Barnabas, is in Acts 4. The church is beginning to grow in Jerusalem rapidly, believers are speaking the gospel boldly, signs and wonders are accompanying the preaching, and those in Christ are filled with the Holy Spirit. Writer Luke is sure to include Barnabas’ nickname, Son of Encouragement. Bible scholar John Polhill (footnote below) said, “He was the encourager, the advocate, the paraklete par excellence of all the characters in Acts.”
The Humble Giver
Ac 4:36-37
Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Barnabas recognized he had something to give and wanted to provide for the needs of his new brothers and sisters. He didn’t make decisions on where the money was spent. He took the sale proceeds and brought it humbly to the apostles. I always think about my late friend Ronnie when I think about humble givers. He was not wealthy, but he was a humble giver. Ronnie was the guy who liked to buy the lunches of others when they were not looking. You would try to pay only to find out someone had already taken care of it. Chances were it was Ronnie. He would have emptied his gas tank to get you to town, paid for the late utility bill, or made sure the widow’s lawn mover was in working order before his yard was mowed.
The Introducer
Ac 9:27–11:22
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Being an “Introducer” is key to being a solid disciple-maker. The Introducer vets people. In Acts 9, Barnabas is the man who lets the apostles know Paul had an in-person experience with the Lord. He shares with these men how he came to Damascus to persecute the church but left a believer who was preaching boldly in the synagogue. As an Introducer, sometimes my job is to try to get the right people together for a growing disciple-making relationship. Other times a disconnected believer simply needs new friends. The Introducer makes it their job to care pastorally for the new or immature believer by making sure they know other believers.
When we moved to OKC, we joined a Community Group at our church and one of the elders became an Introducer for me. Each Sunday he asked if I had met this man or that one. He slowly made sure each of the other elders had met me. The Introducer is not concerned about you moving in on their friend group. They are confident in the Lord and want to see others faithfully growing within the community.
The Delegate
Ac 11:22–25
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
The Delegate is a trusted believer who can be sent to look into things. In Acts 11, the church has begun to grow into the Gentile world (11:1). As he did with Paul, he verified these believers were coming to Christ through the preaching of the gospel. And…” When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” (Acts 11:23) The delegate has the authority of others behind him. Disciple-making Delegates are often those who willingly head into hard situations and confidently speak the truth in love. The Delegate is a trusted, mature believer who understands those of other cultures/viewpoints. Barnabas was a native of Cyprus and was likely fluent in Greek. When he arrived in Antioch, he did not arrive with a critical attitude but was ready to see the grace of the Lord over those who’d just received the Good News in their community.
The Reproducer
Ac 11:25–26.
So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people.
Waylon Moore said believers needed to look for those who are Faithful, Available, and Teachable. Barnabas saw Paul as a FAT (I’m now using the acronym AFTr-available, faithful, teachable, and reproducible) believer and sought him out. He brought Paul to Antioch and helped him sharpen his skills in gospel preaching, apologetics, and teaching. The Disciple Maker is always looking for other leaders who are trainable (footnote below).
Every believer needs to be a disciple maker, but some are Makers of Disciple Makers. Characteristics of this person include:
- Humble
- FAT (Faithful, Available, Teachable)
- Leadership Ability
- Reproducible
- Evangelistic
- Kind/Loving/Caring
- Respectful
- Long-Suffering
- Genuine
The Trusted One
Ac 11:30
And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
“Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.” Ac 11:27–30.
In Acts 11:27-30, Barnabas demonstrates his role as a trusted leader in the Christian community through several key qualities:
1. Spiritual Discernment and Credibility:
The church in Antioch was receptive to Barnabas’ leadership when he oversaw the delegation of aid for the impending famine predicted by the prophet Agabus. His presence suggests that he is seen as trustworthy and spiritually discerning, capable of managing important matters on behalf of the believers.
2. Commitment to Generosity and Unity:
Barnabas facilitates a response of generosity from the Antioch church to their brethren in Judea. His leadership underscores his dedication to fostering unity and care across different Christian communities, reflecting his role as a bridge-builder.
3. Dependability in Mission:
The church entrusts Barnabas and Saul (Paul) to deliver the collected aid to the elders in Judea. This assignment indicates confidence in Barnabas’ integrity and ability to execute missions reliably, even in the face of potential challenges.
4. Partnership in Ministry:
By partnering with Paul for this task, Barnabas shows his collaborative spirit and willingness to share responsibilities with others for the greater good of the Church. Their partnership highlights his humility and commitment to collective leadership.
Through these actions, Barnabas exemplifies the qualities of a servant-leader who is trusted to manage resources, unite believers, and fulfill critical missions in the early Christian community.
Polhill, John B. Acts, vol. 26, The New American Commentary: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.
Moore, Waylon B. Multiplying Disciples : The New Testament Method for Church Growth. Colorado Springs, Colo.: Navpress. 1981.
Toby DeHay 