S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In the book of Acts, we find a Levite from Cyprus named Joses (Acts 4:36), whom the apostles called Barnabas. That nickname, translated "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36-37) or "Son of Exhortation"...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Barnabas, Son of Exhortation (or Consolation)

1) A Separated Levite, tribally and spiritually Acts 4:36-37 Barnabas showed "unselfish generosity* (Acts 4:37, The Lord blesses unselfish generosity: 

"...Remember the words of the Lord Jesus... 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:35)" --Stephen Hopper

Sold an Earthly Heritage and left an Earthly Home for the service of Christ.

The features of this lovable man stand out in bold relief.

*His magnificent generosity. The first recorded deed of this Levite of Cyprus was the selling of his property and the grateful sacrifice of the money secured to the common fund of the first Christian community (Acts. 4:36). The Church has many on her ancient roll who knew what it was to be baptized with the baptism of Barnabas. His exuberant generosity inspired them to surrender their all.” --Lockyer

2) A Selected Laborer—‘I have called’ Acts 11:22; 13:2
a MINISTER OF CHRIST Acts 11:23; 13:43; 14:22
a MESSENGER OF THE CHURCH Acts 11:30
a MISSIONARY OF THE CROSS Acts 13:2
a MOUTHPIECE OF THE CHRISTIANS Acts 15:12, 30

3) A Spiritual Leader—a good man, full of faith and the Holy Ghost Acts 11:24

GRACIOUS—(1) “In introducing the converted persecutor Saul Acts 9:27 He was a "bridge-builder to outsiders (Acts 9:26f)." —Steve Hopper. “Barnabas, whose name means 'son of encouragement' here, was never more truly a 'son of encouragement.'"—Everett Harrison

“Barnabas’ character is described by Luke: ‘For he was a good man…’ (Ac 11:24a) Here was a man of character, kindness, generosity, integrity, wholesomeness. ‘A winning and persuasive form of holiness.’” –D. Edmond Hiebert

“(2) in bringing Saul to help at Antioch Acts 11:25-26 His notable ministry. Barnabas had an inspiring influence (Acts 11:25, 26), was trustworthy (Acts 11:29, 30), was adapted to missionary work (Acts 13:2), encouraged converts (Acts 11:23), was a son of Christian prophecy in that he uttered God’s messages, was a devoted toiler and self-supporting (1 Cor. 9:6).” —Hiebert

Ray Stedman said, “When Barnabas found Saul, he brought him to Antioch to begin a ministry that would ultimately changer the course of human history.”

(3) in taking second place in service Acts 13:43

Paul ‘and his company’ (thus there were at least one or two others besides Mark) left Paphos and sailed across to Perga in Pamphylia. It will be noted that an interesting change has taken place. Paul is now depicted as being in overall charge, and from now on it will be ‘Paul and Barnabas’. This may have been because once they had left Cyprus, and Barnabas’ familiar territory, it was agreed that as they were now in territory that Paul was more familiar with he was the best one to lead the party (Perga was on the same coastline some considerable distance west of Tarsus). Or it may simply have been at Barnabas’ instigation because he felt that Paul’s leadership would add to the effectiveness of the mission, or by general consensus. It will have been noted that Paul has previously been chief spokesman. Barnabas was one of those treasures among men who had no thought for his own importance and was quite ready to submit to his former assistant’s guidance and leadership. ‘It takes more grace than I can tell, to play the second fiddle well,’ but Barnabas was well up to it, and played the second fiddle beautifully, until again required to become first fiddle, when he did that beautifully as well (Act 15:39). --https://www.biblia.work/bible-commentary/exegetical-and-hermeneutical-commentary-of-acts-1313/

I play the piano so this next quote means a lot to me:

"Leonard Bernstein, the American pianist once said that the hardest instrument to play was the second violin, because no one wants to play second fiddle. But Barnabas did not seem to mind playing the second fiddle as long as he could play in the band."

To me, Steve Hopper is a Barnabas as he encourages converts.

February 10 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report