Barnabas
By Israel Crocker
December 2008
There are great individuals whose lives the Holy Spirit has chosen to reveal in the Bible. Many wonderful examples that teach what God demands in a righteous life. Barnabas is a prime example. From the beginning he is wholly converted to Christ’s cause, and exhibits a life of diligence for mission work and support of those who spread the Gospel. He exercises Godly restraint and places the good of others before his own ambitions. Without a doubt, Barnabas is a Christian by the life that he lives. Christians today are intended by the Holy Spirit to learn from Barnabas, and to pursue a spiritual strength that mimics this great Biblical character.
ENTERING THE SCENERIO OF SCRIPTURE
“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:36-37). The church’s growth is impressive at its earthly establishment, and compels the willingness of saints to sell their possessions to sustain those in need (4:35). Barnabas, who originally was named Joses (Joseph),1 is first introduced by the Spirit as one of the first gracious givers to the Cause. He is a descendant of Levi, and various commentators call into question his tract of land. According to the law of Moses the Levites were not to receive land inheritance (Num. 18:20 and Deut. 10:8-9). However, the Bible does not say that Barnabas’ gift is from an inheritance; also, his land could be from his home on Cyprus.2
Barnabas’ name means “the Son of Consolation,” and is a name chosen for him by the apostles. Observing the name’s connotation speaks volumes of this man’s disposition. “The bestowal of a special name was a token of respect.”3 Reese explains a disagreement over the translation of consolation or exhortation:
The difficulty is that this Greek word paraklesis cannot be easily translated into English. Sometimes it seems to mean “exhortation” and sometimes it seems to mean “encouragement, consolation, or comfort.”4
In either rendering, one understands that Barnabas’ talent lies in his ability to encourage and strengthen the brethren. What a needed asset for the apostles at the infancy stage of the church! Churches of Christ today share this same need of those who will encourage the brethren.
CONVICTION FOR THE CAUSE
Conviction is appreciated by those whose team wins against a tough opponent, or when a group of soldiers endure great hardship in battle. To have conviction for Christ transcends these, by having a complete focus on the Savior and His cause. Barnabas’ conviction is measured by his diligence. As the great exhorter of brethren, the apostles send him to Antioch to strengthen the church (Acts 11:22ff); Barnabas also advocates on behalf of Saul of Tarsus, after his conversion, to the apprehensive Christians.
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:26-27).
Barnabas could have withheld his words, and allow Saul to defend himself. Instead, he takes action to help his brother in Christ establish credibility among the other saints.
Barnabas is selected by the Holy Spirit to accompany Saul, later named Paul, on his first missionary trip (Acts 13:2). When a group of believing Pharisees cause discord over the issue of binding the old law on Gentile converts (Acts 15:1-4), it is Barnabas who travels with the apostle to Jerusalem to meet with the other apostles. The apostolic committee receives instruction from the Holy Spirit (John 16:13) over this contention; and then, Barnabas helps to spread the good news of not reverting to the dead law of Moses (Acts 15:22). Also, Barnabas labors with the church by preaching without monetary support, as does Paul, at Corinth. “Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working” (1 Cor. 9:6)? In the context, Paul is arguing the right of preachers to be supported by the local congregation; Paul and Barnabas, by inference, receive no support from the Corinthian church. Preachers who labor in fulltime work at their own expense demonstrate great conviction for the cause of Christ.
THUNDERING SILENCE
One of the most noted happenings of Barnabas is his disputation with the apostle Paul over John Mark.
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. (Acts 15:36-40)
Volumes can be written over the implications concerning this disagreement. Here are some main points:
1. Brethren do not have to agree on everything. Thus, this was not a matter of the faith; this divide was over two differing opinions.
2. The difference between generic and specific authority is exemplified. The Holy Spirit commands “Go,” but does not specify with whom.
3. Paul is an apostle, but Barnabas still holds his ground.
4. Separation by these men enables them to cover more area; a silver lining to a perceived, tempestuous cloud of disharmony.
One major point from which brethren can benefit is the silence that follow the disputation. Even though these men strongly disagree, Barnabas and Paul do not intensify the conflict. Paul does not attempt to maim the reputation of Barnabas; and he, too, reciprocates with Christian consideration for Paul’s welfare. Neither tries to draw followers on his side of the dispute. Too often, good brethren have a “falling out” over opinions, and spoil the days following by causing division. The silence that followed this argument between Barnabas and Paul still thunders today, with a strong warning that brethren should consider the good of the church over individual egos.
HE FOLLOWED JESUS
Barnabas, as diligent and Godly as described, is not without fault. He bends under the peer pressure of other preachers by not eating with the Gentiles, much to Paul’s surprise.
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. (Gal. 2:11-13)
Consistency with Barnabas’ Christian life would demand that he repents of this prejudice.
Barnabas is one of those men who is wholly converted to the cause of Jesus Christ. In his labors for the Lord, he experiences hardships—a principle that some unlearned and weak Christians allow to overthrow their faith. However, Barnabas is not described as pessimistic; for he experiences many joys while laboring in the vineyard of the King. Preachers do well to remember this as they endure afflictions (2 Tim. 4:5). He is a man who displays Christianity truly as a way of life, and not as a convenient relationship with some type of religion.
Christians should desire to be like Barnabas because of the upstanding example that he leaves. The greatest compliment that can be attributed to any person after his passing is, “He followed Jesus.” This statement rings true for the great encourager of the church—the Son of Consolation—Barnabas.
—Israel Crocker
END NOTES
1. Wayne Jackson, The Acts of the Apostles (Stockton, CA: Courier Publications, 2000), 50.
2. Gareth L. Reese, Acts: New Testament History (Joplin, MO: College Press, 1976), 195.
3. Jackson, 51.
4. Reese, 195.