Acts 9:26-27 (ESV): “And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 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.”
Introducing Barnabas – Acts 4:36-37 (ESV)
“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.”
We begin by encountering a selfless act of generosity by Barnabas. He sold his land and gave the proceeds to the Apostles for the spreading of the Gospel. From this moment on we see him completely engaged in the mission. Every encounter we have with him through the book of Acts reveals a character of encouragement. Even when it wasn’t popular with his fellow servant Paul, Barnabas chose grace.
1. First Encounter with Saul: Acts 9:26-27 (ESV)
“And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 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.”
Encouragement Principle: Barnabas embraced Saul, despite the disciples’ fear, and vouched for the genuineness of Saul’s conversion. Barnabas believed in Saul when no one else did. It’s important to note that Barnabas was NOT an eyewitness to Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. He met him afterward.
Supporting Scriptures:
- Romans 15:7 (ESV) – “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
- Colossians 3:13 (ESV) – “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
2. Teaching and Discipling: Acts 11:25-26 (ESV)
“So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 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. And in Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians.”
Encouragement Principle: Barnabas actively sought Saul, recognizing his potential, and together they engaged in teaching and ministry. We should seek out new converts to disciple, While Paul was certainly unique in his gifting, Baranbas was there to support him from the beginning. Are we coming alongside other believers to encourage them?
Supporting Scriptures:
- Proverbs 27:17 (ESV) – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
- Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
3. Disagreement and Separation: Acts 15:36-41 (ESV)
“And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.’ Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other.”
Encouragement Challenge: A disagreement arose over whether to include John Mark on their missionary journey. Let’s look at a biblical perspective on disagreements.
Dealing with Disagreements: A Biblical Perspective of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Disagreements are a natural part of human interactions, and even among believers, conflicts can arise. The example of Barnabas and Paul in Acts 15:36-41 provides insights into handling disagreements within the context of Christian relationships. Here are some principles to consider:
- Open Communication:
- In Acts 15:36, Paul suggests a return to visit the brothers in every city where they proclaimed the word of the Lord. Open communication about future plans is crucial.
- Exploring Options:
- A disagreement arises when Barnabas wants to take John Mark with them, and Paul disagrees due to John Mark’s previous withdrawal from their mission (Acts 15:37-38). Exploring various options and discussing the pros and cons can be a healthy part of decision-making.
- Understanding Each Other’s Perspective:
- Acts 15:39 describes a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. While they disagreed on whether to include John Mark, understanding each other’s perspectives is vital in resolving conflicts.
- Seeking God’s Guidance:
- Before making decisions, seeking God’s guidance through prayer and reflection is crucial. Both Paul and Barnabas were dedicated to the mission, but they had different views on how to proceed.
- Respecting Differences:
- Acts 15:39 mentions that they separated from each other. Despite the separation, it’s essential to respect differences and acknowledge that individuals may have distinct callings and roles.
- Indications of Reconciliation:
- In 1 Corinthians 9:6, Paul mentions Barnabas, possibly indicating a level of reconciliation or continued acknowledgment of each other’s contributions and his later recommendation of Mark reveals a softening of Paul’s position. The principle here is to “let it go” and support those who preach the gospel.
- 1 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV):
- “Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?”
- Colossians 4:10 (ESV):
- “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him).”
- Forgiveness and Moving Forward:
- Forgiveness is a key element in resolving conflicts. Understanding that people may have different strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives allows for moving forward in unity despite past disagreements. Look at what Paul wrote later in his ministry to the Corinthians.
- In Philippians 1:15-18 (ESV), the apostle Paul expresses his perspective on the preaching of the gospel, even when done with different motives:
- 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
- In these verses, Paul acknowledges that some people preach Christ with selfish motives, but he emphasizes that the important thing is that Christ is proclaimed. Paul finds joy in the fact that the message of Christ is being shared, regardless of the varying intentions behind the preaching. Forgive and keep sharing the good news.
Biblical Insights on Disagreements:
- Proverbs 15:1 (ESV): “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
- Matthew 5:9 (ESV): “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
- Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV): “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
- Proverbs 17:14 (ESV) – “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.”
- Ephesians 4:3 (ESV) – “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
- Philippians 2:2 (ESV) – “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Steps to Being an Encourager:
1. Recognition: Identify and recognize the potential in others, even if it goes against popular opinion.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) – “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'”
2. Investment: Invest time and effort in teaching, guiding, and discipling those in need of encouragement.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV) – “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
3. Forgiveness: Understand that conflicts may arise, but forgiveness and understanding are crucial for maintaining relationships.
- Matthew 6:14 (ESV) – “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
4. Reconciliation: If disagreements occur, seek opportunities for reconciliation, understanding that each person has unique strengths and perspectives.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18 (ESV) – “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
5. Continued Support: Even if paths diverge, continue to support and acknowledge the contributions of others in their respective journeys.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Apply the Scripture
Using the example of Barnabas and Saul/Paul, our Bible study on being an encourager can help us apply these principles, providing practical insights for individuals seeking to embody the spirit of encouragement in their relationships. May we all Be a Barnabas.