No, I don’t mean a purple dinosaur or even Andy Griffith’s deputy. I am speaking of Barnabas from the book of Acts. We are first introduced to him in Acts 4:36 where we are told that his name means son of consolation. This word “consolation” has the same root as the word “comforter.” Those who have been around Pentecostal churches for any length of time will readily recognize this word as one of the names for the Holy Ghost. The word is “paraklete.”
2 Corinthians 1:4 (KJV) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
In Short, God comforts us that we might comfort others. The word paraklete is often defined as one who goes along beside (though an in-depth study will reveal that it means so much more). As such the Holy Ghost goes along beside us to comfort and teach us about Christ. Paul tells the corinthians that God comforts us in order that we might comfort others. That is to say we should walk along beside our brothers and sisters teaching them about Jesus Christ.
In this first reference to Barnabas we find him bringing comfort to those in need by helping them financially. He was able to see their need and do what he could to help them even though it cost him. My wife can see a person and know how to pitch in and help them with what they are doing. I, on the other hand, can walk past and not even notice they are there. This is something that I have had to work on but am far from success.
We again meet “Barney” in chapter 9. This time he walks along side and man named Saul. Saul was a new convert who had previously persecuted the church consenting to the death of Stephen the first martyr. The believers at Jerusalem were skeptical of him until Barnabas plead his case. Too often we expect new converts to become mature Christians simply by church attendance. Often if they do not mature as quickly as we think they should or in the way we think they should, we hold them at arms length. This has led to the falling away of many new converts. In actuality it is “spiritual abortion.” Often they need more than simply the teaching coming from the pulpit in our regularly scheduled services. It is the duty of believers to come along side these new plants and help them to grow. This is not simply the job of the “professional” ministry but something all believers should be participants. Often this can be accomplished over a cup of coffee in our homes, at a restaurant, or in a coffee house, etc. They simply need a Barnabas to help nurture them.
Barnabas is mentioned a number of times as he ministered alongside the Apostle Paul. The final mention of him is in chapter 15 where we find him once again standing beside one in need.
John Mark had journeyed with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Not long after embarking on this mission Mark went back home. Scripture does not tell us why but when they prepared to take a second mission trip Barnabas wanted to take him with them while Paul refused. Many still argue today over who was right and who was wrong. I believer that God used this to divide them into two teams that could accomplish more. Because of the difference in their callings they may have both been right. Ultimately Paul recognizes Mark’s usefulness for the ministry. The point is Barnabas stood up for Mark.
Even in failures we need to stand by or brothers and sisters. Too often when we see someone begin to drift we cut them off. There have been many men (and women) who could have accomplished much for Christ but because we saw a weakness in them they were cast aside. Many fear that doing the work of Christ and standing beside those in need of help will cause them to be labeled a liberal by other christians. The ministry of the church is one of reconciliation whether it be a sinner who has never known the Savior or a brother who has strayed. When one falters we need to go along beside them and restore them and restore them considering ourselves lest we also be tempted (Galatians 6:1). So let’s go
Be A Barney!