In the chapters without Barnabas, the Christians in various churches were coming under scrutiny and persecution. Until Chapter 11, Barnabas had stayed in the Churches of Jerusalem and encourages the believers there at home. But, when news of the persecution reached Jerusalem the elders immediately sent Barnabas to Antioch where he encouraged the believers there to “remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts 11:22).
In the next verse, Paul, the author of Acts, writes about Barnabas’ character saying, “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). In this day and age it seems like sometimes we forget the importance of encouragement. Usually encouragement that means the most takes place one on one in private and not out in public for all to see. It is so important to not only remember the encouragers, but to be encouragers ourselves. Paul puts a great deal of emphasis on the importance of Barnabas’ encouragement as a part of bringing the masses to Christ. My margin notes say that wherever Barnabas encouraged Christians, non-believers flocked to the Lord’s teaching. What an awesome testament for one person’s life.
After he was sent to Antioch to encourage fellow believers, Barnabas stayed at the church there as a teacher. When God called Paul to his first missionary journey, He also sent Barnabas with Paul to encourage his spirit. The Holy Spirit spoke to the church at Antioch and said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2). They traveled to Cyprus to Antioch in Galatia and many were converted to the Lord by their teaching. No human is perfect and Barnabas was no exception to this rule. While he was teaching with Peter he struggled with working among the Gentiles. He had a tendency to stay set apart from them due to their cultural and religious differences. However, when Paul pointed out the fallacies of his thinking, Barnabas repented and carried on the work of encouragement. This showed very plainly teachable, willing spirit Barnabas possessed. He did many great things during the time he spent with Paul in Antioch both the city in Galatia and Antioch Seleucia in Syria.
Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch together even after they sent off Judas and Silas to continue evangelizing in that area. Sometime later, Paul felt called to return to some of the towns he and Barnabas had previously visited. It was at this time that the two had a notable clash of opinion which takes place in Acts 15:36-41. My Bible records the two as having, “such a sharp disagreement that they parted company” (Acts 15:39). Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them on what became Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul was opposed to bringing Mark along because he has previously deserted the two in Pamphylia and “had not continued with them in the work” (Acts 15:38). Barnabas felt strongly that Mark should accompany him that he left Paul and their shared ministry. In verse 39, Barnabas took Mark and sailed for the island of Cyprus while Paul took Silas and left the area, “commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord” (Acts 15:40).
This is the last time Barnabas’ work is spoken of and it’s sad that such a positive work is ended so badly. I don’t know whether both men and neither of the men were in the right about their argument. It is however an illustration of how even those in the midst of God’s work can allow their pride to interfere. Barnabas’ story is in and of itself one of encouragement and confidence. He gave everything to the Lord and was richly rewarded. What a phenomenal testimony to those around him! I find strength and encouragement from the story of Barnabas; but there is also a caution of over zealousness and the effects it can have. It does make me stop and remember to praise the Lord for the encouragers in my life and to desire to be an encourager in the life of others.
