Ihave always been fascinated by the story of the Church, how it grew, the personalities of our early fathers, and how they changed the course of history.
I discovered that at the center of the early Church’s growth was the largeness of heart displayed by many great individuals. The Church was driven by good works, to the extent that no one was in lack.
At the heart of this growth and movement was Joses, whom the Apostles nicknamed Barnabas. It’s intriguing that he was described as a “good man” (Acts 11:24). Remember, Jesus once said to a man, “No one is good except God alone” (Matt. 19:17). Barnabas must have been so full of faith and God that such a rare description was attributed to him. He was, in essence, an extension of God’s “good” nature on earth and within the early Church.
Barnabas is a fascinating figure in Church history, worthy of deep study. In this write-up, we’ll explore a few of his exploits and draw lessons from his life that we can apply in our own daily walk.
- A Pastor at heart (Acts 4 vs 34–35)
Barnabas was an encourager. He carried the heart of a shepherd everywhere he went. He was a tremendous help to the Apostles and was, in fact, called the “Son of Encouragement.” No one around him lacked, whether materially or spiritually.
This is a quality that must never be missing among us as believers. Look around you on a Sunday: minister to that brother who needs another pair of jeans. Don’t overlook that sister who owns only one scarf.
We are called to minister and do good, first to those in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 13:16).
2. Preserver of God’s move in the early church (Acts 11 vs 22–26)
The early Church was shaken by intense persecution, especially after the death of Stephen. But God used that very persecution to expand the Church. It grew into multiple assemblies, one of which was the Church in Antioch.
As a new, budding church, there was no one better suited to shepherd them than our dear Barnabas. The Church in Antioch must have been so deeply taught in good works that Barnabas could bring in a known persecutor and executioner into their midst (Acts 9:27) — and they didn’t revolt or protest. That blows my mind: they received Paul wholeheartedly.
The Antioch Church was overflowing with good deeds, so much so that those around them coined the term “Christians” (meaning Little Christs).
Being good is living in the likeness of God. No wonder true religion is defined as doing good to orphans and widows (See Pastor’s exposition on this).
3. Preserver of Lives (Acts 11 vs 29)
God knows His Church, its attributes, its culture. He entrusts His treasure to those who can keep it.
A global famine was looming on the horizon, and God sent a prophet, not to just any church, but to the Church in Antioch. Interestingly, the prophet came from the Jerusalem Church, yet he didn’t deliver the message there. He delivered it only in Antioch.
Why? Because God knew they alone had the heart to give generously for the preservation of the Church in Judea. And it’s no coincidence that such preservation would come through a church shepherded by Barnabas.
God is big on good deeds. His prophecies for the preservation of nations are released to those who partner with Him through acts of goodness.
4. A Shepherd with no Guile
Interestingly, the rift between Paul and Barnabas stemmed from Barnabas’s good heart.
John Mark had previously abandoned both Paul and Barnabas at a critical point in their journey. Paul, justifiably, no longer trusted him for future missions. But Barnabas, a good man, simply couldn’t hold a grudge. Like the Good Shepherd, he couldn’t bring himself to let even one go.
In conclusion, the exploits of the early Church were rooted in doing good.
Doing good is how we partner with God in revealing His Fatherly nature to the world.
Our good works must begin within the household of faith and then flow outward.
Never turn a blind eye to the brother or sister in need within the Church. Give of yourself and what you have to those around you. Sow words of encouragement as often as you can.
We are all called to be Sons of Encouragement.
We are Barnabas.
We are all called to have the heart of a shepherd.
That is true partnership with God.
Shalom!
Dami Awosanmi
IG: bukunmid