Who was Barnabas? Search the scriptures and write a paragraph highlighting his strengths. BIB501-2-5

Barnabas’ original name was Joseph, a Jewish name. The Apostles gave him a new name, Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement," a fact that speaks to his character.

After Paul’s experience “On the road to Damascus” he became a believer in Jesus and an out-spoken witness peaching the “Good News. He fled Damascus after being lowered in a basket from a window at night. Paul wanted to meet with the disciples in Jerusalem and understandably they didn’t trust one who had so recently persecuted believers. Fortunately Paul had the support of Barnabas, the encourager. Barnabas brought Paul before the Apostles and explains how Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus and preached the name of Jesus. Because of Barnabas, Paul was accepted by the church in Jerusalem. Paul was sent to Tarsus where he spent ten years. Jerusalem may have forgotten Paul for years but Paul proclaimed his witness wherever and whenever possible. Finally Barnabas ever the encourager brought Saul to Antioch where they taught and raised funds for the Jerusalem church.

Then there was the trouble with the Judaizers who while confirming the teachings of Jesus, taught that some Jewish religious practices much be adhered to; most notably circumcision. A faction in the church held that it was necessary to first become Jewish to achieve salvation causing confusion and concern among Paul’s recent converts. When the Judaizers claimed they spoke with James’ approval it was Barnabas who returned with Paul to Jerusalem.

Time and again it was Barnabas who with walked Paul until they went their separate ways over a dispute. John Mark had decided to return to Jerusalem years earlier and then wanted to re-join them in the mission field. Paul was rather rigid while Barnabas (always the encourager) wanted to give John Mark another chance. So Barnabas went his way taking Mark with him, and Silas joined Paul.

From Wikipedia, “Although the date, place, and circumstances of his death are, as yet, historically unverifiable, Christian tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred at Salamis, Cyprus, in 61 AD.”

With thanks to the First Baptist Peddie Memorial Church, “Interestingly, the word "encouragement" is closely linked to the Holy Spirit, who is known as the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, or Advocate in various translations). The words "encouragement" (paraclesis) and "Comforter" (paracletos) are essentially the same in the Greek, the original language of the New Testament. The Holy Spirit is the Encourager. Have you ever thought that one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is to encourage you? Have you ever prayed for the Holy Spirit to encourage you in times of trials and tribulations?” Good information, excellent suggestion.