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Barnabas. First mentioned in Acts 4:32-37 Joseph was a Levite from Cyprus Apostles nicknamed him Barnabas “ son of encouragement ” He gave because of his care for other brethren His example was encouraging Macedonians’ example was encouraging 2 Cor. 8:1-5. Barnabas.
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Barnabas • First mentioned in Acts 4:32-37 • Joseph was a Levite from Cyprus • Apostles nicknamed him Barnabas • “son of encouragement” • He gave because of his care for other brethren • His example was encouraging • Macedonians’ example was encouraging 2 Cor. 8:1-5
Barnabas • Next mentioned in Acts 9:27 • Saul persecuted the church but then became a disciple in Damascus 9:1-25 • He desired to be with saints in Jerusalem v.26 • They were afraid of him v.26 • Barnabas spoke up for him v.27 • He gave proof of Saul’s conversion v.27 • Barnabas understood importance of fellowship • The result was peace and growthv.31
Barnabas • Sent to Antioch by the apostles Acts 11:19-26 • Cornelius was first Gentile convert 10:1-11:18 • Antioch was the first integrated church v.19-20 • Socially delicate situation required peacemaker • A good man Luke 18:19 • Full of the Holy Spirit Eph. 5:18-19, Col. 3:16 • Full of faithEph. 3:16-19 • He looked for Paul and used him v.25-26 • Rejoiced in God’s grace v.23 • Continue with purpose of heart v.23
Barnabas • Sent by Antioch to Judea Acts 11:27-30, 12:25 • A famine was prophesied v.28 • Disciples decided to do something about it v.29 • Sent fellowship by trusted messengers v.30; Acts 15:26 • Sent to elders of each church in Judea v.30; 1 Peter 5:1-4 • Returned to (not from) Jerusalem 12:25
Barnabas • Sent by Holy Spirit to Cyprus, Pamphylia, Pisidia, LycaoniaActs 13:1-14:28 • Fasted and prayed first v.2 • Then called by the Spirit v.2 • The church obediently sent them v.3 • Saul becomes Paul; more prominent v.9 • Persecuted but persistent; rejoicedv.44-52 • Refused to be honored for God’s power 14:8-18 • Encouraged new converts v.23-25 • Encouraged Antioch by reports v.28
Barnabas • Stood for truth; stood for Gentiles Acts 15:1-35 • Did not compromise v.2 • Resolved problem by going to its source (Jerusalem) v.1-2; 24 • Gave proof of God’s approval v.12 • Trusted to take Jerusalem letter to Gentiles v.26-27 • Encouraged church with truth v.30-31 • However, application was inconsistent with professionGalatians 2:1-13
Barnabas • Dispute with Paul Acts 15:36-40 • Over John Mark the quitterv.38; 13:13 • Over John Mark the cousinColossians 4:10 • Good brethren can have different opinions • Do not have to remain together 1 Cor. 9:6 • Instead of two (Paul and Barnabas) or three (Paul, Barnabas and Mark), four men (Paul and Silas and Barnabas and Mark) worked • Barnabas was right about Mark 2 Tim. 4:11 • Or Barnabas made Mark useful
Barnabas • Known by the apostles as an encourager • A generous giver • A fellowship-minded Christian • God called him good • Taught many others • Serve God with purpose of heart • Rejoiced though persecuted • Defended the truth though he didn’t perfectly apply it • Saw the best in people