Transcript Barnabas - chasingalion.com

November 18, 2007




Also named Joses [or Joseph] (Acts 4:36)
A Jew from the tribe of Levi
Likely an unmarried man
(1 Cor. 9:3-6)
From the island of Cyprus
 Located about
 47 miles south of Turkey
 60 miles west of Syria
 200 miles north of Egypt

Acts 4:32-33 (NKJV):
 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one
heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of
the things he possessed was his own, but they had all
things in common.
 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was
upon them all.

Acts 4:34-37 (NKJV):
 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who
were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought
the proceeds of the things that were sold,
 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to
each as anyone had need.
 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles
(which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the
country of Cyprus,
 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at
the apostles’ feet.

What do Barnabas’ actions as recorded in Acts
4:36-37 tell us about Barnabas’ character?
 Barnabas loved [“agape”-ed] his brothers and sisters
 Barnabas gave

Why do you think GOD wants us to give?
 Among many other reasons, GOD wants us to give
because HE gave, He gives, and He will continue to
give … and He wants us to be like Him
 Our giving teaches us sacrifice, by which we can better
appreciate His sacrifice – “His only begotten Son”


Saul of Tarsus – Acts 9:20-30
John Mark – Acts 15:36-41

What did Ananias think when Jesus instructed
him to go find Saul of Tarsus? (Acts 9:10-16)
 “You want me to do what now, Lord?!?”

How do you think the disciples at Damascus felt
when Saul of Tarsus entered the door?
 “Um…Pass the Pepto-Bismol!”

Barnabas took a “life-and-death” risk befriending
and defending Saul. How is GOD a risk-taker?
 He gave angels and humans free will – the ability to
choose, and reject Him
 Despite the heartbreak, suffering, and devastation
that would follow upon our disobedience, GOD chose
to have children
 “GOD lets others into His story, and He lets their
choices shape it profoundly” – John Eldredge

Merriam-Webster defines “encourage” as
 To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope
 To attempt to persuade
 To spur on

“The best athlete is the one who makes his
teammates better.”
-- Someone other than Tim Harris

Acts 11:21-23
 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great
number believed and turned to the Lord.
 Then news of these things came to the ears of the
church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go
as far as Antioch.
 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was
glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of
heart they should continue with the Lord.





The world…brethren…people… need
encouragement!
Some people have the gift of being good
encouragers (Kerry Lashlee, James Morgan)
Others “have to work” to be an encourager
But being an encourager is something everyone
can do
The key to being a good encourager is love!

GOD expects us to edify one another





Romans 14:19; 15:1-2
1 Corinthians 8:1; 10:23-24; 14:26
2 Corinthians 12:19
Ephesians 4:11-16,29
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Acts 11:24
 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of
faith. And a great many people were added to the
Lord.


What a wonderful tribute to Barnabas from the
Holy Spirit!
Isn’t this what we want to be said of each of us?





Sold his property and donated proceeds (Acts
4:36-37)
Witnessed Saul’s preaching (9:27)
Was sent by the church in Jerusalem to Antioch
to witness what GOD had done (11:19-23)
Taught many people with Saul in Antioch (11:26)
“Mentored” John Mark (12:25; 15:36-41)

Galatians 2





Barnabas was clearly a man who loved the LORD
He loved his brethren
He made an impact everywhere he went
He gave us a good example of how we should see
what people can be
BE A BARNABAS!!!