Be A Barnabas
Be a Barnabas `February 9, 2025
In our Sunday School class we’re studying the beginning of the church in Acts. We read in Acts 2:42-45 how the early church continued steadfast in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. All who believed had everything in common and sold their possessions and goods and divided it among themselves as anyone had need. In Acts 4 we learn that one of these believers was Joses. Joses sold a field and brought the money to the apostles. The apostles nicknamed him Barnabas which meant “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Barnabas went on to be a great help to the apostle Paul by encouraging the disciples to accept him after his great persecution of the church (Acts 9:26-27).
According to Strong’s the word encouragement is derived from the Greek verb paraklésis which primarily refers to the act of calling someone to one’s side for the purpose of offering comfort, encouragement, or exhortation. It encompasses a range of meanings from consolation in times of distress to encouragement and exhortation in the context of moral and spiritual guidance. Encouragement is an important element of the Christian’s walk. It’s important that the Christian both receive and give encouragement.
God showed great encouragement to Joshua by telling him to be strong and courageous, and that He would never fail or abandon him, and would be with him wherever he went (Joshua 1:1-9). God doesn’t speak to us directly today as He did to Joshua, however, He did promise us the Holy Spirit. Jesus reiterated this promise in John 14:16-17 and John 16:7. The KJV refers to the promised Holy Spirit as the comforter. This word comes from the Greek word paraklétos which speaks to the role of guiding, comforting, encouraging and advocating. God has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us, encourage us and remind us of His truth and presence.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:2 Paul reminds us that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. He also states that we are destined to obtain salvation through Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 teaches us to encourage each other and build each other up so as to help others be prepared and remain steadfast in their relationship with God. Hebrews 10:24-25 states “and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” This verse again reiterates the importance of mutual encouragement. It’s interesting that the writer ties meeting together with encouragement. If we refuse to meet together it is difficult to give and receive encouragement.
Encouragement can be very powerful and have a tremendous impact on others and ourselves. We should take every opportunity to be an encourager every day. We can do this by using kind, uplifting and loving words; by taking actions based on kindness, grace and unconditional love; by sharing scripture and in meeting together. God has given us the Holy Spirit to encourage us. Thus we can rely on His Spirit to be the encouragers God expects us to be. In encouraging one another it will help
the church grow and help ensure we remain steadfast in our relationship with God and finish the race we have been called to run and receive the crown of righteousness. By Kevin Pickles