Chapter 14: Barnabas (Great Leaders of the Book)

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover: 

How Barnabas was greatly used by the Holy Spirit. 

How a great leader deferred to one even greater. 

AS A RESULT, you will be able to: 

Be more open to the leading of the Spirit of God.

Develop the quality of humility.

Reading: 'Barnabas,' NIBD, pp. 125-26

Scripture References

Acts 4:36-37 Sold property and gave proceeds to apostles.
9:27 Supported Saul in his early ministry.
11:22-24 Sent by Jerusalem church to Antioch.
11:25-26 Taught with Saul in Antioch for one year.
11:29-30 Took alms with Saul to Judean Christians.
13:2-3 Commissioned with Saul for first missionary journey.
13:13 John Mark's defection.
13:14-14:28 Many people converted; riots followed.
15:36-39 Separated from Paul in disagreement over Mark.
Galatians 2:13 Joined Peter in hypocrisy against the Gentiles.
Colossians 4:10 Identified by Paul as Mark's cousin.

 

Focus

Church at Antioch

Acts 11:19-30

First missionary journey

Acts 13-14

Jerusalem Council

Acts 15

Divisions

Sent by Jerusalem church

Accompanied by Saul and John Mark

Acted as liaison between church and Gentiles

Topics

Investigated by Barnabas

Called Christians by unbelievers

Assisted by Paul

Sent by Holy Spirit


John Mark defected

Trip marked by riots and converts

Report brought of saved Gentiles

Required circumcision of Judaizers

Agreed with Jerusalem Council

Place

Antioch

Cyprus to Galatia

Jerusalem

Date

A.D. 47

A.D. 48-49

A.D. 49

 

Historical Time Line

Year (A.D.)

Secular History

Events in Barnabas' Life

36




39


44

48



49

50

Resignation of Pilate as Procurator



Exile of Herod Antipas by Caligula


Death of Herod Agrippa I




Expulsion of Jewish Christians from Rome by Claudius

Conversion of Paul

Hellenized Christians flee to Cyprus after persecution

Introduction of Paul to Jewish leaders

Service of Barnabas in Antioch with Paul as assistant

First missionary journey

Meeting of the Council in Jerusalem

Dissolution of missionary team of Paul and Barnabas



Biographical Observations
Joseph was the given name of the man whom the apostles called Barnabas, "which means Son of Encouragement' (Acts 4:36). He was a landowner in Cyprus, which was famous for its wine, oil, wheat, honey, and figs. Property owners on the island were considered well-off. Barnabas was a Hellenist, that is, a Greek-speaking Jew. Yet he had strong ties to Jerusalem. John Mark was his younger cousin. Mark's mother Mary had a large house in Jerusalem, which was used as a meeting place for believers. Peter, a frequent guest there, was probably responsible for Mark's conversion. The exact relationship between Barnabas and Mary is unknown.
Barnabas was an early convert to Christ. By the time of his first mention in Acts, his ministry was already well-known to the apostles. Luke uses Barnabas to illustrate generosity among the believers. After selling some property in Cyprus, he gave all the proceeds to the apostles for distribution to the needy.
Bamabas proved his generosity and sensitivity in other ways. After Saul's conversion, many believers were skeptical of him. But as a result of a revelation by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas became a spokesman, telling others of Saul's conversion and his courageous witness of Christ. Barnabas risked his reputation and influence in proving Saul's authenticity. Because of his faith and commitment, Barnabas won over both Peter and James -- two very influential men in the Jerusalem church.
When the news reached Jerusalem that Gentiles were being converted in great numbers, the church sent Barnabas to investigate the burgeoning congregation at Antioch. Recognizing the church as a work of the Holy Spirit, Barnabas graciously endorsed it.
The term "Christian" was first applied to the believers there. In the beginning it was a derogatory title used by unbelievers. They noted with derision how the believers dwelled on one topic -- Christ. But later, many detractors came to admire the Christians, who daily lived out the testimony of their faith. Therefore, the name "Christian" became a term of respect. Both the accolades and the insults confirmed that Christianity was separate and distinct from Judaism.
Because of his enthusiasm for the new church and his ability to encourage, Barnabas was sent to Antioch to assist in its leadership. Soon after his arrival, however, Barnabas realized that he needed assistance. He decided to go to Tarsus and ask Saul to come back with him. When they returned, Saul became Barnabas' assistant -- a relationship that lasted for one year.
The believers in Antioch, continually led by the Spirit of God, began a relief fund for their fellow believers in Jerusalem. When a prophesied famine came, Barnabas and Saul were sent with money for the church. Upon completing their mission, they returned to Antioch, bringing John Mark with them. Barnabas, no doubt, felt that his cousin would be an asset to the church at Antioch. Furthermore, he thought working in the ministry would help John Mark to grow spiritually.
First Missionary Journey
The Holy Spirit chose the first two missionaries from the church at Antioch. Perhaps in a prophetic message to one of the prophets there, He declared, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" (Acts 13:2). The two would be breaking down the "the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" (Eph. 2:14) that separated Jews from Gentiles. As a result, they would be subject to charges of heresy brought by overzealous Jews. Therefore, their ordination was public recognition that their call was truly from God, not man.
In A.D. 48 Barnabas with Saul and John Mark set out to take the gospel to the Gentiles. He led the expedition as far as Cyprus. But after an encounter with a false prophet, it appears that Saul took over the leadership role. From all indications, Barnabas surrendered it to Saul (now called Paul) without envy or strife. Circumstances often force some people to live in the shadow of others. For many, the sacrifice is too great. But Christianity has been advanced by those who have been willing to take second place. Barnabas chose to be a lieutenant rather than a general in the cause of Christ.
Perhaps the change in leadership affected his decision, or perhaps he was unused to the hardships. At any rate, when the group reached Perga, John Mark defected and went back to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas continued on. By the time the trip was finished, they had covered fourteen hundred miles, traveling mostly on foot and sometimes by ship.
Overland travel was extremely dangerous, and persons rarely traveled alone. Rocky paths often led around boulders where bandits might be waiting to rob or kill unsuspecting travelers. But the dangers confronted en route to a town were nothing compared to the receptions encountered once inside the city. Wherever they went, the little band incited the crowds.

Many of their listeners, powerfully convicted of their sins, repented and formed the nucleus for a new church. Other reactions in the audience ranged from mild insults to murderous threats. Although the missionaries lived in constant danger, they rejoiced over the many converts and new churches established. Their trip ended successfully in Galatia, and the two men returned to Antioch.
Discord in the Church
Many Jewish Christians became fearful that the church would be swamped with Gentile believers who had no knowledge of Mosaic laws or allegiance to Old Testament principles. These Judaizers insisted that Gentiles be circumcised before becoming Christians. They had come down from Judea to the church at Antioch to teach their false doctrine. Arguments among believers became so intense that the subject was submitted to the Jerusalem church for a solution. Paul and Barnabas were asked to speak in defense of the Gentile believers. James, head of the Jerusalem church, confirmed that the Gentiles did not have to obey the law for salvation. Paul and Barnabas gladly carried the good news back to Antioch. There they remained and preached the word of the Lord -- salvation comes from faith alone.
Later, when Paul proposed a second missionary trip, Barnabas agreed. He suggested that they ask John Mark to accompany them a second time. Paul strongly disagreed; he would not even consider taking the deserter with them. Such sharp contention arose between the two older men that they parted company and went in separate directions.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: Blessed with an encouraging spirit, Barnabas was generous with his possessions, his time, and his words. He had faith in Paul and John Mark when others did not. Barnabas was willing to decrease in order that others might increase. And God always sees humility as strength.
Weaknesses: Barnabas allowed himself to become party to a quarrel with Paul, which resulted in the dissolution of the team. Paul later insinuated that Barnabas lacked firmness when he joined Peter in hypocritical behavior against the Gentile believers in Antioch (Gal. 2:13).
Key Scripture: "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord" (Acts 11:24).

Luke describes Barnabas with language similar to that used for Stephen and the other deacons. He had a good reputation among both the Jewish and Gentile believers. His powerful anointing caused many to respond to his appeal for salvation.
Key Thought: Because of his encouraging nature and ready availability, Barnabas was used mightily by the Holy Spirit to bring many people to Christ.
Philosophy of Life
An optimist, Barnabas was a man of great faith. He believed in God's graciousness in dealing with people; therefore, he tried to see others as God did -- unique, useful, and precious. The Holy Spirit was evident in Barnabas' life when he encouraged the Jerusalem church to accept Saul. Later, when he took Saul to Antioch, he probably realized that Saul would eventually supersede him. But Barnabas had no time for jealousy or envy .His sole purpose was to introduce people to the living Christ. Some scholars have suggested that Barnabas was the model for Paul's great "love" chapter -- 1 Corinthians 13.
Comparison
Barnabas can be compared with Ananias and Sapphira, two other members of the early church. From the beginning, the believers had all things in common. Many of them sold parcels of property and gave the proceeds to the community. There were no specific requirements concerning the portion given. Any part could be kept back for personal use. Generous Barnabas chose to give everything to the apostles for distribution in whatever way they saw fit. Ananias and his wife Sapphira, like Barnabas, sold a plot of land. But Ananias conspired with his wife to lie, saying that they had donated all the proceeds. Deceitfully withholding a portion for themselves was, in essence, lying to the Holy Spirit. As a result of their sin, both were struck dead. God made it plain that He would not allow the sins of greed and lying to soil His new "bride," the church.
The Grand Design
Barnabas, a man of great faith, believed in the power of the gospel to transform lives. Through his encouragement of Paul and Mark, he saw the gospel spread like wildfire. Luke's thrilling account of their journeys inspires all who read them. Barnabas' nondescript thread is integral to the overall tapestry .It sharply contrasts with the vibrant threads of Peter and Paul.

Key Concepts: [All answers above]
1. Barnabas owned land on his native island of (Cyprus, Crete).
2. The younger cousin of Barnabas was ________________.
3. True or False. A Levite is a Greek-speaking Jew.
4. Two very influential men in the Jerusalem church were Peter and _________________.
5. Believers were first called ________________ as a derogatory term.
6. At the beginning of their team relationship, (Barnabas, Saul) was in the leadership position.
7. True or False. Peter was probably responsible for John Mark's conversion.
8. True or False. The "dividing wall of hostility" separated Jews and (Hellenists, Gentiles).
9. The __________________ insisted that the Gentiles be circumcised before becoming Christians.
10. Barnabas and Paul had an argument concerning (John Mark, Peter).

Further Study: Read "VII. Antioch, A New Centre of Missionary Activity"; "IX. The Systematic Evangelization of the Gentiles: Paul's First Missionary Journey"; and "X. Agreement on the Position of the Gentile Believers," IBC, pp. 1287-88; 1289-94.
Life Application: Barnabas' epitaph could easily echo the Key Scripture: "A good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith." Could such words be said about you' What changes in your lifestyle, attitudes, and habits would insure that such a statement might be made about you'