Be a Barnabas

by 

Pastor Kevin Sadler

 

 

“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus” (Acts 4:36).

The birth name of Paul’s co-worker, Barnabas, was Joses, or Joseph. His parents named him after Jacob’s favorite son (Gen. 37:3). Barnabas was a Jew of the tribe of Levi from the island of Cyprus.

Joseph “was surnamed Barnabas” by the apostles. Barnabas was like a nickname given to Joseph. Nicknames often stick, and it did with Barnabas, as from this point on he is only mentioned by his surname in Scripture. Nicknames tell us something about the individual, such as Honest Abe, Ivan the Terrible, or even Doubting Thomas.

We find other examples in Scripture where surnames are given which denote a person’s character or some characteristic. In Mark 3:16-17, we read, “And Simon He surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and He surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.” Simon was surnamed “Peter” by Christ, meaning a rock or a stone, referring to his resoluteness and steadfastness. Christ also surnamed James and John “Boanerges,” meaning “The sons of thunder,” referring to their fiery disposition.

As to Joses, the apostles surnamed him Barnabas, meaning “The son of consolation.” The Greek word= translated as “consolation” would describe coming alongside another to help them in their moment of need. It is the ability to lift the burden from another so as to assist along the way. Barnabas was quick to respond to one in need with selfless kindness. He exemplified Romans 15:1-2, which says, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” We each need to be a Barnabas, having a ministry of consolation, support, relief, comfort, and encouragement to others. The Church, and everyone in it, needs this ministry.

It has been said, “One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement…It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.