What role did Barnabas play in Acts 9:26, and how can we emulate it? Barnabas—A Bridge Between Fear and Fellowship “Acts 9:26–27: ‘When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He described how Saul had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.’” Key actions Barnabas took: • Recognized God’s work in Saul when others only saw a threat. • Personally sought Saul out, listened to his testimony, and verified it. • Used his own credibility (“Son of Encouragement,” Acts 4:36–37) to vouch for Saul before the apostles. • Stood with Saul publicly, transforming suspicion into acceptance and opening the door for future ministry (Acts 11:25–26). Why His Role Matters • Protected the church from needless division while protecting Saul from isolation. • Modeled courageous advocacy—risking reputation to advance God’s purpose (Galatians 1:18–24). • Displayed the power of encouragement to unlock gifts in others (“encourage one another and build one another up,” 1 Thessalonians 5:11). • Illustrated Christ-like mediation (Proverbs 18:24; Hebrews 10:24). Lessons to Emulate Today • Believe the best about new believers; look for evidence of grace before passing judgment (1 Corinthians 13:7). • Listen first, verify facts, then speak up on behalf of the misunderstood. • Leverage your relationships and influence to integrate newcomers into fellowship. • Be willing to risk personal comfort to champion God’s call in someone else. Practical Ways to Live This Out • Invite a recent convert to coffee; hear their story, then introduce them to trusted leaders. • Stand up for a brother or sister maligned by rumor; share firsthand testimony of God’s work in their life. • Offer your home group, ministry team, or social circle as a safe on-ramp for those emerging from broken pasts. • Keep praying and checking in long after the initial introduction; Barnabas journeyed with Saul for years (Acts 11:26). By stepping forward when fear held others back, Barnabas became the human link God used to launch Paul’s ministry. We honor that legacy whenever we choose to be a bridge instead of a barrier. |
    |