What qualities made Barnabas a "good man" in Acts 11:24? Setting the Scene in Antioch Acts 11:19-26 describes Jewish believers scattered by persecution preaching Christ as far as Antioch. The Jerusalem church sends Barnabas to check on this surprising growth among Gentiles. Verse 24 explains why he was the right man for the job: “for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” What Luke Means by “a Good Man” Luke is not handing out casual compliments; he is identifying qualities that lined up with God’s own assessment. Barnabas’s “goodness” shows up all through Acts: • Generous giver — sold a field and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:36-37). • Encourager — his original name was Joseph, but the apostles nicknamed him “Barnabas,” meaning “Son of Encouragement.” • Bridge-builder — introduced the once-feared Saul to the Jerusalem believers (Acts 9:27). • Advocate for outsiders — gladly welcomed Gentile converts in Antioch (Acts 11:23). • Mentor — sought out Saul and discipled new believers for a whole year (Acts 11:25-26). These actions flow from character, not convenience. Goodness in Scripture is moral excellence worked out in tangible ways (cf. Galatians 5:22). Full of the Holy Spirit Barnabas’s goodness was Spirit-produced, not self-generated. Being “full” pictures continuous control: • Empowered speech—encouraged believers “with purpose of heart to remain true to the Lord” (Acts 11:23). • Discernment—recognized genuine grace in Gentile conversions (v. 23) when others might have doubted. • Bold obedience—later accompanies Paul on mission despite hardships (Acts 13:2-3). • Miraculous ministry—God works signs through Barnabas at Lystra (Acts 14:3, 14-15). Ephesians 5:18 commands believers to “be filled with the Spirit.” Barnabas models what that looks like: surrendered will, Spirit-borne fruit, and power for witness (Acts 1:8). Filled with Faith Faith here is not mere belief but a settled confidence in God that shapes decisions. We see it in: • Trusting God’s work in unexpected places (Gentiles in Antioch). • Risking reputation to vouch for Saul. • Standing for grace at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:12). • Giving John Mark a second chance when Paul would not (Acts 15:37-39), believing God could still use him (and He did—Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11). Hebrews 11:1 speaks of faith as “the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” Barnabas lived that assurance daily. The Fruit That Followed Because Barnabas was good, Spirit-filled, and faith-filled, “a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). Genuine character coupled with Spirit power leads to: • Evangelistic impact—souls saved. • Strengthened churches—Antioch becomes a missionary hub (Acts 13:1-3). • Multiplied leaders—Paul and Mark both grow under his influence. Putting Barnabas’s Example into Practice • Cultivate generosity—look for concrete ways to meet needs. • Speak encouragement—use words to lift weary saints. • Welcome outsiders—value people whom others overlook. • Stay Spirit-dependent—seek His filling daily (Luke 11:13). • Exercise faith—trust God’s work even when it stretches comfort zones. • Mentor someone—invest time in helping another believer grow. Barnabas’s life shows that “goodness” is not abstract; it is the Spirit-empowered, faith-driven outworking of a heart wholly committed to the Lord. |
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