Topical Bible: Faith: Barnabas

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Barnabas, a significant figure in the early Christian church, is renowned for his faith and pivotal role in the spread of the Gospel. His original name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). A Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas is first introduced in the Book of Acts as a generous man who sold a field he owned and laid the money at the apostles' feet to support the early Christian community (Acts 4:37).

Barnabas's faith is evident in his actions and his ability to see potential in others. He played a crucial role in the acceptance of Saul (later Paul) into the Christian community. After Saul's conversion, many believers were skeptical of his intentions due to his past persecution of Christians. Barnabas, however, took Saul and brought him to the apostles, vouching for his genuine conversion and the boldness with which he preached in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:26-27).

Barnabas's faith is further demonstrated in his missionary work. The church in Jerusalem sent him to Antioch, where he witnessed the grace of God at work among the Gentiles. Filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, Barnabas encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts (Acts 11:22-24). Recognizing the need for assistance in the growing ministry, Barnabas sought out Saul in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch, where they taught a great number of people for a whole year (Acts 11:25-26).

The partnership between Barnabas and Paul became instrumental in the spread of Christianity. The Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them, leading to their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2). Together, they traveled to various regions, preaching the Gospel and establishing churches. Barnabas's faith was evident in his perseverance and dedication to the mission, even in the face of opposition and hardship.

Barnabas's character is also highlighted in his relationship with John Mark. When Paul refused to take Mark on a subsequent journey due to his earlier desertion, Barnabas, ever the encourager, chose to give Mark another chance. This decision led to a temporary separation between Barnabas and Paul, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-39). This act of faith and encouragement eventually bore fruit, as Mark later became a valuable companion to Paul (2 Timothy 4:11).

Throughout his life, Barnabas exemplified a faith that was active, encouraging, and inclusive. His ability to see the potential in others and his commitment to the spread of the Gospel made him a vital figure in the early church. His legacy of faith continues to inspire believers to live lives of encouragement and service.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 11:24
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added to the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Exhortation of Barnabas
... know it, we must get them as Barnabas got his, and be good men, because we are full
of the Holy Ghost, and full of the Holy Ghost because we are full of faith. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the exhortation of barnabas.htm

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... when he became obedient to the faith, he was permitted, as a matter of course, to
expound his new theology in the Christian assemblies. Barnabas, his companion ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Foreign Lands
... The next day he went with Barnabas to Derbe. ... they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and
Antioch, and encouraged the disciples urging them to be true to the faith. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul and barnabas in foreign.htm

St. Barnabas 281. The Son of Consolation!
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR St. Barnabas 281. The son of Consolation! 7.6.7.6.D. ... Filled
with the Holy Spirit. And fervent faith divine,. With lowly self oblation,. ...
/.../st barnabas 281 the son.htm

Steadfastness.
... was some contention in the church over circumcision, and heavy persecutions from
without, and many were being moved from the true faith. Barnabas exhorted that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/steadfastness.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
... Paul perceived that the lame man had "faith to be healed." This faith seems to signify
either a general belief of the power of Barnabas and Paul, or rather of ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xv paul and barnabas.htm

After the Salutation, the Writer Declares that He Would ...
The Epistle of Barnabas. ... I am also on this account bound [1450] by the strictest
obligation to love you above my own soul, because great are the faith and love ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter i after the salutation the.htm

The Breaking Out of Discord
... like Paul and Barnabas had had, explains, and to some extent excuses, their position.
And yet their contention struck a fatal blow at the faith, little as they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the breaking out of discord.htm

'The Door of Faith'
... were the door, but the 'rehearsing' of the experiences of Paul and Barnabas on their ...
It distinctly proved that faith was 'the gate of the Lord into which,' not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the door of faith.htm

Preaching among the Heathen
... In this dark and trying hour the company of Lystrian believers, who through the
ministry of Paul and Barnabas had been converted to the faith of Jesus ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 18 preaching among the.htm