Barnabas I

A Devotion on Faith and Encouragement

I often think of Barnabas as part of the duo “Saul (Paul) and Barnabas,” almost like Paul’s shadow, always by his side. But Barnabas was so much more than a sidekick. He was a remarkable man whom God used in powerful ways—a defender, a trustworthy friend, a good man, an evangelist, and a team player, all because he was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. That’s why I admire Barnabas so much! I pray we encounter more people like him in our churches and communities. Have you met a Barnabas lately?

Saul’s Connection to Barnabas (Acts 9)

Acts 9 paints a vivid picture of Saul’s dramatic conversion. After his life-changing encounter with Jesus, Saul began preaching boldly in the synagogues, proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. Acts 9:22 (NASB) tells us, “Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” His preaching was so powerful that it baffled the Jews, and they plotted to kill him. Saul’s followers helped him escape Damascus, and he headed to Jerusalem to join the disciples. But his past as a persecutor of Christians made them wary, and they initially rejected him.

Enter Barnabas, the Defender

When we accept Christ, we become new creations, but our past can still cast a long shadow. Saul faced this challenge, but thank God for Barnabas! Acts 9:27-30 (TLV) describes how Barnabas stepped in, bringing Saul to the apostles and sharing his conversion story—how the Lord spoke to him on the road to Damascus and how he boldly preached in Jesus’ name, even debating with Greek-speaking Jews who sought to kill him. When the disciples learned of the plot against Saul, they sent him to Tarsus. Barnabas’ defense opened a door for Saul that others had closed.

God had big plans for Saul, but He also had a role for Barnabas. When the disciples in Jerusalem turned Saul away, Barnabas stood by him. Thank God for Barnabas! We all face rejection at times—sometimes because of our past, sometimes due to others’ unwillingness to see the change in us. It’s not easy, but it’s okay. Saul’s rejection didn’t stop God’s plan, and neither will ours. Whether we need a Barnabas to defend us or are called to be a Barnabas for someone else, God’s purpose is always at work.

The Church at Antioch

Antioch holds a special place in Christian history—it’s where believers were first called “Christians.” Acts 11:19-26 tells us that after Stephen’s death, persecution scattered believers, and the gospel began reaching Gentiles. Men from Cyprus and Cyrene preached to the Greeks in Antioch, and many believed. When the Jerusalem church heard about this, they sent Barnabas, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, to investigate. He was overjoyed to see God’s grace at work and encouraged the new believers to stay true to the Lord. Then, Barnabas went to Tarsus, found Saul, and brought him to Antioch. For a whole year, they taught the church together, and the disciples were first called Christians there.

Biblical Descriptions of Barnabas

He defended Saul and opened doors by bringing him to the apostles.
The church trusted him to investigate the work in Antioch.
He was a good man. Are we?
He was full of the Holy Spirit. Are we?
He was full of faith. Are we?
He was evangelistic, helping bring many to the Lord. Do we care about souls?
He worked alongside Saul in Antioch for a year. Are we willing to share the spotlight?

Rejection and separation don’t derail God’s plan. Looking back, you might recall a time when a Barnabas stood up for you or when you were a Barnabas for someone else. Father, help us see the needs around us and be door-openers for others. Grow in us the virtues of Barnabas—his goodness, faith, and Spirit-filled life. Make us willing to defend those who need it and share the good news of Jesus. We know we can only do this with Your hand upon us, as it was with Barnabas and Saul. Even when rejection stings, remind us that Your plan is at work. We ask this in Your name, and we thank You. Amen!

Conclusion

What does Barnabas’ story mean for us today? Do we need a Barnabas to stand up for us? Are we called to be a Barnabas for someone else? Are there qualities in Barnabas’ life we want to emulate? We all have unique gifts, but there may be traits in Barnabas—his faith, his goodness, his willingness to help others—that we can aspire to. Sometimes, we’re told not to meddle in others’ lives, and there’s wisdom in that. But there are moments when the Holy Spirit prompts us to step in, just as Barnabas did for Saul, offering Christian encouragement that changes lives.