Barnabas and the 'lost art' of encouragement

The apostle Paul is the most prolific contributor to the New Testament. He travelled everywhere, told everybody about Jesus Christ, planted churches, mentored young leaders, endured hardships, countered the opposition and encouraged his fellow Christians whenever and wherever he could. If he was in prison (and he was often jailed) he wrote long letters to instruct, correct and coach the young churches around the Mediterranean Sea.

It must have been so frustrating for a man with Paul's abilities to be thrown into jail so many times. And I guess these jails were a far cry from the Holiday Inn. Here he was - willing and able to bring the good news to everyone everywhere, exactly as the Lord had told him to do. But what happened? He was captured, beaten-up and thrown into a dark, stinking dungeon again and again.

I don't know about you, but I would have been very upset about this. Why Lord? Why do you allow this to happen to me? I didn't act like Jonah! I wasn't running away from you when you told me to go! I was following your instructions - taking my orders directly from HQ. Why do you allow the opposition to lock me up in this filthy place? Why do you give them the power to silence me? Why Lord, why!?

No such thing. Paul - this giant theologian, this world-class scholar, this bright man with his big mind - he just trusted the Lord and always made the best out of every situation. We know that he wasn't complaining but singing in prison. Can you imagine that? What a man! Did he know that his prison letters would be read by a wider audience someday? I guess not. But God knew exactly what He was doing - He didn't make any mistakes. And Paul trusted his Lord.

But Paul wasn't acting alone. First of all he was acting as a humble servant of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and he received the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out his Mission Impossible. Of course he could also rely on his co-workers, his team mates, his brothers in arms! That is why Paul could go on singing and praising and dictating long letters filled with knowledge, Spirit and wisdom!

Let’s think about one of these reliable friends that shared the burdens with Paul. I am referring to an unsung heroe called Barnabas. What do we know about this great man?

His name means Son of Encouragement and we know that he gave his possessions to be owned in common with other disciples (Acts 4:36, 37). He introduced Paul to the disciples in Jerusalem who were all very afraid of this former enemy and persecutor of the church (Acts 9:27). We know that he was a prophet and a teacher in the church of Antioch (Acts 13:1) and that he also was one of the apostles (Acts 14:14). He accompanied Paul on many dangerous journeys. In Lystra he was mistaken by the crowd for the Greek god Zeus! (Acts 14:12). When Paul and Barnabas couldn't agree on one of their travel companions, they went their separate ways for a while. Barnabas was strong enough a character to disagree with a man like Paul (Acts 15:36-41). But - just like his companion Paul - he was not too proud to work with his hands to make ends meet (1 Corinthians 9:6).

When Barnabas was sent to Antioch, we read this about him:

When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. (Acts 11:23, 24)

My name is Paul and I do write long postings... (I am sorry, but I just can't help myself). But I would like to become more like Barnabas! I started blogging because I like to communicate and I enjoy sharing my thoughts with all who care to read them. I am a teacher by education and a publisher / writer by profession, so no further explanation is needed. But I would like to be a son of encouragement!

Recently I’ve noticed that God is using my postings and comments on other blogs to encourage others all around the world. And I am so grateful for this blessing!

Do you want to become a Barnabas as well?
Support your church leaders. Equip believers and help the people of God grow in discernment. Encourage your fellow believers. Offer consolation and do it prayerfully. Bridge gaps between people when there is dissent and disagreement. Be a son (or daughter) of encouragement!

The title of this lengthy entry is: Barnabas and the 'lost art' of encouragement. Well, a title should be catchy... But it is probably better to talk about the 'lost gift' of encouragement. Because it IS a gift and - thanks be to God - it is not completely lost! Some people I know are real encouragement specialists. You can also try to (re)discover your gift of encouragement and perhaps you can become a specialist too!

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)