Barnabas, which means ‘son of encouragement’, appears as one of the most attractive and interesting of the minor characters in the New Testament.
He appears mostly in the book of Acts with a couple of incidental references to him
in 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians and 1 Timothy.
The record in Scripture tells us that Barnabas was an encourager, he was generous and that he was reliable and trustworthy.
The evidence for the character of Barnabas is like this ;
Point 1 Acts 9 The apostles in Jerusalem were well aware of Saul’s reputation as a fierce persecutor of Christians. When they learned that Saul was actually in Jerusalem they were filled with mighty dread. What trouble was in store for them?
Barnabas introduced Saul to the apostles explaining that Saul had met Jesus on the road to Damascus in Syria and that, as a result, Saul was now transformed and a believer. The apostles were immensely relieved.
So, Barnabas was an encourager.
Point 2 When Paul and John Mark had a falling out (Acts 15), Barnabas would not desert John Mark (they were cousins – Colossians 4) but went with him to Cyprus.
So, Barnabas was an encourager.
Point 3 Barnabas was generous. We read (Acts 4) that Barnabas (a nickname; his real name was Joseph) sold a field that belonged to him, brought the proceeds and gave it to the apostles.
So, Barnabas had a spirit of generosity.
Point 4 Barnabas was reliable and trustworthy.
When there was a terrible worldwide famine (Acts 11), the Christians in Antioch had a collection for the believers in Judea. The money was sent to them by the good hands of Barnabas and Saul.
So, Barnabas was trustworthy.
The reputation of a New Testament saint is a happy model for Christians today.
We can all be encouragers, generous, reliable and trustworthy just like Barnabas.
Thank God for the saints of every age.