In Acts 4:36, we are introduced to Barnabas (whose actual name was Joseph).  He became known as Barnabas due to the fact that the apostles referred to him in such a manner.  The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement” (ESV).  This rightfully describes him and tells us a great deal about his character.  He was a special and valuable individual. 

     When the apostle Paul, three years after his conversion, traveled to Jerusalem, he found that his brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ were still afraid of him.  They doubted the fact that he had been converted to the truth of the Gospel.  Yet, it was Barnabas that came to the aid of Paul, stood beside him and lent him his support.  In Acts 11, when the brethren at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch, he traveled even further to Tarsus for the purpose of finding Paul and recruiting his help.  In Antioch, they worked together for a year and taught many people (Acts 11:25-26).  In Acts 13, Barnabas was selected by the Holy Spirit to go with Paul on a missionary journey.  In Acts 15, when dissension arose within the church regarding circumcision and the relationship between the Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians, Barnabas was instrumental in easing those tensions and helping to bring about unity and harmony.  Also, in that same chapter, we find the willingness of Barnabas to give John Mark a second chance (Remember, John Mark deserted Barnabas and Paul during that first missionary journey.).   Barnabas stood firmly to his decision even though Paul didn’t agree.  Perhaps Barnabas was motivated by the fact that he and John Mark were related; or, this may simply be another indication of his encouraging personality. 

     Over all, Barnabas was an encourager.  We can see in him a positive attitude - a  willingness to give his time, efforts and money for the good of others - a willingness to go the extra mile - boldness and zealousness in proclaiming the Gospel and defending it.  We can see in him a number of good qualities that we would like to see more of in our own selves.  Truly, Barnabas is an excellent example. 

     We like to be around people who are encouragers, do we not?  Yet, if we’ll be honest with ourselves, we might find that we do too much complaining and not enough encouraging.  For a specific example, if/when the elders make a decision that doesn’t fit

exactly what your likes and preferences are, do you have a tendency to complain (either to them or to others)?  Remember, these men have a tremendous responsibility upon their

shoulders.  Let’s be Barnabas-like and lend them some encouragement.  Yes, there are proper times and proper ways to express concerns.  But simple complaining usually contributes to discouragement.  Let’s do our best to be like Barnabas...let’s be encouragers.