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The Example of Barnabas
by Steve Troxel (Steve's bio)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from Steve, be sure to visit God's Daily Word.]
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Not even a single word of the Bible was written by Barnabas. But if not for Barnabas, it's possible most of the New Testament would not be in its current form. In the early days of the Church, Barnabas believed in the absolute best in people and encouraged them at every opportunity.
A few years after becoming a follower of Jesus, Saul (who later became known as the Apostle Paul) tried to join the believers in Jerusalem. Saul had a reputation for great persecution against Christians, so the disciples were not willing to accept him; but Barnabas believed in Saul, comforted him, and defended him before other believers.
Acts 9:27
"But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus."
Paul was on fire for Jesus, but his style must have been a little abrasive. After just a short time in Jerusalem, Paul had to flee for his life back to his home in Tarsus. It's not clear what Paul did for the next several years, but there's no evidence of any involvement in ministry work until Barnabas, once again, found Paul and provided the necessary encouragement.
Acts 11:25-26
"Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul {Paul}, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people."
Paul went on to have a greater impact in the forming of the early Church and in defining Church doctrine than any other follower of Jesus. But if not for Barnabas, Paul may not have ever preached beyond his own back yard.
We all know someone who can use a lift - someone in desperate need of a friend to believe in them - someone in need of a Barnabas. Though we don't have his written words, we have his example. Let's encourage others today by believing in the power of Christ working through their lives; by looking beyond what we can see to what we know Jesus can do with a life completely devoted to Him - let's encourage others according to the example of Barnabas.
Copyright 2002, Steve Troxel. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Steve Troxel: Steve Troxel is the President of God's Daily Word Ministries. Steve was trained as an Electrical Engineer and received his PhD in 1994. After working as a researcher in a laser laboratory for several years, Steve felt the call from God to leave his trained profession and enter into full-time ministry. His devotionals are now sent around the world via email as well as distributed in book format. More information about this ministry as will as a "sign-up" page can be found at: http://www.godsdailyword.org |
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