An Encourager
Do you consider yourself to be “good”? Would you use that word to describe yourself? Do you think GOD would call you “good”?
Barnabas was blessed by God in this special way – God called him “a good man” (Acts 11:24). Notice two quick things about this good man:
1. His main purpose in life was to encourage. His real name was Joseph, but the apostles nick-named him Barnabas, “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Are there any sons or daughters of encouragement around? Are you one? Am I? What does an encourager do? Specifically, Barnabas rejoiced with the brethren when he saw the work of the Lord prospering, and he encouraged the brethren to remain true to the Lord with a resolute heart (Acts 11:23). The seed for his encouraging nature must have been strong faith. He believed…and he shared his faith with others – probably with a big smile on his face.
2. His encouraging attitude led many to the Lord. As a direct result of his encouragement, the church at Antioch flourished and prospered. “Considerable numbers were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). This attitude of encouragement fostered real growth! You can imagine unbelievers looking at all the joy and unity of the Antioch church and just wanting to be part of something like that. Also, the brethren at Antioch would be energized by this attitude to go out and share this faith with others.
There’s a lot of power in the right attitude and focus. There’s a lot of good one good man, or one good woman, can do in the kingdom. Are you that encourager? Then encourage with all your might! See the kingdom prosper as the attitude of faith, hope, and trust pervades the church.
We need a few good men.
God bless,
Nathan
I’m just emphasizing what you already pointed out. One great thing to notice here is that Barnabas was spending his time encouraging the brethren (verse 23). He wasn’t out teaching the lost (at least not as his main work). He was encouraging the brethren and they were going out to teach the lost (they had been doing it before he came and I’m sure they didn’t stop because of his encouragement). So, yes many people were added to the Lord because of Barnabas’ work there, but it was because he encouraged the brethren and they went out to preach.
That seems to be the main purpose of a “located preacher.” As Ephesians 4:11-16 says, the work of an evangelist is to build up the church so that the whole church works.
Great passage.
Great observation, Joel. I completely agree with you. If you read Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus you find their main work with the churches was to encourage and build up the saints for work in the kingdom.
Good points.