Barnabas, A Good Man

GOLDEN TEXT: “He was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”—Acts 11:24

ACTS 4:36, 37—Barnabas was the surname of the disciple who is the subject for discussion in today’s lesson. The name signifies “the son of consolation,” and there is every evidence that this “good man” lived up to the meaning of his name, that he was zealous in promulgating the Gospel of Christ and thereby giving consolation to as many as had an ear to hear.

Barnabas was a Levite, that is, a member of the priestly tribe of Israel. When the Israelites first entered into the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, and the Land was divided among the various tribes, the tribe of Levi received no inheritance therein. Being the religious servants of the other tribes, they were made dependent upon them for their sustenance. Later, of course, many changes occurred. This was particularly true in connection with their seventy years’ captivity in Babylon. It is not surprising, therefore, that in the days of the Early Church a Levite should be the owner of land.

While the account does not imply it, perhaps the fact that Barnabas was a Levite, hence by tradition one who was not entitled to own land, had something to do with his decision to manifest the genuineness of his belief by selling his land and using the money for the furtherance of the Gospel. In any event, it was a noble, yea, a holy deed. His consecration being genuine he could do no less, since apparently he did not need this asset to meet earthly obligations. Full consecration to God has meant this to all the true followers of Jesus—then and now. It is more, much more, than merely a resolve to live a morally pure life.

ACTS 9:26, 27—Our lesson characterizes Barnabas as a “good man.” One of the elements of goodness is the willingness to trust others. “Love believeth all things,” says the apostle. (I Cor. 13:7) This is manifested by Barnabas in connection with Saul’s first visit to Jerusalem following his conversion. Saul had bitterly persecuted the church, and the brethren at Jerusalem were somewhat doubtful of his sincerity in coming to them now as a believer, but Barnabas sponsored Saul, assuring the church that they need have no misgivings concerning him.

In doing this Barnabas explained that God has spoken to Saul and had accepted him. He related also that Saul since his conversion had boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Christ in Damascus, which in itself was sufficient proof that his conversion was genuine, that he was no longer an enemy of the Christian cause. The relating of these facts indicates that Barnabas probably knew more of the circumstances than did the other brethren at Jerusalem; and inasmuch as they also accepted Saul when they knew the truth concerning him, it indicates that they too were “good,” not inclined to be suspicious or to hold a prejudice.

ACTS 11:22-26—In this portion of our lesson we find Barnabas entering the field as a missionary. As a result of the martyrdom of Stephen many of the brethren were scattered, some going as far as Cyprus and Antioch, but they did not keep the truth to themselves. Wherever they went they preached the glad tidings. At first they preached only to the Jews, but later they witnessed also to the Grecians. “And the hand of the Lord was with them,” the account reads, “and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord.”—Acts 11:21

The ecclesia at Jerusalem heard of this, and seeing an opportunity of service they sent Barnabas to Antioch to assist with the good work which had been started there. When he arrived and saw for himself how the Lord had blessed the ministry of the truth in that city, he was “glad.” Here is demonstrated another characteristic of a good man.

Barnabas watered the seed that had been sown, urging the believers to cleave unto the Lord with singleness of heart and purpose. Through his efforts, not only were the believers encouraged, but many others were brought to the Lord. He was a “good man,” the account states, and “full of the Holy Spirit.” Zeal in preaching the Gospel is indeed one of the evidences of a rich indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

After laboring a while in Antioch alone, Barnabas went to Tarsus and found Saul, who returned to Antioch with him, and they labored together there for an entire year, enjoying the rich blessing of the Lord.

ACTS 13:1-3—At the close of that year of faithful ministry on the part of Paul and Barnabas, the church at Antioch found itself well supplied with servants. Some of the believers had become qualified to serve as teachers, and appreciating what the Lord had done for them, the church decided to send missionaries to other fields. It is this spirit that has carried the Gospel into the whole world. The spirit of Christ in the hearts of his people today manifests itself in the same manner. The spirit which causes one to refrain from bearing witness to the truth is not of God. Paul and Barnabas were not residents of Antioch, having gone there as missionaries, so it was quite proper, now that their services were not specially needed there, that they should be the ones chosen to represent the church abroad.

QUESTIONS:

Was it proper for Barnabas, being a Levite, to be the owner of land?

How was one characteristic of goodness manifested by Barnabas in connection with Saul’s first visit to Jerusalem after his conversion?

How was another characteristic of goodness demonstrated when Barnabas visited Antioch?

Does the Holy Spirit impel one to preach the Gospel to others?

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