When Encouragement is Bold
His parents called him Joseph. He was a minor character with a major role in the book of Acts. He was mentioned merely 29 times, which is certainly a minor role in comparison to the Holy Spirit who was mentioned about 56 times.
We first learn about Joseph in Acts 4:36-37: “Joseph, whom the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (that is, one who encourages), was a Levite from Cyprus. He owned a field, sold it, took the money, and placed it in the care and under the authority of the apostles.”
Joseph had this quality, this gift of encouragement that was so profound, so significant, that the apostles created a nickname reflecting this trait of his. This name stuck, and it was used to refer to him anywhere he was mentioned in the New Testament.
He was a Levite. Levites held various responsibilities related to the temple and its services. They assisted the priests in non-sacrificial tasks, including guarding the temple, maintaining its cleanliness, and providing musical accompaniment during worship. Additionally, some Levites were responsible for managing the temple treasury and overseeing the order of service.
Today, these tasks are performed by ministers, support staff, or volunteers, and they are often completed behind the scenes.
Yet, Barnabas was given this name, not because of his diligence in carrying out duties, but because of his gift f encouragement.
In English, the word encourage is made up of En + Courage. Encourage essentially means “to give heart” or “to strengthen the heart.” To make strong. To build up. To give someone courage or heart.
The name Barnabas means Son of Encouragement. The Greek word used here is Paraklēsis (Greek: παράκλησις), a rich and multifaceted word. Depending on context, it can be translated as:
Encouragement (uplifting someone emotionally or spiritually); Exhortation (urging someone to action or faithfulness); Comfort (bringing peace and consolation, especially in suffering); Appeal or a heartfelt request
I have been encouraged in all of these ways. But Barnabas-style encouragement was bold, visionary, generous, and healing.
Look how Barnabas encouraged in the book of Acts:
Barnabas believed in people — even when others didn’t (Acts 9:26–30).
Saul had a terrifying reputation. He helped to kill Stephen. Then he ravaged the church by entering house after house, dragging off both men and women, and committing them to prison. Most Christians were understandably scared of him and skeptical of his motives.
Then Saul had his conversion experience along the road to Damascus. He became a believer and began preaching, assuring his listeners that Jesus was, in fact, the son of God.
But some were still skeptical and fearful of him. So, Barnabas took a risk. He risked his own credibility, taking this man into the circle of the apostles and vouching for him. He saw something in Paul that could be used for the kingdom and he believed in God’s power to transform lives, even that of Paul.
Barnabas didn’t stop there. In Acts 11, Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Paul. The church in Antioch was growing, and Barnabas saw an opportunity to bring talented people into the settings where their gifts could be used. He knew Paul could be a powerful person for ministry to Jews and Gentiles. He recognized Paul’s gifts and found the right context for Paul to thrive.
That is what encouragers do. They unlock people’s potential and look for ways to match talent to opportunity. They are talent scouts for God’s kingdom.
In Acts 13–14, Paul and Barnabas worked hand in hand on their first missionary journey. In Lystra, the power of their influence was so strong that the people thought they were gods, calling Barnabas Zeus (the leader) and Paul Hermes (the speaker).
When encouragers and visionaries team up, the gospel moves powerfully.
In Acts 15, Barnabas stood by John Mark. Paul and Barnabas were split over whether to take John Mark on another journey. Paul said no because John Mark had abandoned them once.
But Barnabas saw something worth redeeming. Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, gave John Mark a second chance to prove himself in mission work. This disagreement led to the formation of two missionary teams, as Paul partnered with Silas and Barnabas partnered with John Mark.
Sometimes encouragement means disagreeing for the sake of grace. Encouragers are patient with people still in process.
Barnabas didn’t write a book of the Bible. He wasn’t front-and-center like Paul. But without Barnabas, there would not have been a Paul, and perhaps not even such a bold missions movement.
Barnabas showed us that encouragement is not soft – it's bold, visionary, generous, and healing. Encouragement isn’t always flashy, but it builds the church. It is leadership at its finest.
Have you ever had a “Barnabas” in your life? What difference did it make?
Is there someone you could be a “Barnabas” to this week – someone who needs a second chance, a little courage, or a voice to stand up for them?
