I believe that we all need a “Barnabas” and a “Timothy”.
Barnabas was a respected leader in the early church and his name is found all over the book of Acts. His greatest trait, though, seemed to be the fact that he was an encourager. (His real name is “Joseph” but apostles nicknamed him “Barnabas” which means “Son of Encouragement”). Barnabas did many great things, but maybe none more influential to the course of Christian history than what he did in Acts 9.
At the start of that chapter, we read about the conversion of Paul. Formerly known as Saul, he opposed the teaching about Christ and even actively sought out believers so that he could have them arrested and brought back to Jerusalem for trial. One day, as he traveled to Damascus, Saul saw a bright light, heard the voice of Jesus and within days he was he was baptized and became a believer.
The conversion of Saul could not have been more surprising, so it is understandable that the Christians were a little wary of him. Acts 9:26 says, “When he [Paul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple”. Notice what happens next: “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” (Acts 9:27).
When no one else trusted Paul, Barnabas gave him a chance. When no one else would let him in, Barnabas opened the door and encouraged him. When it comes time to spread the message about Jesus, Paul and Barnabas are given the job and the rest, as they say, is history. Paul preached the message all over the known world, but it would not have happened if he had not had a “Barnabas” to encourage him, direct him and help him along.
On one of those missionary journeys, Paul and Barnabas meet a young man named Timothy. He was full of faith and “the brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him” (Acts 16:2), so what does Paul do? He invites this young man to join him on his journey. He teaches and mentors Timothy and, eventually, leaves him in a town named “Ephesus” so that he can help organize and teach the believers that lived there.
In other words, Paul did for Timothy what Barnabas did for Paul.
Faith is not passed on automatically. It is not passed on by osmosis. Faith is passed on best when we have an example to follow (a “Barnabas”) and someone to help (a “Timothy”).
Strong spiritual relationships can make a difference both now and in eternity.
Barnabas was a respected leader in the early church and his name is found all over the book of Acts. His greatest trait, though, seemed to be the fact that he was an encourager. (His real name is “Joseph” but apostles nicknamed him “Barnabas” which means “Son of Encouragement”). Barnabas did many great things, but maybe none more influential to the course of Christian history than what he did in Acts 9.
At the start of that chapter, we read about the conversion of Paul. Formerly known as Saul, he opposed the teaching about Christ and even actively sought out believers so that he could have them arrested and brought back to Jerusalem for trial. One day, as he traveled to Damascus, Saul saw a bright light, heard the voice of Jesus and within days he was he was baptized and became a believer.
The conversion of Saul could not have been more surprising, so it is understandable that the Christians were a little wary of him. Acts 9:26 says, “When he [Paul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple”. Notice what happens next: “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” (Acts 9:27).
When no one else trusted Paul, Barnabas gave him a chance. When no one else would let him in, Barnabas opened the door and encouraged him. When it comes time to spread the message about Jesus, Paul and Barnabas are given the job and the rest, as they say, is history. Paul preached the message all over the known world, but it would not have happened if he had not had a “Barnabas” to encourage him, direct him and help him along.
On one of those missionary journeys, Paul and Barnabas meet a young man named Timothy. He was full of faith and “the brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him” (Acts 16:2), so what does Paul do? He invites this young man to join him on his journey. He teaches and mentors Timothy and, eventually, leaves him in a town named “Ephesus” so that he can help organize and teach the believers that lived there.
In other words, Paul did for Timothy what Barnabas did for Paul.
Faith is not passed on automatically. It is not passed on by osmosis. Faith is passed on best when we have an example to follow (a “Barnabas”) and someone to help (a “Timothy”).
Strong spiritual relationships can make a difference both now and in eternity.
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