Acts 4:36 – “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus.”
In a world that tears down, discourages and divides, God calls His people to be encouragers. The early church recognized this quality in one man so distinctly that they gave him a new name: Barnabas, meaning "son of consolation"—literally, son of encouragement. He lived up to that name, and Christians today would do well to follow his example.
First, Barnabas was an encourager with his “words”. When Saul of Tarsus was newly converted, the disciples were afraid of him. But Acts 9:27 says, “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles…” He put his own reputation on the line to vouch for Paul’s sincerity. A word of confidence at the right time can change the course of someone’s life. Proverbs 25:11 reminds us, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
Second, he was an encourager with his “resources”. In Acts 4:37, Barnabas, “having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” He didn’t just speak encouragement—he sacrificed to lift burdens. Whether it’s financial help, a ride to church or a meal to a grieving widow, encouragement sometimes comes in the form of generosity.
Third, he was an encourager through “forgiveness and restoration”. In Acts 15, when Paul was unwilling to take John Mark along due to a prior failure, Barnabas gave Mark a second chance. Later, Paul would write in 2 Timothy 4:11, “Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” That restoration began with Barnabas.
The church needs more “Barnabases.” Men and women who will step up to encourage the discouraged, speak truth into fear, give generously and stand beside the fallen. Hebrews 10:24 exhorts, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Let us provoke one another to encouragement.
Barnabas wasn’t famous for preaching great sermons or performing mighty miracles. He was known for building others up. Be that kind of Christian. Be a son or daughter of consolation.
