(Nitish and Rick in Delhi way back in 2007? )

Barnabas had many good qualities that we would like to emulate. We want to be like him in that he saw potential in people and helped them rise up to do great things, even though Barnabas was not mentioned much after that.

1. Acts 4:36 – He was known as the Son of Encouragement and wanted to be known by that name. Barnabas was supportive.
2. Also in this passage it is mentioned that he sold a field and brought the money to the Church. What a generous heart! H.e was unselfish
3. In Acts 11:22-30, Barnabas took Paul with him who was a new convert and not many people trusted him. They went to Antioch to preach and they trusted each other on the trip. Barnabas was a loyal friend.
4. Somewhere along the way, Paul became known for writing and speaking, and overshadowed Barnabas in becoming well known. This shows some humility in Barnabas.
5. “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24). This is the description of Barnabas before he went on this trip with Paul. He was a mature believer.
6. Barnabas was more than just a nice guy. He didn’t back down to Paul when they had a sharp disagreement about John Mark (Acts 15:36-39). Sons of encouragement don’t look casually beyond our weaknesses, they walk through those challenges with us. He was bold.

Barnabas had a significant role with Paul and John Mark who wrote so much of the New Testament.

Leaders today need people like Barnabas to encourage them and not take a leading role.

We want to be more and more like that.

My challenge today is: Who are you encouraging and who is encouraging you?

Let’s learn from Barnabas’ example and be satisfied to help others grow rather than having to be successful in everything.

This boy pictured with Rick above is now a pastor in North Delhi. He is in his 20s and is leading people to the Lord in his neighborhood. He is also a worship leader even writing his own songs in Hindi and is influencing many of his peers even in a difficult time and situation. He has not had many advantages growing up and yet has sought to overcome his difficulties and live for God, making disciples that make disciples. He has helped many to learn how to lead discovery groups including his little sister Rinky who is now 18. We met her when she was three.

God is able to make all grace abound! 2 Corinthians 9:8 says:

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

(Nitish, Shivan, Sachin and Rohit who are all leaders in their 20s making disciples that make disciples)