Have you ever known someone who seemed to overflow with negativity?
Someone who always found what was wrong. Someone who focused on what couldn’t be done instead of what might be possible. Someone perpetually gloomy, pessimistic, or critical.
Did you want to be around that person? Did they make you want to be better? Did they influence you in any meaningful way?
For most of us, the answer is obvious. Discouragement drains. Encouragement builds.
Today, I want us to consider a man whose life stood in sharp contrast to that spirit of gloom. A man whose legacy can be summed up in a single word: encouragement.
His name was Barnabas. And the more closely we look at his life, the more we realize just how badly the church still needs people like him.
Meeting Barnabas
Interestingly, Barnabas wasn’t his given name.
We’re first introduced to him in Acts 4:36–37, where we learn that his actual name was Joseph. He was a Levite, born on the island of Cyprus, and he was the first Christian mentioned by name after Pentecost outside of the apostles.
But that’s not how Scripture remembers him. From that point forward, the Bible calls him Barnabas, a name meaning “Son of Encouragement.” Whether the apostles gave him that name or simply adopted what others already called him, we’re not told. But it is clear that it fit him so well that it replaced his given name entirely.
Barnabas lived up to it.
His first recorded act is one of generosity. He sold a tract of land and laid the money at the apostles’ feet so that no Christian in Jerusalem would be left in need. Encouragement, from the beginning, meant meeting real needs…not just offering words, but taking action.
That pattern would define his life.
Encouragement When It Was Risky
Several chapters later, a seismic event occurs in Acts 9.
Saul of Tarsus, an infamous persecutor of the church, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus and becomes a Christian. Almost immediately, Saul begins preaching Christ. And almost immediately, he begins facing persecution.
Eventually, Saul flees to Jerusalem and tries to join the Christians there. But there’s a problem: no one trusts him. And honestly, who could blame them? Many of these believers had likely lost friends or family because of Saul. His reputation was earned.
Yet this is where Barnabas steps back into the story.
Acts 9:27 tells us that Barnabas took Saul and brought him to the apostles, vouching for him by speaking of his genuine conversion and bold preaching in the name of Jesus.
Barnabas removed a very real and very personal barrier to fellowship. He saw what others couldn’t yet see … not because he was naïve, but because he was gracious. Encouragement sometimes means standing between fear and faith and choosing to believe in what God is doing.
Encouragement That Produces Growth
In Acts 11, the gospel begins spreading beyond Jerusalem. Christians scatter because of persecution, but everywhere they go, they preach Christ. Many believe.
When news of this reaches Jerusalem, the church sends Barnabas to Antioch. Why him?
Scripture tells us plainly: “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” (Acts 11:24)
Barnabas arrives, sees God’s work, and rejoices. Sometimes encouragement begins with simply recognizing and celebrating what God is already doing.
But he doesn’t stop there. He urges these new believers to remain true to the Lord with resolute hearts. And as a result, considerable numbers are brought to the Lord.
Encouragement and growth go hand in hand.
Then Barnabas does something unexpected: he leaves Antioch … not to abandon it, but to find Saul. He brings him back, and together they teach the church for an entire year.
Perhaps Barnabas wanted these believers to see Saul’s transformation firsthand. Perhaps he wanted Saul to face those affected by his past and find healing and forgiveness. We’re not told.
But we are shown the result: strengthened faith, unity, and growth.
Encouragement clears obstacles … in others and sometimes in ourselves.
Encouragement Under Pressure
From there, Barnabas and Saul are sent out on what we often call Paul’s first missionary journey. They preach boldly. Many believe. The word of the Lord spreads.
They also face intense opposition: jealousy, slander, persecution, expulsion from cities, and physical violence. At one point, Paul is stoned and left for dead. And yet, they keep going.
They refuse praise meant for God. They reject being treated as gods themselves. They return to the very cities that rejected them, strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith (Acts 14:22).
Encouragement isn’t fragile optimism. It’s resilient faithfulness.
Encouragement That Gives Second Chances
Perhaps one of the clearest glimpses into Barnabas’ heart comes in Acts 15.
Paul and Barnabas plan a second journey, but they sharply disagree over whether to bring John Mark a man who had previously deserted them. Paul refuses…Barnabas insists. Consequently, they part ways.
It’s easy to see both perspectives. But Barnabas, true to his name, leans toward restoration. He believes in second chances … just as he once did with Paul.
Later, Paul would reconcile with John Mark. Mark would go on to write the Gospel bearing his name.
It’s hard not to wonder whether that would have happened without Barnabas.
Becoming Encouragers Today
So how do we become more like Barnabas?
First, just be there. Encouragement requires presence. We can’t strengthen souls from a distance. Assembly, Bible study, visits, conversations … these matter.
Second, be purposeful. When we’re with others, we must ask: How can I help? How can I build up? Souls are at stake.
Third, look for the good. Encouragers aren’t blind to faults … they simply choose hope over suspicion and grace over cynicism.
Fourth, cultivate godly character. The fruit of the Spirit… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control … creates fertile soil for encouragement to grow.
And finally, don’t give up. Barnabas didn’t give up on Paul. He didn’t give up on John Mark. And he likely didn’t give up on himself.
Neither should we.
God, the Ultimate Encourager
At the heart of all encouragement stands God Himself.
He has been patient, purposeful, merciful, and sacrificial beyond measure. He sees the good in us long before we do. He gives us chances we do not deserve.
Barnabas learned encouragement from God, and so must we.
The question we’re left with is simple, but searching: Am I an encourager? If not… am I willing to become one?
Because encouragement doesn’t just change people…it helps save souls.
