Barnabas- A good man, full of the Holy Spirit
Text: Acts 4:36-37; 11:22-26; 13:1-4
22 August 2009
(I) NOTICED BY THE APOSTLES
“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragment) a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:36-37
1. Noticed by the apostles
a) Amidst thousands of believers (in Jerusalem)
b) Amidst many who showed positive and dynamic features of genuine faith
2. Noted for the following features
a) He was an Encourager
b) He was a man of compassion, caring for people less fortunate
c) He was a man of action (he sold a piece of land and donated the money)
(II) NEW DEVELOPMENTS
“Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.
But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” Acts 11:19-21
1. Persecution of the Church
2. Preaching of the Persecuted Church
3. Proclaiming the Gospel to the Jews (Hebrew/Aramaic speaking Jews)
4. Proclaiming the Gospel to the Hellenists (Greek speaking Jews)
(III) NEEDED EMISSARY TO CHECK A NEW MINISTRY
“Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch (Syria).
When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.
For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” Acts 11:22-24
1. The ministry of the Apostles in the Jerusalem Church
2. The man selected to check out the new ministry
a) Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement was selected and sent out
b) Barnabas lived up to his name
i) He was encouraged by what he saw
ii) He saw the grace of God at work
iii) He encouraged the new believers to continue with the Lord
(IV) COMMENDATION OF BARNABAS
1. For being a good man
2. For being filled with the Spirit of God
3. For being filled with faith