The Barnabas Project

When I reflect on the people that influenced and mentored me there are several things I appreciate. But there is one common characteristic that describes all of them. They were all encouragers.

When I think about encouragement, I think of a biblical character that you may not have noticed before. His name was Barnabas, which means Son of Encouragement. I think there are several principles we can draw from his life.

We are first introduced to Barnabas in the books of Acts. In Acts 4:36-37 we are told that he “owned a tract of land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Barnabas Principle 1: Barnabas people share their resources with others.

The next time we hear about Barnabas, he is introducing Paul to the apostles.

Usually introductions are no big deal. But, but this introduction was a huge risk because Paul had a terrible reputation. He had been an avid persecutor of the emerging church, he was “in hearty agreement with the stoning of Stephen” (Acts 8:1). He then “began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison” (Acts 8:3).

He was “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1) when he encountered the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Without changing his zealous personality and passion, Jesus redirected Paul. After encountering Jesus, he became a new creation, the old life had passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17).

But not everyone knew about the “new” Paul.

“When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26).

“But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27).

I just love that phrase, “but Barnabas.” When others were afraid, stand-offish, and defensive Barnabas took a risk.

From this scene, I see several other principles from the life of Barnabas.

Barnabas Principle 2: Barnabas people listen to other people’s story.

Barnabas Principle 3: Barnabas people see potential and take risks on people that others don’t.

Barnabas Principle 4: Barnabas people use their own credibility and sphere of influence to launch other people.

As impactful a leader as Paul was, it was Barnabas that launched him.

Let me ask you some questions: Who shared their resources with you? Who took a risk on you? Who listened to your story? Who saw potential in you that others, including maybe even yourself, didn't? Who used their sphere of influence to help launch you?

Who is your Barnabas?


Who do you need to be Barnabas for?