The son of encouragement

Barnabas fostered unity and spread the message of love and forgiveness.

In Jerusalem lived a man whose days were spent in the service of the burgeoning Christian community, fostering unity and spreading the message of love and forgiveness. His name was Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.”

It was a time of tension, a time when the name "Saul of Tarsus" sent ripples of fear through the hearts of many Christians. Saul was known for his zealous persecution of those who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ. But then, on the road to Damascus, something extraordinary happened. Saul encountered a blinding light and heard the voice of Jesus.

“Who are you, Lord?” Saul said.

“I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Acts 9:5-6

Upon entering Damascus, Saul, who had literally been blinded by the encounter, began to pray in the house of Judas. Meanwhile, a disciple named Ananias received a vision in which he was directed by the Lord to go to Saul to inform him that he, Ananias, was sent to him to regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.
Acts 9:18

Saul was transformed, he changed his name to Paul and reversed his mission.

However, when Paul returned to Jerusalem, his transformation was met with skepticism. The shadow of his past loomed large over the narrow paths and crowded markets. The believers, still nursing the wounds of persecution, were wary, their eyes casting doubtful glances at the man who once threatened their very existence.

Saul (Paul) in Jerusalem

When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:26-27

Instead of seeing the Saul of yesteryears, Barnabas saw Paul’s transformation, believed in it, and acted upon it. Barnabas saw the potential in Paul, the servant of Christ he was destined to become.

Barnabas took Paul and led him into the heart of the Christian community, introducing him not as a former persecutor but as a brother in Christ. He vouched for Paul, sharing tales of Paul's new life, of the miracles he had wrought in Jesus's name, and of the boldness with which he now spoke in synagogues.

Slowly, the hearts of the believers began to soften. They listened to Paul's teachings, saw the transformation in his eyes, and felt the truth in his words. Barnabas stood by Paul, a steadfast pillar of support, showing the community that forgiveness and acceptance were not just ideals but necessities for the growth of their faith.

Together, Barnabas and Paul became a strong team. They shared meals, prayers, and the mission to spread the Gospel. Their partnership would soon take them beyond Jerusalem, to Cyprus and beyond, planting seeds of faith in Gentile lands.

Barnabas's acceptance of Paul was more than an act of kindness; it was a testament to the power of second chances, to the belief that even the darkest hearts could be illuminated by the light of Christ. And through this act, Barnabas not only saved Paul but also enriched the early church, showing by example how love could conquer fear, and how unity could be forged from the ashes of division.

Striving to be like Barnabas—not just in giving but in forgiving, in not just receiving but in offering second chances—helps us get closer to living out the love and forgiveness shown by God’s proclamation of free salvation through faith alone in Christ alone.

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16