As the church grew, the leaders in Jerusalem wanted to safeguard the gospel from corruption, and to prevent the new congregations from falling into the hands of false teachers.  At the same time, because so many new and unexpected things were happening, the apostles needed to understand what God was doing.  So, when they heard about the rapid church growth in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to find out what was happening.

Barnabas was originally a Jew from Cyprus.  His real name was Joseph and he was a Levite (Acts 4:36).  He was the cousin of John Mark who lived in Jerusalem (Colossians 4:10) with his mother, Mary, who hosted an early house church (Acts 12:12).  Barnabas was a nickname meaning ‘son of encouragement’ because he was such a positive example to the church (Acts 4:36).  He loved encouraging people, sharing the gospel and pastoring the new believers.

Saul of Tarsus had been converted, but many believers were afraid of him.  Barnabas introduced him to the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27),  but they advised Saul he should go back to his home city because Jerusalem was too dangerous (Acts 9:29-30).  After a little time had passed, Barnabas realised that Saul could be very useful in evangelising the Gentiles in Antioch, as well as teaching the church.  That is why he took Saul from Tarsus to Antioch and shared a fruitful teaching ministry with him.  As the church grew the believers, previously known as 'people of the way' (Acts 9:2), were called Christians.

The 'secret' of Barnabas' ministry was a discernment given by the Holy Spirit to see what God was doing, to encourage people that it was of God, and to embolden them to join in - helping to build His kingdom.  He was able to mobilise people because he was a man of godly character, with competent teaching skills, and the kind of charisma which is genuinely motivated and warmly positive towards people.  They wanted to be led by a person like that. He was encouraged by what God was doing so he encouraged others to keep on working with God.  The gift of encouragement is so much needed today.  Not flattery or manipulation, false promises or unkind management – but real, authentic, from-the-heart encouragement by a spiritually discerning person who understands the Scriptures.  A person who sees where God is at work and is able to mobilise others to join in whole-heartedly.  If you know people like that, thank God for them and support them.  If you would like to be that kind of person, pray that the Lord will give you His gift of discerning encouragement which may unlock many fruitful ministries.