25 Bible Verses about Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement
Barnabas, often referred to as the “Son of Encouragement,” was a significant figure in the early Christian church. His life and actions are a testament to the power of encouragement and support in the Christian community. In this post, we’ll explore 25 verses that will shed light on his remarkable journey and the impact he had on the early church.
Going through a tough time? If so, click here to read 30 Uplifting Bible Verses for Encouragement in Difficult Times
Barnabas Bible Verses
1. Acts 4:36
“For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means ‘Son of Encouragement’). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.”
2. Acts 9:27
“Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.”
3. Acts 11:22-24
“When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.”
4. Acts 11:25-26
“Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)”
5. Acts 12:25
“When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them.”
6. Acts 13:1-3
“Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called ‘the black man’), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.’ So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.”
7. Acts 13:43
“Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.”
8. Acts 14:12-14
“Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, shouting…”
9. Acts 15:12
“Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.”
10. Acts 15:36-39
“After some time Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.’ Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated.”
11. Colossians 4:10
“Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way.”
12. 1 Corinthians 9:6
“Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?”
13. Galatians 2:1-10
“Then fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along with me. I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing.”
14. Colossians 4:12-13
“Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.”
15. 1 Thessalonians 2:7
“As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.”
Short Prayer
Dear Father God, we thank You for the life and ministry of Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement. His dedication to the early church and his support of fellow believers serve as an inspiring example. May we, too, be instruments of encouragement and support in our Christian communities. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Conclusion
Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” played a crucial role in the early Christian church. These 25 verses highlight his commitment to the faith, his willingness to support others, and the significant impact he had on the growth of the church. As believers, we can learn from his example and strive to be sources of encouragement and support in our own Christian communities.
