009. Barnabas, a Good Man
009. Barnabas, a Good Man
9 BARNABAS, A GOOD MAN
INTRODUCTION Biography a profitable way of studying the Bible. The characters whom God has chosen and used should be known.
Barnabas has been eclipsed or overshadowed by Paul.
I. HIS NAME (Acts 4:36-37) 1. Of the priestly tribe-Levi.
2. First named Joses or Joseph-"may God add." (Genesis 30:24.) 3. "Barnabas," given by apostles-exhortation , consolation or son of prophecy.
4. Nicknames often describe a character better than the original one.
(a) Abraham, Sarah, Jacob or Israel.
(b) Peter; sons of thund er.
II. A GOOD MAN 1. The Bible does not deal in eulogies or compliments.
2. Very few men are called "good" in the Bible.
3. Jesus asked why call me good . (Matthew 19:17.) 4. There must be something above the ordinary in Barnabas for him to be called "a good man."
5. He is "good " not in the common acceptation of the term, but in the divine sense.
Ill. A GENEROUS MAN 1. His generosity grows out of his goodness.
2. He sold his field and gave all. (Acts 4:37.) 3. Generosity is measured, not so much by what is given as by what is left.
(a) A poor man’s penn y is more tha n a ri ch man ’s dollar. (b) Th e widow’s mi te. (Mark 12:42-44.) 4. His generosity put in con trast with Ananias.
5. He was generous also in kindn ess, love, and service.
(a) He took a second place in honor preferring one another. (Romans 12:10.) (b) Jonath an yielded to David. (1 Samuel 20:30-31.) (c) John the Baptist yielded to Christ. (John 3:30.) IV. H E WAS FULL OF FAITH 1. H e was spiritually minded-full of the Holy Spirit.
2. H e was glad to know the Gentiles accepted Christ. (Acts 11:23.) 3. Dr. Arnot says. "Tell me what gladdens or grieves a man and I will tell you what sort of man he is."
4. Chosen to go to Antioch and get a report of the Gentiles accepting Christ.
5. He helps to make Jew and Gentile one in Christ.
V. HIS RELATION TO PAUL 1. First introduced Paul to the apostles. (Acts 9:27.) 2. This a fine trait to bring brethren together in mutual confidence and love.
3. He brought Paul to Antioch. (Acts l l :26.) 4. He and Paul took a contribution from the brethren to Judea. (Acts 11:30.) 5. He, Paul and Mark go on first missionary tour. (Acts 13:2.) 6. Sent to Jerusalem on question of circumcision to reconcile Jews and Gentiles.
7. He and Paul separate. (Acts 15:36-39.) 8. Paul kindly mentions him. (1 Corinthians 9:5-6.) 9. Wrote epistle of Barnabas, some say wrote Hebrews.