07/06/2025
THIS MAN CALLED BARNABAS PART 1 OF 3.
Acts 9:27
“Then Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” (NKJV)
Barnabas was one of the most respected and impactful leaders in the early Church. His name means “Son of Encouragement”, and he lived up to that name in every way. He was not just a good man, He was a kingdom-minded, Spirit-filled leader who played a critical role in launching others into ministry.
Barnabas appears in Acts as a generous giver (Acts 4:36–37), a peacemaker, and a mentor. His discernment, humility, and ability to identify hidden gifts in others helped shape the early Church and perhaps no one benefited more from Barnabas’ influence than Paul. Let learn a bit about how Barnabas was influential to the ministry of Paul.
1. Barnabas: The Man Who Introduced Paul
Paul, once known as Saul, was feared by the Church. Even after his dramatic conversion, the believers in Jerusalem were skeptical. He had been a persecutor of the Church, His past disqualified him in their eyes.
But Barnabas saw what others could not see; He trusted Paul’s transformation. While the apostles were hesitant, Barnabas stepped forward. Acts 9:26–28 describes how Paul attempted to join the disciples, but they were afraid of him. It was Barnabas who personally took Paul by the hand, introduced him to the apostles, and vouched for his salvation and ministry.
Barnabas did not just believe in Paul privately, he stood by him publicly. His introduction was powerful and persuasive, highlighting Paul’s testimony and bold preaching. Without that divine introduction, Paul might have remained in obscurity or worse rejected and cast aside.
You see, there are people today struggling in ministry, business, or calling not because they lack anointing, but because they lack a Barnabas. Many ministers today are trying to introduce themselves, forcing their way into pulpits and platforms, yet no one is standing with them. Ministry is not something you push yourself into, it is something you are called into, and in most Biblical cases, it is something you are introduced into.
A Barnabas is not optional, it is necessary! If Jesus was introduced by John the Baptist, if Paul needed Barnabas, who are you to bypass the process? Maybe thats why you keep struggling and amounting to nothing! Think about it!
2. Barnabas: The Man Who Understood Timing.
Barnabas was not only a mentor; he was a man of discernment. Though he introduced Paul to the apostles, he also recognized when Paul was not yet ready for public ministry.
Paul, fresh from conversion, was fiery and argumentative. His approach to preaching stirred up opposition and backlash rather than repentance. Acts 9:29 tells us that Paul disputed with the Hellenists and they tried to kill him. His preaching caused controversy, not conviction.
Barnabas and the other believers saw the danger and took a bold step, they sent Paul away to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). This was not a rejection, it was redirection. Listen, sometimes the most loving thing a Barnabas can say is:
“Not yet. Sit down. Be taught and Grow.”
You see, if Paul had resisted that wisdom, he might have died prematurely just like Stephen. Timing is everything! Passion without preparation is a recipe for disaster.
How many today are suffering needlessly in life and ministry because they launched themselves before their time? They mistook applause for calling, charisma for character, and hype for holiness. No one told them to wait. No one warned them of the battles ahead. They had no Barnabas who would have told them "Prophecying does not make you a prophet and preaching does not make you a pastor!"
We now live in a generation of microwave preachers and overnight prophets; people who were saved yesterday are now being called “Apostle” today. No training, no discipleship, no testing, no spiritual authority behind them, just ambition.
Remember when you introduce yourself, you carry your own weight. But when Barnabas introduces you, you carry his covering. Remember, covering matters.
Listen to me young believer, if no one has laid hands on you, discipled you, or affirmed your calling, slow down. You might be fighting battles you were never trained to face. Some people are in unnecessary suffering not because of Satan, but because they skipped the process; they married without counsel, started churches out of offense, launched businesses without wisdom, began ministries with zero accountability. And now they are in tears.
Wewe, do not ignore the wisdom that come from that local Church! Remember, you need a Barnabas to say to you;
“That man is not for you.”
“This is not your time to plant a church.”
“You are not a prophet. You are a brother in Christ. Be taught.”
But if you have no one bold enough to tell you the truth, trust me, in the end you will be discouraged, confused, and lost. Not because you are cursed but because you’re out of alignment.
Dear friend, In your journey of faith, who is your Barnabas? Who can tell you “yes” and also tell you “not yet”? Who can introduce you, correct you, and disciple you?
If you do not have that person or that church, it is time to pray and seek for them. And if God is calling you to be a Barnabas for someone else, rise up and guide them with love, truth, and wisdom.
Reflection Questions:
Who introduced you to your ministry or calling?
Are you in ministry today because of obedience or ambition?
Do you have a Barnabas in your life?
Are you willing to be sent back to Tarsus to grow in the hidden place?