Topical Bible: Holy Boldness: Barnabas

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Topical Encyclopedia

Barnabas, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, is a compelling example of holy boldness. His life and ministry, as recorded in the New Testament, demonstrate a fearless commitment to the Gospel and a willingness to take risks for the sake of Christ and His Church.

Background and Early Ministry

Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus. The apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). This name reflects his character and role within the early Christian community. He first appears in the Book of Acts as a generous supporter of the church, selling a field he owned and laying the proceeds at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:37).

Advocate for Saul (Paul)

One of Barnabas's most significant acts of boldness was his advocacy for Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul. After Saul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, many believers were understandably wary of him due to his previous persecution of Christians. Barnabas, however, took Saul under his wing and brought him to the apostles, vouching for the authenticity of his conversion and his bold preaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:26-27). This act of courage and trust was instrumental in integrating Paul into the Christian community and setting the stage for his future ministry.

Missionary Journeys

Barnabas's boldness is further exemplified in his missionary endeavors. The Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work of spreading the Gospel, leading to their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2). Together, they traveled to various regions, preaching the Word of God with power and conviction. In Pisidian Antioch, despite facing opposition and persecution, Barnabas and Paul spoke boldly, declaring, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles" (Acts 13:46).

Conflict and Reconciliation

Barnabas's boldness was not without its challenges. A notable conflict arose between him and Paul regarding John Mark, who had deserted them on a previous journey. Barnabas, ever the encourager, wanted to give Mark another chance, while Paul disagreed. This disagreement led to their separation, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-39). This decision, though difficult, highlights Barnabas's commitment to nurturing and restoring fellow believers, even at the cost of personal relationships.

Legacy of Encouragement and Boldness

Barnabas's legacy is one of encouragement, generosity, and boldness in the face of adversity. His willingness to embrace and support others, even when it was risky or unpopular, played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. His life serves as a testament to the power of holy boldness, inspiring believers to stand firm in their faith and to support one another in the work of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 14:3
Long time therefore stayed they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
... he beards them, and 'speaks with all boldness.' When he ... before the Council he was
'full of the Holy Ghost,' and ... In like manner we read of Barnabas that he 'was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/full of the holy ghost.htm

A Good Man's Faults
... fallen short of unstained purity, and with boldness of hope ... how emphatically and
absolutely it eulogised Barnabas as 'a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a good mans faults.htm

The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer
... the Spirit, the speaking God's word with boldness and power ... as they ministered to
the Lord, the Holy Spirit met ... a work to which He had called Barnabas and Saul ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ii the ministration of.htm

Acts IV
... by a conscious renewal of the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit, gave them the
boldness for which they ... (36) "Now Joses, who was surnamed Barnabas by the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iv.htm

An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
... K. That the participation of the Holy Ghost was not ... revelation from God, and of his
boldness of speech ... with the apostles by the instrumentality of Barnabas. ...
/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... ourselves say unto God with all boldness concerning all ... And again, The Holy Ghost
said [2013] , unto the ... who were in Antioch, Separate me now Barnabas and Saul ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

Acts iv. 23
... "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." What ... that is, their testimony they
with boldness did render ... who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xi acts iv 23.htm

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
... Because they were filled 'with the Holy Ghost.' Surely ... Paul and Barnabas knew when
to retreat and when ... too, that the same connection between boldness of speech ...
/.../jewish rejecters and gentile receivers.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... THE HOLY CITY; OR, THE NEW JERUSALEM. ... It is all-sufficient to know that he was
mighty in the Scriptures, and deeply taught of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles.
... who also, having been anointed with the Holy Spirit, is ... relinquish the truth, but
with all boldness preached to ... of the law; and when Paul and Barnabas had gone ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii doctrine of the rest.htm