Ministering to Your Barnabas
I have often wondered about the actions of Barnabas in Acts 9:27. Saul had met the Lord and repented on the Damascus Road and began teaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. After an attempt on his life was averted, he made his way to Jerusalem, desiring to join the disciples. Being denied an audience, Barnabas became his champion: “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.”
Barnabas, a Levite, had already demonstrated his devotion and generosity. Previously, he sold a field and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet to meet the needs of the early church. Now, he brings another kind of offering: Saul himself—a transformed life and a future apostle to the Gentiles. Barnabas, through his advocacy, opens the door for Paul’s ministry to expand.
As pastors, we are grateful for the Barnabas-like people in our churches. Their generosity helps sustain the mission of the church and their mentoring spirit brings out new leaders.
But as much as we need them, they also need us.
Just as Paul instructs Timothy on how to shepherd individuals like widows and elders, he also gives specific guidance on how the wealthy in the church are to minister.
“Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life.” —1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT)
Our mission is to make disciples. Each person brings unique spiritual gifts that serve to build up the body of Christ. Whether it is generosity, encouragement, leadership, or hospitality, every gift is needed for the church to grow in health and maturity. We need to recognize and nurture those gifts, so that together, we may take hold of real life.
If you would like to learn more about how to inspire generosity in your church and teach with a biblical approach to wealth, I encourage you to read “The Biblical Fundraiser in Modern Practice: Helping Christians Enjoy Their Wealth (New Testament Generosity and Joyful Wealth Management)” by Russel James.
Grace be with you!