July 13, 2024 Daily Devotion

Barnabas: “Son of Encouragement”

The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.

Acts 11:22

Many biblical scholars believe a great number turned to the Lord during the early church and give great credit to Barnabas: “The Son of Encouragement.” “When Barnabas arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord.

Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (VV.23-26). Barnabas imitated the love of Jesus with kindness, gentleness, and compassion and earned the distinction of the “Son of Encouragement.” Be the person that you want to meet. Be like Jesus Christ!