CHARACTER STUDY SERIES…
Barnabas The Encourager

Presented by Mark Marton

What is a Character Study?
 Defined by the Moral Qualities, Ethical Standards, Principles followed or expressed.
 Recognized by Distinctive Qualities that differentiate one person from another.
 Impacts/Influences people by the expression of our Words, Actions and Motives.

Purpose (why I chose Barnabas):
 Testimony ‐ Christian life and character to emulate.
 Wisdom/Insight ‐ Unique situations he was involved in still have application for today.
 Legacy ‐ His impact on individuals and situations was significant.

Summary
 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith… Acts 11:24
 From Cyprus and a Levite
 Cousin to John Mark (author of Mark’s Gospel)
 Leader in the early Jerusalem church, later a missionary to the Gentiles with the Apostle Paul
 Book of Acts: First Mention Chapter 4 – Last Mention Chapter 15
 Incidental Mention: 1 Cor 9:6 / Gal. 2 / Col 4:10

Historical Highlights
 Recognition ‐ Joses received from the apostles the surname of Barnabas, that is, son of prophetic
discourse or exhortation/encouragement. Acts 4:36
 Apostle Paul ‐ Introduced a former persecutor named Saul of Tarsus to the apostles as a brother in the
Lord. Acts 9:27
 Antioch Church ‐ Sent by the Jerusalem church to Antioch to lead and encourage its young church. After
observing their faith departs to seek Paul and recruits him from Tarsus for the work in Antioch. Acts 11:22-26
 Trusted Emissary ‐ From the church in Antioch, Barnabas and Paul visit the church in Jerusalem with a
gift for those suffering from famine in Judea and then return to Antioch with John Mark. Acts 11:30, 12:25
 Called to Missionary Work ‐ Spiritual gifts recognized at Antioch and then called by the Holy Spirit to go
with Paul on missionary journey. Barnabas’ cousin, John Mark served as their assistant. Acts 13
 Gospel Preached to Gentiles ‐ Barnabas continued with Paul and was with him when Paul’s ministry was
redirected to reaching the Gentiles with the gospel. Acts 13:42-52
 Exhort Believers in the Faith ‐ Returned to the cities they had previously preached in to confirm and
exhort the disciples to continue in the faith. Acts 14:2126
 Eloquent Spokesman to Defend the Faith ‐ Prominent role in dealing with the circumcision controversy
and the Jerusalem conference convened to address this issue. Entrusted by the apostles and elders to
assist in delivering their response to the gentile churches and believers. Acts 15:1-31
 Shepherd to Discouraged/Immature Believers ‐ During this time Paul and Barnabas disagree over John
Marks involvement in follow up missionary work due to Mark previously deserting them in Pamphylia.
They part company over this matter and Barnabas departs for Cyprus with Mark and is not mentioned
again in Acts. It is suggested Barnabas saw great potential in Mark and continued to disciple him. In
Paul’s later ministry work he asks for John Marks help and recognizes him as helpful to his ministry. Acts 15:36-39 / 2 Tim. 4:11

Impact on Significant Events in Acts

Introduction of Paul
Fellowship with Believers
Speaking Boldly
Exercising His Gifts
Character Traits Displayed
 Discernment
 Boldness
 Faith

Represents the Apostles at Antioch
Recognized it as a Work of God
Exhorted the Gentile Believers
Seeks Paul help for Antioch
Character Traits Displayed
 Dependable/Trustworthy
 Wisdom/Insight
 Decisiveness/Humility

Committed to Full Acceptance of Gentile Believers
Gospel Preached to Gentiles
Gentile Churches Established
Confirm Paul’s Ministry as Valid
Character Traits Displayed
 Zealous/Bold
 Conviction/Faith
 Confidence

Assist in Addressing Circumcision False Teaching
Initially disputed with these men
Faithful witness to God’s Work
Faithful in Representing Council
Gentile believers greatly encouraged
Character Traits Displayed
 Tactful/Discreet
 Dependable
 Discernment

Shepherd John Mark
Believed in Second Chances
Cultivated future potential
Future Leader in the Faith
Authored Mark’s Gospel
Profitable in Paul’s Ministry
Character Traits Displayed
 Kindness/Gentleness
 Forgiving/Love
 Wisdom

His Faith/Motive/Obedience
Full of the Holy Spirit
Called to Preach/Witness Gospel
Leader & Shepherd
Character Traits Displayed
 Faithful/Virtue/Temperance
 Dependable/Committed
 Compassionate

Testimony
 Holy Spirit ‐ For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. Acts 11:24
 Apostles & Elders ‐ It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto
you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Acts 15:25-26
 Believers Lives – The character traits of Barnabas; his goodness, faith, big heartedness, courage,
generosity, humbleness, self‐sacrifice, open‐mindedness, boldness and the fact the he was full of the
Holy Spirit greatly encouraged and helped other believers. Acts 4:37, 9:27, 11:23/26/30, 13:48/52, 14:22/23, 15:30-32

Summary Thoughts
 Encourager ‐ Barnabas was called to be an encourager, particularly of those who were weak in the faith
or struggling. He was delighted to see others exhibiting the grace of God in their lives, exhorting and
encouraging them to remain faithful.
 Effective Leader ‐ Assisted in first leading the young church at Antioch and then leading the first
missionary journey from Antioch with the Apostle Paul.
 Exhibited Insight & Humbleness ‐ Barnabas had the wisdom to know when Paul’s gifts and abilities had
exceeded his own in certain areas, and he allowed Paul to shine to the glory of God instead of keeping
him down to maintain his own prominence.
 Committed & Bold in the Faith ‐ He sacrificed his wealth to help the needy and his comfort and safety to
travel and proclaim Christ in advancing the gospel.
 Manifested the Spirit ‐ Barnabas is seen in the scriptures providing help, encouragement, comfort, and
wisdom to those around him. In many ways he acted like the Holy Spirit in the lives of the apostles.

Barnabas Character Traits List
Adaptability
Appreciation
Attentiveness
Availability
Commitment
Compassion
Concern
Confidence
Consideration
Consistency
Contentment
Cooperation
Courage
Creativity
Decisiveness
Deference
Dependability
Determination
Diligence
Discernment
Discretion
Efficiency
Equitableness
Fairness
Faithfulness
Fearlessness
Flexibility
Forgiveness
Friendliness
Generosity
Gentleness
Gratitude
Honesty
Humility
Integrity
Joyfulness
Kindness
Love
Loyalty
Meekness
Mercifulness
Observance
Optimism
Patience
Peacefulness
Perseverance
Persistence
Persuasiveness
Prudence
Punctuality
Purpose
Resourcefulness
Respect
Responsibility
Security
Self‐Control
Sincerity
Submissiveness
Tactfulness
Temperance
Thoroughness
Thriftiness
Tolerance
Trustworthiness
Truthfulness
Virtue

© Copyright 2018 by Mark Marton.  Please do not copy or distribute this content without the express written permission of the copyright owner.