Title: The person God uses/Acts 11:24
Content The person God uses/Acts 11:24
Perhaps among the characters in the book of Acts, I think that the person God used dearly was Barnabas. Of course, the apostle Paul became the apostle Paul because of God's grace, but at the same time, I think it was because of the good role of Barnabas. I think that Antioch Church became a base for world missions, of course, because of God's grace, but also because of Barnabas' good role. Of course, the mission to Asia Minor and Europe was accomplished because of God's grace, but at the same time, I think it was because of Barnabas's good role.
However, the Bible describes Barnabas as first of all, pointing out that he was a good man. Before saying that he was a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith, he pointed out that Barnabas was a good man. “Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” A good person is one who seeks the good of others instead of seeking his own. A good person is someone who is willing to give his or her money and material things for others instead of being obsessed with money or material things. A good person is a person who comforts and encourages others by raising others instead of raising himself. A good person is a person who receives people's approval, trust, and praise instead of being criticized by them. Now let's take a look at the seven good things about Barnabas recorded in the book of Acts.
Second, Acts 9:26,27 describes Barnabas as a kind man with a warm heart who defended and encouraged Saul in trouble. “Saul went to Jerusalem and wanted to make friends with his disciples, but because they were all afraid, they did not believe that he was his disciples. So Barnabas took him and went to the apostles, how he saw the Lord on the road, what the Lord had told him, and how he was in Damascus in the name of Jesus Speak what you have spoken boldly.” A person with a past who can defend a person who is misunderstood, mistrusted, and criticized by people is a really good person. Barnabas defended Saul, who was being misunderstood, distrusted, and criticized before the apostles in Jerusalem. And he comforted and encouraged Saul. In fact, the meaning of the name Barnabas is ‘comforter’ or ‘encourager’. Barnabas was a good man who defended and encouraged Saul in trouble.
Third, Acts 11:22 describes Barnabas as a reliable man sent by the Jerusalem church to Antioch when the gospel was preached to Antioch. “When the church in Jerusalem heard about these people, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.” Barnabas was a good man who was recognized and trusted by others. In particular, he was a good person who received the recognition and trust of the church and the saints. Gentile missionary work is not something everyone can do. Only good people who are understanding and tolerant can do this. Barnabas was a good person who was recognized as a suitable person for Gentile missions and was sent to the church in Jerusalem.
Fifth, Acts 11:29, 30, 12:25 describes Barnabas as he went to Jerusalem with Saul with the alms offerings made by the Antioch church members when there was a famine in Judea. “Each of the disciples decided to send a relief to the brothers living in Judea, according to their abilities, and they did this and sent it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. “Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem after they had finished their father-in-law work, taking John who was called Mark.” The first mission of the church is to worship God, but the second mission is to do good deeds that extend a loving hand to those in need. In order for the church to fulfill its role of salt and light in the world, it must do good deeds of reaching out to those in need. But Barnabas did it. Barnabas was a good man who opened the hand of almsgiving and carried out the work himself.