The Holy Spirit is the paraklētos, and we all know how impossible it is to find an adequate word to translate that rich idea. Often, the word cannot describe the character of God as it is beyond our knowledge and words. But the character of God could be reflected in our lives, so that people may understand Him better than they understand with words of description and adoration. Jesus asked us to live a life that people who witness may give glory to our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16). The Holy Spirit is the source of our comfort and encouragement. Barnabas, living a life to the fullest perspective of God, earned the title the Son of Paraklēsis.
In Greek, the word Paraklēsis is used to express the character of a man who encouraged and comforted other fellow believers. Today, many churches promote “fellowships” with the hope that believers will encourage one another. Unfortunately, instead of the intended mutual edification, these gatherings often give rise to controversies, as individuals tend to focus on and discuss each other’s shortcomings.
The Spirit Of Discouragement
Unlike Barnabas, many people, whether knowingly or unknowingly, discourage others and push them away from God under the guise of encouraging new believers. Often, people share testimonies with good intentions of motivating believers who have weak faith. However, in doing so, they unintentionally boast about their commitment to God and present their blessings or healing as a reward for their sincere dedication and faithfulness. As a result, a believer who is already weak in faith may feel discouraged, thinking they can never reach that level of commitment. This discouragement can lead them to give up the small measure of faith that God has given them.
Furthermore, when non-believers share their struggles and pain, God’s people sometimes respond by saying that they face the same problems, essentially agreeing that faith offers no real solution. Instead of glorifying God for His grace and guidance through challenges, they convey the message that faith makes no difference, thereby discouraging others from turning to God. Though they experience God’s grace, they hesitate to share it with non-believers, unintentionally suggesting that faith in the Living God provides no relief or peace.
Many believers also stop encouraging others because they receive no recognition or appreciation for their efforts. People may see them as seeking attention or fame. In reality, such individuals may simply desire the support and approval of elders and pastors to continue their ministry of encouragement. However, this recognition often never comes. Pastors may appreciate those who offer them moral or financial support, but sometimes become wary of those who encourage believers, fearing they might try to elevate themselves above the pastor or cause trouble. Paul addresses this issue by saying:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
To truly encourage others, one must be guided by the Holy Spirit, the Paraklētos (the Helper). If leaders hesitate to encourage others, it may reveal a lack of the Holy Spirit’s character, despite their claims of having it. Barnabas’s life teaches us that even after being known as the “Son of Encouragement,” he remained a behind-the-scenes figure. His example should inspire us to keep encouraging others, even when it leads to criticism or rejection from those around us.
Believers’ Negative Attitude
Barnabas is first introduced to us by Luke in Acts 4:36–37, not as a leader or apostle, but as an ordinary believer who possessed considerable wealth in the form of property. He is introduced as a generous giver who supported the expansion of God’s kingdom. The fact that he already held the title “Son of Encouragement” at that time suggests that his encouragement extended beyond financial support. Even before helping the church with money, Barnabas had likely been encouraging fellow believers, especially those overlooked by the rapidly growing church.
One important lesson we can learn from this is that when we encourage others and serve God with a sincere heart, without hidden motives, fellow believers can sometimes respond with negativity rather than growing in God’s love and following our example.
For instance, Ananias and Sapphira lost their lives because they tried to imitate Barnabas’s generosity dishonestly (Acts 5:5&10). Similarly, when we walk closely with God, some of our closest friends may not genuinely adopt our approach to faith. Instead, they may present themselves as mature believers or powerful prayer warriors without truly living out that faith.
Abel offered his sacrifice to God with a sincere heart, without comparing himself to anyone else. However, this innocent act stirred jealousy and envy in Cain’s heart, ultimately leading him to murder his brother (Genesis 4:.8). In the same way, many believers, when confronted with the sincerity and faithfulness of others, become bitter or envious. This attitude can cause them to distance themselves from genuine believers and even from God.
Barnabas’s act of encouraging John Mark eventually led to a split between Paul and Barnabas, causing them to pursue ministry separately (Acts 15:37-41). Similarly, Job’s faithfulness caused his friends to become critical and misguided, leading them to lose favor with God (Job 42:7).
If we have the spirit of encouragement, it’s essential to lift up in prayer those who have drifted away from God, not because of any fault of ours, but because of their struggle to accept straightforward, genuine faith.
The Cheerful Spirit Of Encouragement
Luke records that Peter found favor with the council in Jerusalem because he was one of Jesus’ original disciples. In contrast, Paul was not even welcomed by the disciples at first. It was Barnabas, true to his nickname “Son of Encouragement,” who persuaded the disciples to accept Paul (Acts 9:26). However, Paul, later, presents this situation differently in his letter to the Galatians.
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. – Galatians 2:1 (NIV)
The same Barnabas who convinced the other disciples to accept Paul was later led by Paul to Jerusalem, where Barnabas had already earned support and respect. True encouragers don’t feel the need to showcase their deeds — it’s a natural outflow of their character. On the other hand, those who lack this gift often feel compelled to highlight their actions. A genuine spirit of encouragement cannot be quenched by opposition. If it fades when faced with resistance, it likely stems from a self-serving spirit rather than the Holy Spirit, which seeks to glorify God rather than elevate itself.
Barnabas’s connection with Jerusalem was well established when he was chosen to investigate reports about God’s work through unnamed men from Cyprus and Cyrene who had come to Antioch. When Barnabas arrived, he didn’t scrutinize the credentials of those preaching the gospel. Instead, he recognized the work of the Holy Spirit, rejoiced, and encouraged the new believers to remain strong in their faith. Encouragement was part of Barnabas’s nature — it flowed from him effortlessly as a natural gift. Luke records that Barnabas also preached the good news, and many came to believe in Jesus Christ because of his noble character and the grace of God (Acts 11:22–24).
Following this, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul. When he found him, he brought Saul to Antioch, where they both served the Lord for an extended period (Acts 11:25–26).
At the beginning of Acts 13, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Paul for missionary work. Initially, Luke refers to their partnership as “Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 13:7), but later, in Acts 13:13, he writes “Paul and his company,” signaling a shift in leadership. Barnabas likely saw this positively, recognizing that his encouragement helped shape Paul into a leader and an apostle to the Gentiles. This attitude contrasts with many pastors and church leaders today, who often struggle to accept when those they have trained rise to leadership positions.
Acts chapter 14 describes the long-term ministry of Barnabas and Paul. In Lystra, Luke records that Barnabas was regarded as the chief speaker, while Paul was identified as the one who performed miracles (Acts 14:8–12).
Encouragers Are Unsung Heroes
Although Luke introduces Barnabas as the “Son of Encouragement,” his acts of encouragement are often overlooked. Barnabas was a steadfast supporter of the Gentile mission. He made a bold decision to separate from Paul, choosing instead to encourage Mark, someone the church had rejected for various reasons, whether valid or not. Despite standing alone, Barnabas courageously supported Mark with his encouraging spirit. When no one else was using the gift of forgiveness, Barnabas stood as a testament in forgiving and encouraging the person who was condemned by others. It is certain that a reward is waiting in store for Barnabas.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’- Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
While Pastors often praise Paul and hold him up as a role model for defending sound doctrine, Barnabas’s role in restoring and supporting a rejected believer is largely ignored. From Barnabas’s life, we learn that if we sincerely follow God by encouraging the oppressed and rejected, we may face criticism even from the church. However, we must remain focused on uplifting discouraged souls, especially those overlooked or judged by self-appointed spiritual leaders and guardians of doctrine.
Luke, who traveled with Paul and Silas during their mission through Syria and Cilicia, documented Paul’s ministry in detail. In contrast, we have little recorded information about Barnabas’s ministry after he parted ways with Paul. Nevertheless, it’s certain that as long as Barnabas lived, he would have continued to encourage many and lead them to Christ.
Need Of The Hour
In today’s world, few genuinely encourage others with humility. Instead, whether they are spiritual leaders, pastors, or fellow believers, many discourage others by exalting themselves above all and condemning others as sinners lost in darkness, afflicted by curses and tormented by evil spirits. Tragically, though they claim to see the darkness in others’ lives, they fail to bring deliverance—instead, they entangle them further. Yet, despite their failures, they remain in the spotlight, presenting themselves as powerful servants of God. In light of this troubling reality, God calls His people to truly encourage one another and draw others into His fold.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: – Philippians 2:3-5 (NIV)
Do we seek to be in the spotlight, or do we aspire to be a quiet source of encouragement, helping others to find the light of Christ?
The Jordan Valley 
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