Scripture References: Acts 4:32-37, Acts 9:20-31, Hebrews 10:24-25

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1 Study: #PeopleOfTheBible Bible Character: Barnabas January 6, 2016 Scripture References: Acts 4:32-37, Acts 9:20-31, Hebrews 10:24-25 Theme: Son of Encouragement At Home Preparation Gather blank cards and envelopes or construction paper along with writing/drawing materials to create notes of encouragement. Mark these scripture readings in your Bible: Acts 4:32-37, Acts 9:20-31, Hebrews 10:24-25 Introducing the Character Barnabas was a Levite from the island of Cyprus. He was a key leader of the early church and was critical to the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. A close friend and ministry partner to Paul, most of Barnabas story can be

2 found in the book of Acts. His birth name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas meaning son of encouragement. Making the Connection Let s talk about people who encourage each of us. Take turns sharing about how people have encouraged you (your teacher, coach, friend, family...) How do you wish someone would encourage you? Name a struggle in your life where you could use some encouragement. Share what people could do or say to encourage you in your struggle. We are going to learn a bit today about a man named Joseph, who was such and encourager, he was nicknamed Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. *Read the passage from Acts 4: All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold

3 them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means son of encouragement ), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles feet. Before this passage mentions Barnabas, it talks about the believers in the early church. How does it describe them? (they are of one heart and mind, they shared with each other) If someone had a need, how did the believers respond? (They helped anyone with a need. Sometimes people would sell their home or land to provide money for people s needs.) What did the apostles testify about? (The resurrection of Jesus Christ.) Do you think our church is similar to this today? Why or why not? Introducing the Character What did Barnabas name mean? (son of encouragement)

4 Barnabas real name was Joseph. Why do you suppose the disciples gave him that nickname? What are your nicknames? Why? Can you think of some fun nicknames that would describe the people in your family? Why? Be nice about it! Barnabas clearly went out of his way to encourage others if they renamed him son of encouragement. We see at the end of this passage that he didn t only encourage people with his words, he encouraged others by sharing his resources. He sold a field and brought the money to the apostles to use for ministry. Can you think of ways you could use what you have to encourage others? Let s brainstorm ideas. (i.e. share toys, make cookies, write letters, share a portion of allowance to help a ministry or someone in need, babysit someone s children, volunteer to shovel someone s sidewalk...) Exploring the Text Let s read another example of how Barnabas consistently chose to encourage others. In Acts 9, we read about Saul who had recently turned his life over to Christ. If you remember, he was known for killing

5 Christians until he lost his sight on the road to Damascus and met Jesus. When he Jesus as his Savior, regained his sight, and was baptized. Let s read Acts 9 to see how Barnabas was an encourager and impacted the early church by being an encouragement to Saul. Read Acts 9:19-31 Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, Isn t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests? 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. 23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken

6 to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. How did Barnabas encourage Saul? (He stood up for him and vouched for his reputation to the disciples who doubted him.) How did this impact the early church? (Because Barnabas convinced the disciples that Saul was trustworthy, they supported his ministry and he was able to talk and debate with those who opposed him. The church enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened by Saul s ministry and teaching, thanks to Barnabas.) Have you ever had anyone stand up for you when a person or group was giving you a hard time? How did it encourage you?

7 Have you ever been the person to stand up for someone who was being picked on, left out, or bullied? How did that affect the situation when someone stood up for you or you stood up for someone else? Seeing the Big Picture Hebrews 10:24-25 says this: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. What does that verse mean to you? While Barnabas certainly had the gift of encouragement, it seems that God wants all of us to continually encourage others. Is that hard for you to do? Why? Why not? Making a Plan

8 As we start this new year, let s all be nicknamed Barnabas. Let s go out of our way to encourage each other. We can do this by: using our words to bless and encourage others sharing what we have (in skills, possessions, or time) with others standing up for others Making it Count Let s take a bit of time to write a note or draw a picture of encouragement for someone. Think about what other ways we can be like Barnabas this year. Take some time to pray and thank God for the people in your life who have been an encouragement to you. Ask God to help you see how you can be an encouragement to others.