Calling and Purpose 8—Barnabas and Exhortation

The dictionary definition of the verb (action) encourage is to “give support, confidence, or hope to someone” as well as to “help or stimulate and activity, state, or view to develop”.  It’s origins are French—from “in” and “courage”.  “Coeur” in French means “heart.”  So, quite literally, the word encourage is to support the heart of someone else.  The Biblical word often used instead of encourage is “exhort,” and that definition adds even more emphasis:  Exhort is defined as to “strongly encourage or urge someone to do something”—have the sense of pushing forward.  Its origins are Latin from “thoroughly” and “encourage”.  So, those with the gift of exhortation are those who strongly or thoroughly encourage the heart of others, specifically with forward movement (maturity) in mind.

 The New Testament disciple Barnabas comes immediately to mind when thinking of this particular gift.  The very first time we meet him, we learn that his given name is Joseph, but that his fellow believers called him Barnabas which translates to “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). We also get a glimpse at his generosity—as he sold a piece of land and gave the money to the apostle’s ministry (Acts 4:37).  Barnabas likely had many gifts, but his spiritual gift of exhortation appears to be his dominant one—especially for him to get his nickname.

 Perhaps because God had given him the gift of bringing courage to others, he was himself courageous.  When church-persecutor Saul has his conversion-encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road, the disciples in Jerusalem are rightly afraid of him—fearing that Saul was faking it in order to infiltrate the young church and destroy it. In this moment, it is Barnabas who vouches for Saul (otherwise known as Paul) and gives the church leaders confidence to welcome him:  “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 to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord” (Acts 9:27-28).

 We remember Paul’s missionary journeys and his ministry.  However, a close reading of Acts shows that Barnabas had significant, perhaps equal influence and impact.  When the Jerusalem church selects and sends Barnabas to Antioch, we read that “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). Then, Barnabas goes to Tarsus and brings Saul to Antioch and “for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26).

 We see Barnabas as trustworthy, a leader who is set apart and sent out, a companion of Paul, a cousin of John Mark, a prophet and a teacher (Acts 11, 12, 13, Colossians 4).  In Acts 11-14, there are many references to “they” and “we”—referring to both Barnabas and Paul.  They taught, they spoke, they answered, they traveled, they were persecuted, they were expelled, they were effective, they were bold, they performed signs and wonders, they preached the gospel, they appointed elders for the churches.  As an example, “They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[ordained elders or had elders elected] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust” (Acts 14:21-23).

 A primary purpose of Barnabas’ ministry was to strengthen the disciples and exhort them to remain faithful, to endure, to persist.  He knows what it is like to have to do these things—he is speaking from personal experience.  We are told by Barnabas’ traveling ministry companion, Paul, that the encouragement of others can help us experience boundless joy even in the midst of challenging circumstances. When we are heartened by others, it’s as if our “spirit has been refreshed” (2 Corinthians 7:13).

 Building up, strengthening, heartening, reassuring, fortifying others.  Exhorting toward faith, hope, love, unity, joy, patience, self-control, being connected to Jesus daily.  These are the essence of the spiritual gift of exhortation. 

For reflection:

·       Do you, like Barnabas, perhaps have one spiritual gift that is stronger, more dominant than your other gifts?

·       Does that gift give a particular shape or definition to your purpose and calling?

·       If those who know you best were to give you a nickname based on your gift or calling, what would it be?  Son/daughter of encouragement? Something else?

·       How does knowing your primary gift/s help influence and direct your ministry and commitments?

·       As you think about your own calling and purpose—as distinct from that of others—where is the story of Barnabas helpful?

 If you are unfamiliar with your gifts, take a quick free online Spiritual Gifts Assessment.  

 For more on these subjects, see the Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog.  Check out other resources and a six-week workbook at GodGiftsYou.com.

 Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and law enforcement leadership for over 30 years.  Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at First Pres Boulder since 1999.  She has worked with leaders and organizations in 47 of the United States as well as having clients outside the U.S.  Contact Shirley.