“God raises up some people, and puts them in key roles where you may never know who they are. But, they play such a significant role in supporting, encouraging, and caring for other people.”-Matt Williams

Influence is the culminating result of building character in the first part of life and subsequently gaining credibility. Barnabas,an example of this progression, spent his life influencing in the background. As a testament to the character growth he had experienced in Christ early in his life, he sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles, he logged some serious time with a former persecutor of Christians and years following and suffering alongside Paul on his missional journey. Because of this, he developed credibility among the apostles. His opinion was trusted, and he was sought after for encouragement, guidance, and discernment. As he continued to encourage in the shadow of those in the spotlight, his influence on the first church and its impact deepened.

Scripture References

Acts 4:32-37
Acts 5
Acts 9:26-31
Acts 11:24
Acts 14:1-11
Acts 15:36-41
2 Timothy 4:11
Hebrews 13:17

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1. As Barnabas committed his life continually and selflessly to the mission, he did so without a need for recognition or fame. Barnabas knew that character is built when no one is watching. In what areas do you need to step aside and humble yourself in order to cultivate your character?
2. Barnabas was trusted in many ways by those around him. They trusted his view of reality, trusted him with money, and trusted him to tell them the truth. The fruit in his life and ministry was in line with his character. The same should be true for us. Are there areas of your life where people have to explain away the fruit of your life or your character in order to validate your credibility?
3. Barnabas gained credibility by maintaining character through perseverance. As he and Paul traveled proclaiming the Gospel to the Gentiles, they were met with many obstacles, persecution, and trials. Yet the mission made his suffering bearable. How might persevering through trials and suffering strengthen your character and define your credibility?
4. Because of the credibility he had developed with both Saul, a once murderer of Christians, and the apostles, Barnabas’ influence gave way to Paul, the most influential writer of the New Testament. Where can your influence be yielded to the Lord to use and increase?

Thoughts to Consider

-Conflict was and is the nature of ministry, and Paul and Barnabas experienced this regularly. It is a reminder that ministry and life is difficult. Just like Paul and Barnabas, we must cling to the mission which gives meaning to temporary conflict, bear up under the suffering, and persevere.
-Barnabas was willing to make himself vulnerable and expose himself to Paul, a man who had killed Christians, all for the sake of the kingdom. We too must be willing to take risks and make sacrifices in an effort to give our lives away.
-Barnabas and Paul were comfortable with obscurity. In our current fame-obsessed culture, we should be willing to use our gifts while laboring in obscurity. In doing so, attention remains on the mission and not on ourselves.
-Ministry can be messy, complicated, and hard. Barnabas endured during the mess and was willing to dive into things that are complicated. We too can endure through the suffering that comes along with ministry because we know what Jesus has already done for us. Our mission offers meaning to the suffering we might endure.