LIFE SCRIPTS

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So 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 11:19‭-‬26 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.11.19-26.NIV

Barnabas the encourager appears in this scripture while doing what he is good at doing…encouraging others. The persecution led to the scattering of the believers. Though a difficult time, this scattering could be related to the way a farmer scatters seeds during sowing. As Christians moved from Jerusalem to different zones, they actively carried with them the gospel. Scripture says that they ‘spoke’ and told others of the good news. They didn’t sit down pretty hoping others would notice how different they were. They engaged. As they went on with their work, they actively shared the gospel. In today’s world, we also ought to be ‘scattered’ in different places ready to share the gospel. Whether in our neighborhoods, schools, places of work, in social media…our testimony of Christ need not only be seen but also be heard. Our mouths must convey the gospel of truth. Barnabas was called upon from Jerusalem to encourage the new believers in these towns. His name translates to ‘Son of Encouragement’. And indeed he exhorted people including Paul who was in some sort of exile in Tarsus. He particularly went to Tarsus in search of him and when he found him, brought him Antioch where they taught many and shared the gospel. We’re in need of more people like Barnabas in today’s church. Too often do Christians come out as a critical and an aloof lot even towards each other. Too often do we lack the spirit of encouragement in us. Yet scripture calls the Holy Spirit our Comforter. Where are the people who will pull those who are discouraged from their pit and lift up their spirits? Where are those who will encourage those who’ve fallen while assuring them of God’s forgiveness when they repent? The church today needs more people like Barnabas. More encouragers.