I WANT TO BE A SON OF EXHORTATION
(David Weaks)

Barnabas was one of Paul’s most trusted co-workers.  He is mentioned twenty-three times in the book of Acts, and five times in Paul’s letters.  He was clearly a valuable to Paul as a companion and helper, but his greatest asset was summed up in his name and how perfectly it fit him.  His name was Joses, but the apostles gave him the nickname, “son of exhortation,” (Acts 4:36).

Barnabas was the cousin of John Mark (Acts 12:25), and was a member of the church in Antioch of Syria (Acts 13:1).  He was chosen by the Lord from among the saints in Antioch to assist Paul in his travels (13:2).  He was with Paul when He confronted Elymas at Paphos on the island of Crete (13:7ff).  Surely the Lord chose Barnabas because he was as bold as Paul in his preaching (13:46).  His strong personality caused local Greeks in Lystra to presume Barnabas to be Zeus, and Paul,  Hermes (the messenger god), because he was the chief speaker (14:12).  Barnabas joined Paul in his dispute with the false teachers from Jerusalem (15:2).  He was as beloved as Paul was by the brethren in Antioch (15:25).