The Power of Encouragement: Lessons from Barnabas

Wendy Mann
Oct 12
6 min read

If you haven't seen the video or listened to the podcast on 'We can't do it alone: The importance of community', I encourage you to do that first before continuing with the rest of this material.

You can find the video HERE or listen to the podcast HERE (Episode 8).

One of the powerful things about being in community is the opportunity we have to encourage one another to become all that God has called us to be. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. In other words, what we say to others — and even about ourselves — really matters. We have the ability to speak words of life to people, words that carry spiritual weight and eternal significance. Would you say that you are an encourager? Let’s learn together from the life of Barnabas about the profound significance of encouragement in God's Kingdom.

Encouragement is often thought of as a kind word or a pat on the back, but in Scripture it carries far greater weight. To encourage literally means to put courage into someone. It is the ability to strengthen another person’s faith, lift their perspective, and propel them towards God’s purposes.

One of the clearest biblical models of this is Barnabas, whose very name means “son of encouragement.” Wherever he went, people were lifted, restored, and released into their God-given calling. His impact on the apostle Paul alone shows us how powerful encouragement can be. Let's look at his example and learn some lessons from him.

1. Encouragement Sees Beyond the Past (Acts 9:26–27)

When Saul of Tarsus tried to join the disciples in Jerusalem after his conversion, he was met with fear and suspicion. His reputation as a persecutor carried more weight than his testimony. The community of believers simply could not trust that he had really changed.

But Barnabas was different. He took the risk of getting to know Saul, and he recognised the genuine hand of God on his life. Barnabas then used his own credibility to bring Saul to the apostles, testifying to his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and his bold preaching in the synagogues.

This moment cannot be overstated. Without Barnabas, Saul may have remained isolated and sidelined by mistrust. It was Barnabas' encouragement that opened the door to Saul for community and ministry. Encouragement chooses to see beyond someone’s past, even when others aren't able to. It recognises the transforming grace of God on someone's life and speaks about it with confidence conviction.

2. Encouragement Gives People a Platform (Acts 11:25–26)

When news reached Jerusalem that a large number of Gentiles were coming to faith in Antioch, the apostles sent Barnabas to strengthen and shepherd this new community. True to character, Barnabas rejoiced at the evidence of God’s grace and exhorted the believers to remain steadfast. He also knew that the work to be done was too much for just one man could carry.

So Barnabas made a costly decision. He left Antioch and travelled the long journey to Tarsus — over 130 miles — to find Saul and bring him into what God was doing. Together, they taught in Antioch for a whole year, laying foundations that turned the city into a great missionary hub.

This is an incredible example of encouragement in action. Barnabas was secure enough in his identity not to cling to leadership or influence. Instead, his focus was on recognising others and raising them up. Barnabas went out of his way (literally) to create space for Saul to flourish. Encouragement does not hoard opportunity; it invites others to share in it.

3. Encouragement Is Generous and Selfless (Acts 4:36–37; 13:2–3)

The first time we meet Barnabas, he is selling a field and laying the proceeds at the apostles’ feet to meet the needs of the church. His generosity set the tone for his whole ministry. He wasn’t merely an encourager with words but with his life — giving sacrificially so that others might thrive.

That same generous spirit carried through into his partnership with Saul. When the church in Antioch fasted and prayed, the Holy Spirit set apart “Barnabas and Saul” for mission. Barnabas was the recognised leader. Yet as the journey unfolded, Saul’s leadership came increasingly to the fore, and the order of their names soon switched to “Paul and Barnabas.”

Here we see the true selflessness of encouragement. Barnabas was not threatened by Saul’s rising prominence. He rejoiced in it. His encouragement flowed from a generous, unselfish heart, secure enough to step aside when God was raising up someone else.

4. Encouragement Stands with the Overlooked (Acts 9:27; 15:36–39; 2 Tim. 4:11)

Barnabas’ encouragement was not limited to Paul. Later, when John Mark abandoned the missionary team, Paul concluded he was unreliable and refused to take him on future trips. Yet Barnabas would not give up on him, and against Paul’s strong objections, he chose to bring Mark along and mentor him.

This decision came at a cost. It led to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, and the two went their separate ways. Yet Barnabas’ encouragement bore lasting fruit. Years later, Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark with him, saying, “he is very useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11). The Gospel of Mark, written under Peter’s influence, also stands as part of the enduring legacy of his restored role and contribution.

Encouragement stands with those others have written off. It sees failure not as final but as a stepping stone for growth. It believes in God’s power to redeem and restore.

5. Encouragement Creates Room for Growth (Acts 13:1–13; 13:43)

When the church in Antioch sent out Barnabas and Saul, the order of names reflected the reality of leadership: Barnabas was more experienced and carried more authority. Yet as Paul’s gift emerged, his preaching and leadership became central and soon it became “Paul and Barnabas” leading the mission.

What’s remarkable is that Barnabas never resisted this change. He allowed the younger man to step into greater authority, even though it meant stepping back from prominence himself. Barnabas' encouragement created space for growth, not only for Paul but also for the mission of God to flourish.

Encouragement is willing to release others into their full calling. It does not cling to control and it doesn't need the spotlight. Instead, it celebrates when others surpass us. In this way, encouragement multiplies impact far beyond what we could achieve alone.

6. Encouragement Fuels the Mission of God (Acts 11:22–26; 13:1–3)

The fruit of Barnabas’ encouragement is staggering. His belief in Paul resulted in Paul’s ministry being launched. And Paul’s ministry being launched, led to churches being planted across the Gentile world, leaders being discipled, and much of the New Testament being written.

Barnabas encouragement of Paul didn’t just bless one man — it helped to shape the course of the global church. This is the power of encouragement. It multiplies. It releases destiny. It fuels mission. And it often works quietly in the background, content to let others rise, while heaven keeps the record of its true impact.

Conclusion: A Call to Encourage

The example of Barnabas reminds us that encouragement is far more than a kind word — it is a Kingdom investment that changes lives and alters history. Every time we choose to believe the best about someone, to stand with the overlooked, or to create space for another’s gift to flourish, we are participating in the same legacy. Encouragement can be costly — it requires humility, generosity, and a willingness to step back or step aside for the sake of another. Yet it is also an incredible privilege to play a part in witnessing others become more and more who God has called them to be because of our words and actions.

Like Barnabas, we may never fully see the ripple effects of our encouragement this side of eternity, but heaven bears witness to the courage we impart and the destinies we help unlock. May we become people whose encouragement shapes lives, strengthens the church, and fuels the mission of God.

Questions for Reflection:

Who could I reach out to this week with a word of encouragement or affirmation?
Are there opportunities I could share or create for others, even if it means stepping back from the spotlight?
What practical act of generosity could I take to strengthen someone else’s journey with God?
Is there someone who has been overlooked or written off that God may be calling me to stand beside?
In what ways can I release others into their calling, even if they grow beyond my own influence?
How can I pray for the courage to become a Barnabas in my community, fuelling people's gifting and calling with encouragement?