Son Of Encouragement Series

“Son Of Encouragement”

Acts 11:22-25

Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus. His real name was Joseph, but the apostles nicknamed him Barnabas meaning “son of encouragement,” because he loved to encourage others. Barnabas’ name appears 23 times in Acts, and 5 times in the letters of Paul.

Barnabas = "son of rest"

A servant of the church in Jerusalem and a willing servant of the Lord.

I. The Report Heard

Acts 11:22 “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.”

The first thing that we see is that the Gospel message was causing great rejoicing.

Tidings - this is the word used when good things are reported.

Although there are times “evil tidings” are spoken (that is a different word).

First mentioned in Genesis 29:13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.

It was also used in Luke 2:10 “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

I love good news and there can be no better news than the Word of God is being received and accepted.

They sent forth Barnabas - who was himself from the country of Cyprus, and so very fit to be sent to Antioch

That he should go as far as Antioch - which is said to be about fifteen or sixteen day’s journey from Jerusalem.

II. The Report Herald

Acts 11:23 “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.”

Notice that Barnabas did not come and take charge; rather he arrived and observed.

Seen the grace of God - the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ,

We often define grace as:

God’s

Riches

At

Christ

Expense

I great way to describe salvation but an easy way to simplify the wonder of a lost person realizing their need of a Saviour and trusting in the only hope of salvation which is in Christ Jesus.

Exhorted them all - to call to one’s side, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort

Question: when was the last time you saw the GRACE of God in your life?

I realize salvation is the very beginning, but there is so much more to His GRACE after salvation.

NEW GRACE

By: Evangelist Dr. Tom Hayes (19??)

1.

All of grace is my story

All the way from Earth to Glory

Since by grace He lifted me from sin and woe

Living grace He has extended

As on Him my heart depended

He'll give new grace when it's my time to go.

Chores:

Grace not yet discovered

Grace not yet uncovered

Grace from His bountiful store

Grace to cross the river

And grace to face forever

There'll be new grace I've not needed before.

2.

There's been grace for every trial

There's been grace for every mile

There's been grace sufficient from His vast supply

Grace to make my heart more tender

Grace to love and pray for sinners

There'll be new grace when it's my time to die.

Chores:

Grace not yet discovered

Grace not yet uncovered

Grace from His bountiful store

Grace to cross the river

And grace to face forever

There'll be new grace I've not needed before.

That with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord;- that they would hold to his person, exercising grace, abide by his truths and ordinances, keep close to his people, adhere to the new faith in Christ.

Cleave - to hold fast to: the grace of God received in the Gospel

Barnabas was simply saying “life is hard, but God is enough.”

III. The Report Harmonized

Acts 11:24 “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”

For he was a good man, - He had the grace of God in his soul, demonstrating by actions who God is and what could be accomplished.

Barnabas did good works; he was very kind, and generous, and charitable.

And much people was added unto the Lord; - by Barnabas and through his ministry, many people heard and responded to the wonderful gift of salvation.

IV. The Report Helped

Acts 11:25 “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:”

I find this very interesting that Barnabas left in order to seek Saul (Paul).

Here we draw our final thought for today: