BARNABAS

2/12/2026

“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus” (Acts 4:36).

You have a role to play in your local church. The vision of the house is not just for the pastor or spiritual leader; when God calls a man or woman, He calls others alongside them to help fulfill that vision. Your participation in that assignment is part of your ministry of reconciliation.

Hebrews 13:17 instructs us, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority… because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” Your spiritual leaders will one day give a report concerning your stewardship. What kind of report will it be? One of joy or one of grief?

The Scripture continues, “Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” In other words, you can either lighten the load through faithfulness or increase it through carelessness. And the Word clearly tells us that being a burden is unprofitable for you.

Acts 4:36 introduces us to Joses, whom the apostles surnamed Barnabas—“son of consolation” or “son of encouragement.” What a testimony to receive from spiritual leaders! That name did not come by accident. It came through consistent faithfulness.

When you study Barnabas in the Book of Acts, you see a man committed to the gospel. He welcomed new believers and stood beside them. He was the first to publicly stand with Paul after Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:27). He helped disciple growing believers, and Acts 11:24 describes him as “a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.”

One defining trait stands out—Barnabas was a giver. He gave generously to see the work of the ministry prosper. Acts 4:37 records that he sold land and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. His encouragement was not only in words but in action. He invested his life, his influence, and his resources into the vision of the house.

Child of God, your stewardship is seen in your preaching of the gospel, your willingness to disciple others, your diligence in completing assignments, and your generosity toward the work of God. Strive to be a son or daughter of encouragement in your local church—someone in whose hands the ministry thrives.

Recognize your place. Take your place. You too can be a Barnabas.

God bless you

Faith-Filled Confession:

Father, I thank You for calling me to a life of glory and excellence. I am a faithful steward in Your house. I strengthen the hands of my leaders, I encourage believers, and I give generously to advance Your work. Through me, the ministry prospers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.