“Obey everything the Lord tells you to do.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 7, 2025
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Acts 11:24
His real name was Joseph, but that wasn’t what they called him. He was a Levite, from the priestly tribe, but he’d never served in the temple. He’d been a Jew, but he didn’t live in Judea. His home was Cyprus, where both language and culture were Greek.
He came to know Jesus and became known for being full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And when it was time for him to set out on mission, the Holy Spirit called him by name! Though he’d never followed Jesus while He was alive, he was recognized as an apostle. And though we only encounter him in a few chapters in Acts, he played an enormous role in spreading the gospel to the nations.
I think if I could pattern my life after one person in the Bible, it would be him.
They gave him a nickname in Aramaic: Barnabas. Luke translated it “Son of encouragement.” (Some translations say, “Son of comfort, consolation, or exhortation.”) That word – παρακαλέω (parakaleo) is one of those Greek words so filled with meaning our English words can’t capture it.
It’s made of two other words:
Note this name looks a lot like the Holy Spirit’s name: Parakleton.
Barnabas’ name uses the verb form of the Holy Spirit’s name. It’s almost like when he does the truth and love combo he’s still known for, he is, in a sense, “Holy Spiriting.”
He seems to appear out of nowhere, selling a piece of land and depositing the proceeds at the apostles’ feet – a demonstration of submission and trust – a help to those in need and an encouragement to the earliest apostles. This act may also have signified giving up ever living in Cyprus again. He was giving his life to spreading the gospel.)
We don’t see him again until everyone is afraid of a new convert, the persecutor who’d just accepted (and was now radically preaching) Christ, the one who’d write nearly half of the books of the New Testament. Barnabas brought Saul to Jerusalem to meet the apostles. Urging them to accept him, he shared his reputation to purchase Saul’s acceptance.
When he encouraged believers to remain true to the Lord, large numbers of people came to faith. He raised money for the famine-stricken church in Jerusalem, and people were comforted. He urged people to continue in faith in Pisidian Antioch. He spoke the truth boldly, despite persecution. Wherever he went, people came to believe.
I have a couple people in my life who are full of truth, love, and Holy Spirit. I’m so grateful for them, and I’m asking God to make me like this, because Barnabas seems to me one of the most perfect examples of living life for Christ, of coming alongside others and knowing when to encourage and when to call out, being like the Holy Spirit with the truth, using it for both.
I wish I could tell you how to become like Barnabas, too, but I’m still learning myself. Here is all the advice I have: Spend more time with the Lord. Try to listen to Him. Obey everything he tells you to do. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you.
Prayer
Christ my Savior, Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth, thank You for Your encouragement. And thank you for the people who are like you. Let us become like Barnabas – full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and full of encouragement for others. Help us to speak truth in love and boldly urge people toward you. Make us sons and daughters of encouragement, Holy Spiriting wherever we go, and let many come to you because of it.
Application
Right now, ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit for today. Ask Him to make you aware that you are being transformed, and ask to be a blessing to others. If you sense He is leading you to speak truth in love or encourage someone, don’t wait. Do it right away.
Related Reading
Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 11:19-26; 13:1-3
Worship Resource
Influence Music & Michael Ketterer: Spirit Lead Me
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