Barnabas was a Christ follower and missionary in the early church. His real name was Joseph but the apostles gave him the name of “Barnabas” – meaning “son of encouragement” – because he very often worked to encourage others.
We see in Acts 4:36-37 that he sold a piece of land and “brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet”. This implies that he gave it to them for them to administer, showing humbleness and sacrificial giving.
Barnabas modeled Christ in word, in action and in general. He had a special calling, not only as a missionary sharing the gospel but also to support and encourage others.
Barnabas was a mentor and a leader – leading by example. We see that Barnabas promoted others over himself and used his position as a leader to help others succeed in ministry and missions.
While Barnabas was prominently visible at the beginning of his and Paul’s missionary journey, he seems to have humbly and quietly faded into the background, serving others. Barnabas provided opportunities to others, rather than pursuing them for himself, yet another example of his humility and sacrifice for others.
Associate in many cultures means more than just an employee or co-worker; indicating a relationship more like partners working together for the same goal and vision!
Barnabas was a partner of Paul’s – an associate. Not just a co-worker, but an equal who also influenced and led Paul, even endorsing him to other early Christians. Barnabas later supported Paul in his own ministry.
This partnership is important! Unlike a co-worker, a partner bears a similar burden and commits equal effort and investment. This is how we mean “associates” – partners in ministry, equally committed and invested, working together toward a shared goal, mission and vision.
At Barnabas and Associates, we strive to be like Barnabas – leading by example, encouraging, supporting, serving and training others – with a goal of seeing them grow and become successful in ministry for Jesus Christ.