After the glorious days of Pentecost and the early growth of the Church, the Lord raised up a man who became a generous giver, a great encourager, and a loyal friend to the saints. His given name was Joses, but he was soon called Barnabas, a name which means “the son of consolation or encouragement.”

Barnabas never wrote a book of the Bible, and no record exists of Barnabas ever preaching a sermon. Nor did he lead a church or have a ministry of his own, as far as we know. But Barnabas is important not for what he did but rather for those he influenced. In a very real way, influence is power, and Barnabas had the power of encouragement, the power of example, and the ability to give gifts to the Church—gifts that would keep on giving.