Barnabas 

Introduction

Name: Barnabas, (the Son of Consolation), surnamed by the twelve Apostles sometime after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

   He was born with the Greek name Joses, which is a Greek variation of the Hebrew name Joseph. For this reason some believe he is the same Joseph, called Barsabas, surnamed Justus mentioned in Acts 1:23 who was not selected as the twelfth apostle to the circumcision (Israel).

   Some believe that is why he is later re-surnamed as the son of consolation, because he didn’t get the position that Matthias received, but later became an apostle with the apostle Paul (the apostle of the Gentiles Romans 11:13).

   That maybe so or not. Let everyman be fully persuaded in his own mind. Romans 14:5

Act 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 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, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 

   Here we see just after Pentecost that these Jews who had accepted the gospel of the kingdom message were added to this Jewish church in Jerusalem that was looking for the kingdom to appear.

   One of the things that Jesus commanded all of his followers to do while he was with them was to sell all that they had and to come and to follow him.

   That was because the kingdom that had been promised by all the prophets since the world began was now at hand if the nation would just repent. Matthew 4:17, 23, and 19:21

   Even though the Jewish nation had rejected their King, he was still willing to give them the opportunity to repent and to produce the fruits of righteousness expected of them. The first thing they needed to do of course was to believe that Jesus was the Christ.

   Barnabas was a Levite, which meant he was not allotted any land in Israel for a possession, as God was to be the Levite's inheritance. Numbers 18:23.

   He was also a citizen of Cyprus, which is an Island just west of Israel in the Mediterranean that belonged to Greece. Levites were to live in the land of Israel to perform the duties of a Levite, not on some far off Island.

    This just goes to show you the degradation of the priesthood around the time of Jesus' day, and how far they had gotten away from what God had commanded them to do at Mount Sinai.

   When the rich young ruler asked Jesus what good thing he must do in order to inherit eternal life in Israel's future kingdom notice Jesus' reply and see how that is exactly what Barnabas is doing here in Acts 4 when he sells everything and lays it at the apostles feet.

Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 

    Barnabas was a part of the little flock of saints that would inherit the kingdom that was rejected by the religious crowd in Jerusalem, and it had been taken away from them by their future King and given to another nation (the nation of believing Jews). 

Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 

* Jesus was speaking to the chief priests, and the elders of Israel, who were questioning his authority to heal.

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give

alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

   Barnabas is introduced to us in the early part of the book of Acts prior to the stoning of Stephen when Israel as a nation was being given another year after the crucifixion to repent as Jesus prophesied in the parable of the fig tree:

Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. 

   Israel as a whole rejected Christ's and his three-year ministry to Israel even after his resurrection when the twelve apostles to the nation of Israel preached to them for another whole year.

    When that year ended at the preaching of Stephen to Israel's leaders in Jerusalem Israel was cut off at that time and became Loammi, (not my people) Hosea 1:9 (for more on this subject see our studies in Hosea and Acts part I).

    We next hear about Barnabas when he speaks to the apostle's on Saul's behalf when he comes to Jerusalem after three years in Damascus and Arabia:

Acts 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 

   It is very likely that Barnabas was in Damascus when Saul was there because it sounds like he had eye witness testimony of at least some of what Saul had been doing while he was there in Damascus.

   This is very probable because Barnabas would have to travel through Damascus when he was going on his way to Cyprus, (his previous

home) or to Antioch of Syria. Saul/Paul's home town was Tarsus, and it was on the way to Antioch of Syria.

28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

   Barnabas would have probably been one of the disciples tasked with taking Saul to Caesarea, as that was a port city that would have been thee place for Saul to catch a ship to Tarsus, and for Barnabas to get one to Cyprus or Antioch.

   We next hear about Barnabas when the apostles hear that some of their flock that had scattered from Jerusalem and were in Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch and were preaching to the Jews there and seeing many of them come to Christ.

Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

   It is very important to remember that until chapter thirteen only Jews were being preached to. Peter did preach to one group of Gentiles at Caesarea but that was a while after their little flock fled Jerusalem in Acts chapter eight after the persecution that arose about Stephen.

   Cornelius' household were a type of the first fruits of the Gentiles that would go into the kingdom.  Notice also that some of them fled to the Island of Cyprus which probably made the choice of Barnabas an easy choice since he lived there.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.  

   The Grecians were Greek speaking Jews. They were not Gentiles.

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

   Barnabas was allowed to go as far as Antioch which would have been well past Damascus some 200 miles. It does not mention whether or not Barnabas could lay hands on those Grecians to give them the Holy Spirit, but it was very likely that he did.

25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 

   This church in Antioch was the first church where its members were called Christians. Saul helped Barnabas in Antioch for a whole year and this church would be the starting and ending point of Saul's Missionary trips that he would soon begin taking and he would always report back to this church as it was his and Saul's home church.

27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

   Barnabas and Saul worked hand in hand at this point in the work in Antioch and now they were being sent by the disciples in the church at Antioch to bring relief to the saints in Jerusalem.

   They were hit hard because all the kingdom believers back in Judaea were required to sell all that they had and to give it to the apostles for distribution.

   And with many of the disciples having departed at the persecution around Stephen the apostles began realizing by their lack of supplies that

their kingdom hope was diminishing, especially with the event that would happen in the very next chapter of the book of Acts.

Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 

   Now one of the twelve apostles to the nation of Israel who was to sit on one of twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel was dead.

   Prior to this, God had been protecting his apostles to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but now as the emphasis on Israel's prophecy program subsides that protection is taken away. The emphasis makes a major shift in chapter thirteen as we will see in a few moments.

Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

   John Mark was Barnabas' sister's son which made him his nephew. He of course was a kingdom saint, like Barnabas, which should cause you to ask yourself, "Why was Paul being aided by all these kingdom saints?"

   If the term "kingdom saint" sounds new to you, it shouldn't. All throughout the book of Matthew we read about the future King (Jesus) and his future kingdom (the kingdom of heaven which will come if Israel will repent).

   Now let’s take a look at the work of Barnabas as he and Paul begin their first missionary journey together to Asia. Notice that God keeps them both close to their homes in the beginning, before gradually expanding their ministry further and further out into the known world.

Barnabas and Saul's first missionary Journey

Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

   Notice that Barnabas is mentioned before Saul twice in these three verses, but you will notice that after a little while when Saul begins to be mentioned only as Paul that the order of their names begins to change simultaneously.

   Notice also that in this early church that there were prophets and teachers and Barnabas and Saul are called by one of these two titles at this time. They are not called apostles until after they are sent out. The term apostle means "sent ones".

   The gift of the office of prophet would be done away with when that which is perfect (or complete) was come, which was the completed word of God:

1 Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 

   The church in Antioch sent them out, but it was the Holy Ghost that called them to the work. It was at this time that Paul's apostolic work was to begin.

   Paul was the one and only apostle (sent one) of the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). Barnabas was a sent one as well, and in chapter fourteen we see that he too is called one of the apostles (Acts 14:4).

Acts 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 

   Where were they going? They went to Cyprus, the former home of Barnabas, and notice where they were about to begin their ministry at, in the synagogues of the Jews, and who was with them:

5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. 6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

   They found a certain sorcerer, who claimed to be a prophet, but the scripture correctly calls him what he was, a false prophet. Notice also that of all nationalities he is a Jew whose name was Barjesus. Wow!

    The Jew was supposed to be a light unto the world, and this one was a false prophet to the people of Cyprus and that was because he was getting his message from the wrong source.

    He was a sorcerer getting his prophecy from one of the devils doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1). His name was pretty interesting as well. Barjesus, (son of Jesus) or son of salvation.

    Pay close attention to what happens with and to this Jew, because he is a picture of the Jewish nation spiritually at this time in their history

7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 

   Sergius Paulus was a Gentile, (soon to be Paul's first Gentile convert) Barjesus was a Jew trying to keep the truth away from a Gentile.

   Many religious Jews would begin persecuting Paul and his helpers for trying to do the very same thing everywhere they would go.

9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. 

    The Gentile Sergius Paulus believed the gospel, but not before the Jew representing unbelieving Israel was blinded. Notice that the blinding of Barjesus was only for a season.

   God could have blinded him forever, but Barjesus served as a type of the nation of Israel, who is still today blinded in part for this present dispensation of grace but after the rapture occurs the blinding will be lifted, and many Jews will trust the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom by the 144,000 during the Tribulation Period.

Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. 

   John who was surnamed Mark (John Mark) departed from them not after their first few visits to the synagogues of Cyprus, but it was only after Paul led his first Gentile convert to Christ.

   This would be a source of contention for some time, even dividing these two friends to the point they would each go different ways.

   John Mark would later be welcomed back by Paul after he proved himself faithful helping Barnabas on a later missionary journey.

14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 

   To this day, Jewish synagogues still have a reading from the law and the prophets in their synagogues. Liberal synagogues do not believe in the reliability of the prophets as being scripture, and they only hold to the law of Moses as they themselves interpret it, which is very different from how God's word interprets itself.

16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. 17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

   Notice Paul's audience, he is in a synagogue of the Jews, but there are more than just men of Israel in this Gentile City. There are those that fear God as well, who are Gentiles who are not called proselytes.

18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. 19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. 20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son

of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: 24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. 26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 

   Again we find out who are audience is and it is as if God is trying to emphasize that there are more than just Jews in this synagogue listening to Paul, there are those among these Jews that fear God also. This distinguishes these Gentiles from the Gentiles who do not fear God.

   We also see the method of witnessing used by Paul to these Jews of Pisidia and it bears a strong resemblance to the method used by Peter and Stephen earlier in the book of Acts.

   They would first share a history of the Jewish people and God's dealings with to show the leaders of the synagogue that they were orthodox in their faith (that they believed the scriptural account of God's dealings with Israel.

   Then after they took them up to Christ they would then tell it like it was that their nation rejected him. Then they would preach salvation unto them as you will see in the next few verses:

27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. 

   They didn't recognize the Messiah because they did not know the voices (words) of the prophets, which was especially true with the Sadducees.

   There was no excuse for them Paul stated, because they read the writings of the prophets every Sabbath day. We don't have to wait until the Sabbath day (Saturday) to have someone read to us the scriptures, because we have a couple of copies of it at home, but they largely lay unread.

   Paul doesn't hold back any punches, but he squarely lays the blame at their leader’s feet for condemning the Messiah because they were ignorant of their own scripture.

    By their willful ignorance of their own scriptures they helped fulfill scripture by being the ignorant ones spoken about who persecuted their own King.

28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. 30 But God raised him from the dead: 31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. 32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. 34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. 35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

The glad tidings (good news)

38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. 

   Those were fighting words when Paul laid the blame at the nation's religious leaders and then said the Law of Moses couldn't justify anyone.

   If anyone was sleeping in that service I am sure those statements would have awakened them because of the opposition to his statements.

40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. 

   What was Paul doing that day? He was declaring the work that God had done in and for Israel, and the whole world. That what was spoken of in the prophets had prophesied had come to past and that they had better beware and they would perish if they despised the work of God in their midst.

42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 

   Notice who was left in the synagogue after the Jews gone out of it, the Gentiles. These were the very ones mentioned earlier that were those who feared God.

   They wanted to hear more of what Paul had to say. Notice that ever since were see Paul called Paul that he is become the chief speaker.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. 

   This is the first of three times that Paul makes this statement in the book of Acts  that because the Jews in that area as a majority were rejecting the glad tidings that Jesus died for them and was the fulfillment of the law then the message would now be preached to the Gentiles in that region or city.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

   There are some who teach that these Gentiles are not really Gentiles at all because their being Gentiles does not fit their system of Theology.

   It is their system that needs to be fixed, because they run the risk of veering away from the truth in other areas as well.

   These are Gentiles that believed the preaching of Paul and Barnabas. Be careful saying they are something else or you risk ending up persecuting those standing up for a literal interpretation of Bible.

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. 

   They were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost because they were in the center of God's will for them. God's will does not mean that you will always prosper, and people will like everything you will have to say. Often times the opposite is often true.

Act 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 

   Notice the use here by Luke of the words, Greeks and Gentiles, Luke is careful to make the proper distinctions between the two groups. They are not one and the same. You have some Greeks that believe, and some Gentiles that do not.

    The Unbelieving Gentiles were then stirred up by the unbelieving Jews to make their minds evil affected against the brethren, meaning Paul and Barnabas. This incitement would lead to them trying to stone Paul and Barnabas.

3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 

   The signs of an apostle were manifested at Iconium in no small way. Signs and wonders were something that Israel was used to seeing from those claiming to speak to Israel for God.

1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.

Remember what the leaders of Israel asked Jesus?

John 2:18 What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Also John 6:30

   * There are no more recorded miracles in the scriptures after Paul healed people on the Island of Melita in Acts 28. It wasn't long after that that the word of God was complete. When the word of God was in part, the sign gifts were necessary.

1 Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7 And there they preached the gospel. 

   Notice that Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, calls both Paul and Barnabas apostles (sent ones). This is what blind devotion to religion will cause men to do.

   They tried to have people killed because their words were making them uncomfortable. So much so that they went out and riled up some Gentiles to help them get rid of this problem.

Act 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.  

   A man crippled in his feet from his mother's womb had faith to be healed and he was at the moment that he heard Paul tell him to stand.

   God used Paul to heal this man and immediately the superstitious people of that city attributed deity to Paul and Barnabas, calling them Jupiter and Mercurius, never mind that they both had their own names.

13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul,

heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 

   The word had spread throughout the city that Paul had healed this crippled man and the superstitious people began to worship the apostles as pagan gods by trying to sacrifice to them.

    Paul and Barnabas restrained them from doing so, and while all this was going on a group of Jews from Antioch of Pisidia, not the Antioch in Syria where Paul and Barnabas came from, were on their way to kill Paul.

9 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 

   A group of religious Jews from two cities Paul and Barnabas had just visited banded together to stamp out this threat to their religion just as Saul of Tarsus once did with the backing of the high priest by persecuting, arresting and causing believers to be put to death before he got saved.

    Paul here is stoned and presumed dead before they drag him out of the city and it is here that many say that Paul had a vision and was told things that were unlawful to utter.

     That is pure conjecture, plain and simple. Paul himself says it was not him that he was talking about, but that he would glory in that other person who had that vision.  Paul had many revelations given to him that were all meant to be made known.

   The apostle John (the writer of the book of the revelation of Jesus Christ) however was indeed told not to write down some revelations he had seen in his heavenly vision. 

   Stop parroting things you have heard because they sound neat. The word of God is sufficient to tell you what you need. 

   Paul says in his own words that it wasn't him that heard words that were unlawful to utter, but that is was a man he knew fourteen years ago, yet everyone takes Dr. So and So's words over the apostle Paul's. See for yourself:

2 Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 

   After Paul is stoned and cast out of the city, Paul rises up and he heads into the city of Derbe, not to lay low for fear of the Jews, but to preach the gospel and risk further persecution.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 

   They returned to the three cities where they were just persecuted in to establish, or confirm, the souls of the disciples and to exhort them to continue in the faith.

   Notice what he says to these disciples in these three cities who had banded together to bring much tribulation into Paul and Barnabas' life through persecution.   He told them that they too would be persecuted by the very same people. He is not sending every Christian in every city all throughout the whole dispensation of grace that they would have to endure what he endured.

  He was telling those three cities that persecuted him and Barnabas would also persecute them as well. Cults run to this verse to rally people to them when there is any persecution for their heresy.

   They do not know how to rightly divide the word of truth because they are lost but sadly many others misinterpret this passage of scripture.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 

   Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey covered much less area than their future ones as the future ones would begin with these churches to further establish them and then they would take their message even further until they would eventually reach Rome and beyond.

27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples. 

   The apostle Peter would later make a similar claim that it was through him that God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles at what many call the Jerusalem Council which is where we eventually find ourselves in Acts chapter fifteen.

Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

   Who is it that determined that Paul and Barnabas should go up to Jerusalem? It was not the certain men which came down from Judaea teaching this dispensationally incorrect doctrine.

   Even though a person comes into your congregation and preaches doctrine found in your Bible it doesn't mean that that particular doctrine is meant for this present dispensation.

    For example if someone comes in and is preaching about Noah and he tells you to build an ark because God is going to judge the world again by a flood we know that that message was for a specific season of time and for a specific reason.

   The same is true if a person chisels Ten Commandments on two tablets and brings them to your church and tells you that you need to follow them in order to be saved. That message was given to Israel at Mt. Sinai, it was not given to you.

   There was a time that every Jewish person was commanded by God's word to be circumcised after the manner of Moses to be saved. Their faith required circumcision under the dispensation of law.

   Today under grace, circumcision doesn't avail a believer anything. There are no works that are to accompany our faith. We are save by grace through faith, not of works lest any man should boast.

3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

   The church at Antioch covered their expenses to Jerusalem and back to deal with the issue that was plaguing not only the church in Antioch, but also other churches were being infiltrated by Judaizers who were trying to make the Gentiles to become Jews and to keep the Law.

4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

   Peter went to only one Gentile household to preach the gospel of the kingdom to (the household of Cornelius) and they received the Holy Ghost as they were listening to the gospel at the moment they believed and while Peter was still preaching to them he was interrupted by God.

   This interruption was a key event as it was a sign to the Jews that obviously the Gentiles could be saved by hearing the gospel, and that they too could receive the Holy Ghost but not exactly as they did. They all had to be baptized for the remission of sins first, and then they could receive the Holy Spirit.

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

   Both Barnabas and Paul (no longer referred to a Saul), declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them which were all signs that God was with them, empowering them. Remember where Barnabas came from.

   He was one of the kingdom saints that once they heard what God was now doing, and what he would be doing with Paul amongst the nations that latched themselves on to Paul to help him. John Mark was the same, and so Silas and Luke who joins Paul in Acts sixteen.

   Paul list other kingdom saints that assisted him in his work and they didn't have any problem with Paul and the new dispensation that was given unto him.

   Barnabas agreeing with Paul served as an eyewitness to these events as some still were leery of Paul and all the new things that were going on with him.

13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

   James defended Paul and Barnabas going out to the Gentiles and based on the signs that were occurring with the message that they were preaching to the people (Gentiles mostly) that it was evident that God was doing this, and they needed to accept it as the work of God.

19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

   The four decrees that were given to Paul and Barnabas to show everyone that may have given their allegiance to Jerusalem that the leaders in Jerusalem see what God is doing among the nations and recognized what Paul and Barnabas are preaching is true.

    The letters served to remind them that they in Jerusalem agree with Paul and Barnabas that the Gentiles do not need to be placed under the law, or need be circumcised in order to be saved.

   These letters helped Paul to clean out the Jerusalem legalist that were popping up in the churches out among the Gentile nations. It would confirm to them that they were not under that same program as those in Jerusalem were.

21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. 22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner;

   We now are introduced to another kingdom saint by the name of Silas who will later on stay and help Paul as he begins his next apostolic journey.

   Silas didn't cease from being what he was (a kingdom saint), and become a part of the body of Christ, he didn't cease being a future recipient of the kingdom promises just because he would now help Paul as he preached the dispensation of grace to the world.

The decrees for to keep

The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye

must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. 

   This would put an end for a while to the questions that the Jews had as they saw these mostly Gentile congregations popping up all over about the place that the Law had concerning the Gentiles. The law was never given to the Gentiles.

  No longer would Gentiles need to be converts to Judaism in order to be saved. They now saw that, and they hoped these letters would now begin to clear up any confusion and division in these new churches.

30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

   What title did Barnabas have? The son of consolation. Consolation was his parents, Barnabas was the servant that God used to bring Paul to the apostles and to bring clarity from the twelve out to the masses about Jerusalem's recognition of the distinctive ministry given to the apostle Paul.

32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. 33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. 34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

   Judas and Silas were sent to confirm the words of the epistles, so no one could say they were a forgery, besides these were men well known as it says who have hazarded their life for the kingdom of God.

35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our

brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

   This is the last we hear about Barnabas and chronologically fits up a few verses, but I left it here not to disturb the flow of the book of Acts.

   Paul mentions Barnabas in Galatians and their trip to Jerusalem and what they were doing there more fully so we need to read this with the Acts 15 account to better understand what was going on.

Galatians 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 

   Fourteen years after what? For that answer you simply have to read the later part of Galatians chapter one where Paul tells of his salvation experience, and his trip into Arabia to receive more revelations, and then his return for three years to Damascus before his initial trip to Jerusalem. This would be around 52 A.D.

2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who

seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 

   This was the beginning of the recognition that the "great commission" was not going to be fulfilled by them of going unto the Gentiles, and that they would continue on reaching only the Jews, while Paul would take his gospel and preach it in the Gentile lands to both Jew and Gentiles alike.

   The ministry of the twelve was narrowing to only the circumcision (Jewish believers) while Paul's was expanding to all without distinction.

   Paul in Galatians chapter two tells of those who came from Jerusalem while Peter was there in Antioch and how they caused a problem in the church there and were even leading Barnabas astray, this is that same event mentioned earlier in this study:

Galatians 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 

When did this event occur?

   This event occurred prior to the Jerusalem council and after Peter's escape from prison and it is at that time that he probably went up to Antioch to lay low for a while.

  At the first he ate with the Gentiles but later some came from James and Peter got carried away with their dissimulation and he was instrumental in drawing away Barnabas.

   Paul would have no part of this and immediately corrected Peter, but that probably did not sit well with the Jerusalem loyalist, after all Peter had walked with the LORD for three and a half years. How could Paul be right and Jerusalem crowd be wrong?

   Under the old program, Peter would have been right to not have eaten with the Gentiles, so as not to defile himself, but with Paul receiving these

new revelations concerning the body of Christ there was now a new relationship with the Gentiles that the Jews needed to understand.

   It wasn’t long after Paul began his ministry to the Gentiles that the Jewish kingdom believers like Barnabas, Silas, Luke and John Mark had to start getting used to working with Gentile believers like Timothy and Titus.

14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. 

The last mention of Barnabas

Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas,

   Now you can see while the contention was so sharp between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark helping them. John Mark was Barnabas' nephew.

    If you are a grace believer, and you follow 2nd Timothy 2:15 you should not be afraid of Paul's working with a lot of kingdom saints as he dispensed the message of grace to the world. Embrace what the scriptures say, don't ignore them.

  Many people I have asked about this very issue have immediately ignored it, and they are afraid it will change what they have come to learn from Dr. So and So.

  It will only enhance your understanding of rightly dividing the word of truth, so study it out my friends, don't pretend like Paul didn't minister with kingdom saints because he did, a lot.

   As people like Barnabas saw the grace given to the apostle Paul and what God was doing through him they latched onto him. Barnabas didn't really have a choice as it was the Holy Ghost that separated both Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto he called them.

   Barnabas helped as a link, or a go between, with the kingdom saints in Jerusalem and the body of Christ saints out in the Gentile world.

 

The End