“They sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 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. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith; and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:22-24).

The early church was flourishing. Jewish people, as well as Gentiles, were turning to the Lord in multitudes and being saved. Word came to the church at Jerusalem that Gentiles in Antioch were turning to the Lord Jesus. Hence they sent Barnabas to check out the situation. What a delightful person this Barnabas was indeed! Dr. Luke points out that he was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. He had an excellent testimony and could be trusted in the ministry. If the situation was difficult, Barnabas had the type of gracious spirit that would be just right. I wonder what folks would write if they were describing me or if they were describing you? May the Lord so work in our lives that this same description of Barnabas would be true of us.

For today: May you and I be a modern-day Barnabas in the situations we face and with the people we encounter.