Encouraging Greatness – Stepping Back for Others
Let's look today at how Barnabas encouraged Paul to greatness, and stepped out of the way to let him go on to greatness!
When we get to Acts 13, a little shift occurs that is so subtle it's very easy to miss. At the beginning of the chapter, Barnabas is still the main man: "Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:1-3)
Notice how Barnabas is named first in the list of teachers, and the Spirit names Barnabas first as He identifies those He wants to send?
When the Student Becomes the Leader
It's interesting, isn't it? Because when you think of the great teachers of the early church, you don't think of Barnabas - you think of Paul! But in these first years, Barnabas was the main man.
Soon this changes, so subtly you can miss it. In verse 13 we read: "Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem." (Acts 13:13)
Barnabas - from being the main man - is now not even mentioned. He does show up again soon after, but Paul has become the top dog.
You've heard about the student becoming the teacher? Well, perhaps this is what happened here. Paul had blossomed into the leader and teacher Barnabas had been training him to be. Barnabas, with humility and grace, encouraged him to lead, and he stepped back.
It's easy to be threatened. It's easy to distrust, and to think you know best. It's easy to think my way is the best way. But Barnabas types see the best in others, and set them free to do what they do best!
Neil Wiseman, a Nazarene preacher, wrote this: "Greed for power, even when dressed in Sunday church clothes, is only a well-dressed rascal."
Are you greedy for power? For position? For status? Unwilling to let others step up and take their place? Unwilling to raise up leaders, because you want to be the main peanut?
Barnabas wants a word with you. Because he could have been the one that we all talk about and read from in the church today! Instead of Pauline theology, which is a big field of study in the church, we could have had Barnabine theology! It could have been him that the rest of Acts was about - but Paul took his place.
Barnabas was more interested in encouraging the John Marks of the church, and strengthening the believers, than being the main man. So he stepped back in humility.
Laying Down Your Life for Others
Randal Denny, another great Nazarene, wrote this: "Did you know that the Bible has two John 3:16s? Most Christians memorise John 3:16 - 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life' (KJV). Those powerful words are important words. We cherish them. But how many Christians memorise 1 John 3:16? 'This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.' That comes as quite a shock. That last part is not so popular. We would rather emphasise what God is doing than get involved in what we should be doing."
Barnabas stepped back. And he even laid down his life, so that others could prosper.
You see, Barnabas was martyred, around AD61, in Cyprus. Earlier Christian writings hold that he was dragged out of the synagogue and stoned to death by local Jewish leaders. Mark managed to get his body away before it could be thrown into the sea, and buried him with a copy of Matthew's Gospel on his chest.
Barnabas - the great encourager. An ordinary man, with an extraordinary story. May we learn from him, and be sons or daughters of encouragement, right to the end.
Barnabas willingly stepped out of the spotlight so that Paul could step into his calling, choosing humility over status. Are you willing to step back so that someone else can step forward?