26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:26-27

Three Ways to be an Encourager

Today, we continue our investigation into the life of Barnabas:the Son of Encouragement!Acts 9:26-27 gives us a real-life example of Barnabas living up to his name. At this point in the narrative of the book of Acts, Saul (later known as Paul) has just encountered Jesus on the Damascus road and became a follower of Jesus. As a reminder, Saul was the primary persecutor of the early church. His chief objective was to stomp out the flame of this early movement that threatened his way of life and culture. Scripture and history tell us that he arrested, beat, and killed followers of Jesus.So, it is in verse 26 that the newly converted Saul has arrived in Jerusalem in order to join the disciples of Jesus as they share the gospel. The text tells us that the disciples were afraid of him, that they did not believe that he was a true disciple. They were thinking maybe this was trick in order for him to kill them. They had no reason to trust Saul. All the disciples had seen, heard, and experienced was that Saul was their enemy, not their friend.Enter Barnabas. Despite the unbelief of the disciples, Barnabas sticks up for Saul. In fact, he brings Saul with him to the apostles and explains how Saul's life was transformed by Jesus and how Saul was proclaiming the name of Jesus.Three things that stand out in this episode:

1. Barnabas encourages even when it is unpopular.

The disciples doubt that Saul's conversion is legitimate, but this does not stop Barnabas from speaking up! Are you willing to encourage even when it is costly? Are you willing to go to bat for someone even when the majority is against you? Barnabas encourages even when it is unpopular.

2. Barnabas encourages with his presence.

Barnabas brings Saul with him to the disciples. Sometimes the best way to encourage someone is not with our words but by simply showing up. Our presence is powerful in the lives of others. Maybe it is a walk across the street or a drive across town; regardless, showing up encourages people!

3. Barnabas encourages with his words.

Barnabas explained to the apostles what he had witnessed in Saul and verified that he is in Christ. He provided specifics around Saul's new identity in Jesus Christ. We too have been called to be specific in our words to encourage others!This day, may we be a people who encourage even when its unpopular, encourage with our presence, and encourage with our words!