Study together · The Cast

Barnabas

The man who kept vouching for people no one else trusted.

The story

1. Sells his field Acts 4:36-37

   A Levite from Cyprus sells land and gives the money to the apostles. The church gives him a new name.

2. Vouches for Saul Acts 9:26-27

   The disciples in Jerusalem are afraid of their former persecutor. Barnabas brings Saul to the apostles and tells them what the Lord did on the road.

3. Sent to Antioch Acts 11:22-26

   He sees the grace of God among new Gentile believers and is glad. He goes to Tarsus to find Saul and brings him to help.

4. Set apart for mission Acts 13:1-3; 14:8-18

   The Spirit sends Barnabas and Saul out. At Lystra the crowds call him Zeus, and he tears his clothes to stop them.

5. Led astray at Antioch Galatians 2:11-13

   When Peter pulls back from eating with Gentiles, Barnabas follows. Paul says even Barnabas was led astray.

6. Splits with Paul over Mark Acts 15:36-39

   Barnabas wants to give Mark another chance. Paul refuses. They part ways, and Barnabas sails to Cyprus with Mark.

Key verses

“...he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” Acts 11:24 (ESV)

Read together: Acts 4:36-37 · Acts 9:26-27 · Acts 11:22-26 · Acts 13:1-3; 14:8-18 · Galatians 2:11-13 · Acts 15:36-39

Questions to sit with

1. Who in your life needs someone to vouch for them right now?
2. When have you gone along with a group in a way that quietly excluded someone?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.