When Barnabas Blew It

Last updated on: November 13, 2018 at 10:29 am by Matt Pearson

When Barnabas Blew It 2018-11-12T14:49:05-05:00 Matt Pearson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Yep. THAT Barnabas.

The one given the nickname “Son of Encouragement” by the apostles (Acts 4:36-37).

The one chosen by Paul and the church in Antioch to go with Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3).

The one empathetic with John Mark, responsible for influencing Mark to write his Gospel (Acts 15:36-41).

THAT Barnabas also fell into temptation to deny the sufficiency of the Gospel.

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Then the rest of the JewsÂ joined his hypocrisy,Â so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. (Galatians 2:13)

Barnabas, along with Peter, made it appear to the Gentiles that their “lesser” (read: “non-Jewish”) nationality made them inferior. Barnabas gave the impression that national Jews were the true children of God. This, of course, denies the sufficiency of faith in Jesus alone as the way to be a genuine child of God.

Barnabas was a hypocrite. Barnabas was led astray. Barnabas made it appear that more than “just faith” in Jesus was necessary for salvation. Barnabas was guilty of communicating rank heresy.

At first glance, I wish texts like this weren’t in the Bible. Why did Paul have to bring this up, so 2,000 years later we know a sin Barnabas committed? Why do we need to know this? Can’t we just remember our heroes for what they are . . . heroes?

This is what makes the Bible come alive. If you consider this instance for a moment, it will set you free. You see, Barnabas did mess up. Barnabas did sin. Barnabas did commit heresy. Barnabas was a hypocrite who caved into the pressure of pleasing people.

But that didn’t limit God from continuing to use him. It didn’t stop God. Barnabas’ past did not limit God from using him in the future.

Was Barnabas wrong? Yes.

Did Barnabas need to repent? Yes.

Did Barnabas need to stop doing that? Immediately.

But was that the “third strike” from God? Was Barnabas shelved, no longer available for use? No way. You could make a pretty good argument that were it not for Barnabas, we would not have Matthew, Mark, or Luke’s Gospel.

What sin in your past is the enemy using to keep you from obeying what Jesus is calling you to do next?

What lie are you believing that is keeping you from moving forward in your faith walk with Christ?

If Jesus died and rose again (which He did), then you and I follow a living Rabbi who has put to death any and all actions that keep us from having a rich and vibrant relationship with Him.

Don’t let your past keep you from what the Father wants to do in the future.

Biblical Reflections

Previous Post

November 9, 2018

Sermon Illustration: "Here Comes the Bride" & Fasting

Next Post

November 16, 2018 Sermon Illustration: Healing Your Church Hurt

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Biblical Reflections Devotions Fridays are For Illustrations General Challenge General Preaching Resources Letters to West Franklin Preparing to Preach Table Talk Questions The Preaching Event Top Ten Quotes Uncategorized West Franklin West Franklin Talks

Select a Month March 2023 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who visited baby Jesus in the manger?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Shepherds Fishermen Scribes Roman guards