Luke the physician wrote how the church in Jerusalem, “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”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty-four of the book of Acts Luke shared how Barnabas, “was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith” where we read:
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith:
and much people was added unto the Lord.
The verse begins, “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith:” Luke began with the words, “for he was a good man” which means “because, since and on account that he, Barnabas, existed as a useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful and happy male human being”, “and full of the Holy Ghost” or “and filled completely with the sacred, pure, morally blameless and religiously and ceremonially consecrated third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, who is coequal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son” “and of faith” which means “and full of belief, trust and confidence”. Luke shared how “Barnabas” had a reputation of being a “pleasant, agreeable and joyful” man who was filled with God's “Holy Spirit” and “trust and belief”.
The verse goes on to say, “and much people was added unto the Lord.” Luke continued with the words, “and much people” which means “and a lot, great number and numerous amount of people both male and female” “was added unto the Lord” or “were joined, gathered and increased to the One to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding, master and the title given to God the Messiah”. Luke shared how a “large number” of “people” became believers in Jesus because of the teaching and exhortation of “Barnabas”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we discover the reputation of “Barnabas” who was known to be a “good man” and “filled” with God's “Holy Spirit”. “Barnabas” also “trusted and had faith” in Jesus. God loves people, and when they yield themselves to His Son Jesus, He will “give them the tools to be “joyful, happy, filled with His Holy Spirit and used in His Kingdom”. God's desire is to have a personal relationship with everyone, and when they yield their life to Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Those who are wise will examine the life and reputation of “Barnabas” and seek the Lord Jesus to have his qualities and works within their own lives.
Next time Luke shares, “then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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