In the Bible, we first read about Barnabas in Acts 4 in connection with the early believers sharing material resources with those who needed assistance. He is mentioned for the last time in the Scriptures in Colossians 4. Barnabas certainly left his mark on the early church, and he continues to influence us today through the Bible's message about him. We will not soon forget this beloved brother in the Lord. We love his spirit. What kind of spirit was that?
Barnabas had a benevolent spirit. A Levite from the island of Cyprus, here is what Barnabas did with his land: he "sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:37). He was not the only disciple who showed such generosity (Acts 4:34,35), but he is the lone saint whose name is specified in that context. Every Christian is capable of being benevolent and obeying the charge to give "with liberality" (Romans 12:8).
Barnabas had an evangelistic spirit. When the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul to leave the stable church in Antioch and go work elsewhere, away they went and "preached the word of God" (Acts 13:5). Barnabas was not traveling throughout the Roman Empire for personal pleasure. He spent years away from home spreading the gospel. Why? Because he was soul conscious. You and I need to imitate his evangelistic spirit and teach the lost, whomever they are and wherever they are!
Barnabas had a spirit of encouragement. His name originally was Joses, but when the apostles observed him in action, they called him "Barnabas," which means son of encouragement (Acts 4:37). So, yes, Barnabas had the reputation of being an encourager. That reputation was justified, as we read about the Jerusalem church sending him to help the new converts in another area, which he did, and "encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord" (Acts 11:23). A person does not have to be wealthy, highly educated, or famous among men in order to encourage others. One just needs a heart that cares and a mouth (or pen or device) that is ready to share words of encouragement.
Barnabas had an edifying spirit. After he and Paul preached to establish new congregations of God's people, they took the time to engage in "strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith..." (Acts 14:22). That work of edification/building up is so essential! Barnabas certainly was not one who taught people, baptized them, and then left them to survive on their own. He invested time and effort to help build them up. The Lord wants each of us to have the spirit of edification, too: "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another..." (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
One final observation: Barnabas had a persevering spirit. After he and Paul so strongly disagreed with one another that they went their separate ways, Barnabas did not stop preaching. He took Mark and they went to Cyprus to continue the Lord's work (Acts 15:39). Later, when Barnabas lapsed into hypocritical conduct and had his sin exposed (Galatians 2:9-14), he did not quit serving the Lord. As we go through life, we will face challenges, and we will make mistakes. Like Barnabas, though, we can stay committed to the Lord and persevere through even the roughest times in life.
Barnabas needed a Savior because of the sins he committed, so we would never suggest that Barnabas was a flawless pattern of behavior. He did, though, show a spirit that is worthy of emulation. He was not a Superman, but the Bible does call him "a good man" (Acts 11:24); a good man with a benevolent spirit, evangelistic spirit, encouraging spirit, edifying spirit, and persevering spirit. If I am too busy to learn about him and meditate on his uplifting traits, that means I am too busy. Think on these things.