Barnabas has long been one of my favorite Bible characters. If you stop to think about it, though he didn't write any of the books himself (except for possibly Hebrews), he was indirectly responsible for most of the new testament books.

We would have none of Paul's letters had Barnabas not mentioned him to the other believers and commended him as a missionary, as well as partnering with him. That also means we would not have Luke's Gospel or the Acts. And had not Barnabas encouraged John Mark and partnered with him, the gospel of Mark may never have been written. That leaves only The gospels of Matthew and John, John's Epistles, Peters Epistles, James and Jude.

Now what if Barnabas had never been willing to be a deacon and free up the apostles for teaching. Would John, Matthew and Peter have ever had time to write their books? And who knows what part he played in the lives of James and Jude. A little encouragement goes a long way!

Keep up the good work you do in the spirit of Barnabas!

Mark Marikos <>