🔥 Hidden Hero: How Barnabas Quietly Shaped the Future of the Church
We often celebrate the bold, the visionary, and the loud—those who lead revivals, plant churches, and pen Scripture. But what about those who operate behind the scenes—whose leadership is marked by quiet courage, deep discernment, and a radical commitment to encouraging others?
Enter Barnabas.
Often overshadowed by Paul, Peter, and other apostolic figures, Barnabas was a pivotal leader in the early church whose legacy is nothing short of revolutionary. In our recent Awake Nations Podcast, we did a deep dive into his life, drawing from Scripture and the book Barnabas: Encouraging Exhorter by Bobby Clinton and Laura Rabe. What emerged was a powerful portrait of Kingdom leadership that still speaks today.
💡 Encouragement as Apostolic Strategy
Barnabas wasn’t just “a nice guy.” His encouragement wasn’t sentimental—it was strategic.
When Saul of Tarsus (later Paul) first encountered Jesus, the Jerusalem church didn’t trust him. Who would? He was known as a persecutor of the Church. But Barnabas took a risk. He saw what others couldn’t. He vouched for Paul, bridged the relational divide, and created space for Paul's apostolic calling to flourish.
Encouragement, in the Kingdom, is not weakness—it’s catalytic.
🔍 Talent Recognition and Risk-Taking
Barnabas had a keen eye for spotting raw potential. In Paul, he saw an apostle. In John Mark, a future Gospel writer. He invested deeply—sometimes at the cost of his own reputation.
When John Mark abandoned the missionary journey, Paul wanted nothing to do with him. But Barnabas believed in second chances. That decision eventually caused a split between Barnabas and Paul. Barnabas went back to Cyprus—with Mark.
Years later, Paul would write in 2 Timothy 4:11, “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” Why? Because someone believed in him when no one else did.
This is what spiritual fathers and mothers do. They don’t throw people away when they fail. They see redemptive trajectories, not just resumes.
🌍 Bridging Cultures and Shaping the Movement
Barnabas was sent to Antioch—a multicultural, Gentile-heavy city—at a time when the Jewish church wasn’t sure how to handle the growing diversity. What did Barnabas do?
He didn’t resist the new thing God was doing. He embraced it.
He affirmed the Gentile believers and then recruited Paul to help establish the church. Together, they built a model that broke open the mission of God to the nations.
In a world where many are deconstructing faith and feeling disillusioned with tradition, we need Barnabas leaders—bridge builders who can hold truth and grace, legacy and innovation, conviction and compassion.
🙌 The Humility to Step Back
Initially, every mention of this ministry duo lists Barnabas first, a sign of both leadership and prominence. For example:
“When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem…”
— Acts 12:25
“The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
— Acts 13:2
Barnabas was the recognized leader. But as Paul’s apostolic gift began to flourish, there is a clear narrative shift:
“From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga…”
— Acts 13:13
“Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly…”
— Acts 13:46
“So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there…”
— Acts 14:3
The name order flips. The spotlight shifts. And what’s most remarkable?
Barnabas didn’t fight it. He didn’t resist.
He released it.
This kind of humility is nearly unheard of in today’s leadership culture. Barnabas didn’t need the spotlight. He didn’t see Paul’s rise as a threat but as a Kingdom win.
What if we measured leadership not by how many followed us, but by how many we lifted?
🔥 What the Church Needs Now
In this moment of transition and reformation, we need more Barnabases.
Leaders who call out greatness in hidden places.
Fathers and mothers who guide with patience.
Bridge builders who aren’t afraid to challenge outdated models.
Humble champions who empower the next generation to run further than we ever could.
Barnabas never wrote a New Testament letter. He never started a megachurch. But his fingerprints are all over the early church—and its most influential leaders.
And that’s the kind of legacy I want to leave.
✨ Final Reflection
Who are the John Marks in your life—those who need a second chance?
Who are the Pauls—those with world-changing potential that just need a champion?
And perhaps more importantly—are you willing to be a Barnabas?
👉 Enjoyed this reflection? Dive deeper by listening to the full podcast episode and join the Kingdom Reformation community where we explore timeless Kingdom leadership lessons for today’s world.
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Let’s build, not just ministries—but movements of encouragement, empowerment, and Kingdom impact.
—
Glenn Bleakney
Founder, Awake Nations Ministries
Kingdom Reformation Podcast Host
