Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1923-08-23
LESSON FOR AUGUST 26
BARNA5AS, THE GREAT
HEARTED

LESSON TExT--Acts 1861: 11:1s- !
80.
GOLDEN TExT-"He was a good /
man and full OF the Holy Ghost and Of !
faith."-Acts 1924.
DEVOTIONAL READING Psalm 90: |
lilo.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Barrabas and
Paul Tell about Jesus.
JUNIOR TOPIC How Barnabas
Helped the Church.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-How Barnabas Showed = Generous
Spirit
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Christian Character Illustrated by
Barnabas.
|. Barnabas, the Man (Actx 4 :36).
His original name was Joseph
When he became a Christian, he was
renamed Barnabas signifying the
change from the old life to the new.
This was common custom, for ex-
ample, Simon to Peter and Saul to
Paul. The name means "Son of
Prophecy" or elaboration and con-
ISOLATION" This shows not only the
nature and spirit of Barnabas but
that he possessed the gift Of horta-
tory preaching. The exercise of this
gift made him son Of consolation.
II. Barnabas, the Philanthropist
(Acts 4 :37).
So fully had the divine love per-
meated the very being of Barnabas
that seeing the need Of his fellow-be
levers, he sold his property and
brought the money and laid Ii at the
apostles feet. His generosity ex-
pressed itself in deeds, not in pious
words and promises. He counted
nothing his own while his brethren
were in need. He was In no sense
obliged to do this as there was no
such thing in the early church as
binding law of community of goods.
Private ownership of property was
recognized, Acts s: "A.
III. Barnabas, the Christian States
man (Acts IL 1890.
The violent prosecutions of the
church scattered the disciples. As
they went they preached the Gospel,
and churches were established. The
most conspicuous of these was at An
tioch, the capital Of Syria, because 1t
became the most important center In
the spread of Christianity. Every
thing went well as long as the Gospel
message was preached to the Jews
only. The idea held among the dis
ciples at that time was that the Gen
tiles were excluded. But at Antioch
certain of these disciples deliberately
preached Christ among the Greeks.
The seal of the Lord was upon this
ministry and great multitudes believed
and turned to the Lord The news of
this revolutionary preaching reached
the ears Of the church at Jerusalem
and caused not little excitement and
discussion. The church decided to
send a committee to Antioch to look
into the matter.
/. Barnabas Sent to Antioch wv.
22-24). Fortunately In this case they
sent the proper man. Barnabas was
a good man and full Of the Holy
Ghost and faith. Therefore, he had
spiritual discernment and broad sym
pathy Good men are quick to sec
good. When he came to Antioch he
saw the grace Of God and was glad.
II we have grace In ourselves, we will
be able 10 see grace in others. He
exhorted and urged them forward in
their work. Men like Barnabas are
much needed today In our churches
men Of vision and Christian courtesy
and sympathy.
2 Barnabas Goes After Saul wv.
1920. The work so prospered that
help was needed, so Barnabas went
after Saul. These men had been to-
gether before. After Saups CONVEX
sion, he came to Jerusalem and tried
to Join himself to the disciples but
they were afraid Of him. Barnabas
befriended him (Acts 9:2627). He
saw that Saul was really converted
man. Being good man he could see
there was good in Saul. Barnabas
thus introduced Saul to his great
work as apostle to the Gentiles.
8. Disciples Called Christians ".
26). After year of teaching by Paul
and Barnabas, the name Christian
was given to the disciples. The name
was associated with the teaching.
Paul taught the vital oneness of the
believer with Christ SO it was natural
that the disciples should be called
Christian.
4. Barnabas and Saul go to Jeru-
salem With Aims wv. 26-30). Because
Of the oneness Of Christians with
Christ and with one another, the dis
tress of the brethren at Jerusalem
must be relieved by the gifts Of the
OF nj 20
had powerful effect in removing the