The persecution and ravaging of the early Christians and the church in AD 34 were led by the young zealous Jew named Saul. He just had one mission - to wipe out Christians from the face of the earth. Thus, it was hard for the church to accept the subsequent transformation and conversion of Saul into being a follower of Christ. This is indeed a very well known story.
But often times we forget the man who encouraged Saul and brought the apostles to accept him. Inciting the disciples to believe in Saul by being a strong support to him, Barnabas earnestly worked to strengthen Saul.
Acts 9: 26,27 :- "When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus."
When no one was ready to accept Paul, Barnabas took him in and helped him to be in fellowship with other disciples. Barnabas is known as the son of encouragement. It was indeed his kind and positive attitude towards Saul that made him into apostle Paul. In the new testament, there are almost 14 epistles written by Paul, all encouraging Christians throughout the centuries to hold fast in faith.
It is in accord to the Bible that we live by encouraging and building up one another. Bearing each other's burdens and loving others earnestly is like being good stewards of God. A word of encouragement is enough to build up a man.
Ansu Susan Oommen
Ansu is a student of Delhi University and a youth leader in Crossway. She can be reached at ansususan9828@gmail.com
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