1 Thessalonians 5:11-The Barnabases Among Us
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What does it mean to be an encourager?
Sometimes encouragement comes through a kind word. Sometimes it’s a prayer, a note from a friend, or a helping hand when life gets difficult.
And sometimes it comes from people who may not even realize how much their kindness means.
After several weeks away from the microphone following the Lovely Lady LeeAnn’s fall and broken arm, Steve Webb returns with a very personal episode of Verses We Missed.
Inspired by the prayers, messages, and generosity of the Lifespring Family, Steve takes a closer look at Barnabas, a man in the book of Acts whose name means “son of encouragement.”
And there’s a little phrase tucked into 1 Thessalonians 5:11 that’s easy to read right past. Just a few words that turn a familiar instruction into something wonderfully encouraging.
The Barnabases Among Us
In Acts chapter 4, Luke introduces us to a man named Joseph. But the apostles had another name for him: Barnabas.
And that name tells us something special about the kind of man he was.
What would it be like to be known as the encourager?
As we follow Barnabas through the book of Acts, we discover that encouragement isn’t always something we say. Sometimes it’s something we do.
Read Acts 4:36 and Acts 4:37 at BibleHub.
Encouragement Through Generosity
The first thing Luke tells us about Barnabas is that he sold a field and brought the money to the apostles.
Why would he do that?
The answer is found in the verses immediately preceding his introduction, where Luke describes how the early believers cared for one another’s needs.
Barnabas didn’t simply recognize that someone needed help. He did something about it.
And during these past several weeks, Steve and LeeAnn have experienced that same kind of generosity from members of the Lifespring Family.
Standing Beside Someone
In Acts chapter 9, Saul arrives in Jerusalem after his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
There’s just one problem.
The disciples are afraid of him!
After all, this is the same man who had been persecuting Christians. How could they know whether his conversion was genuine?
Then Barnabas steps forward.
What he does reminds us that sometimes the greatest encouragement we can offer is simply letting someone know they’re not alone.
Read Acts 9:26-27 (NLT).
Encouragement That Points Toward God
In Acts chapter 11, the church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch to see what God is doing among the believers there.
When Barnabas arrives, he sees evidence of God’s grace, and he’s delighted.
But he doesn’t simply congratulate the believers and move on.
He encourages them to remain faithful to the Lord.
There’s an important lesson here. Christian encouragement can do more than make somebody feel better. It can help them keep their eyes on God when life gets difficult.
Read Acts 11:22-24 (NLT).
The Verse We Missed
In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul tells believers to encourage one another and build each other up.
That’s a familiar instruction, and an important one.
But there’s something interesting about the way Paul finishes that sentence.
He isn’t simply giving the Thessalonians another command.
He’s recognizing something about them.
And those few easily overlooked words have a special meaning for Steve as he reflects on the kindness of the Lifespring Family.
Read and compare translations of 1 Thessalonians 5:11 at BibleHub.
Be Somebody’s Barnabas
Is there someone in your life who could use a little encouragement today?
Maybe it’s someone caring for a sick family member, facing financial hardship, or simply going through a difficult season.
A handwritten note, a phone call, a prayer, or a practical act of kindness might mean more than you realize.
And here’s another question: Has someone been a Barnabas to you?
Have you told them how much their encouragement meant?
Maybe today would be a good day to do that.
An Update on the Lovely Lady LeeAnn
Steve also shares some encouraging news about LeeAnn’s recovery.
The pins have been removed from her wrist, she’s no longer wearing the painful splint, and she’s gradually regaining some range of motion.
However, her hand is still very weak, and she needs continued physical therapy.
Unfortunately, the dealership where LeeAnn worked was sold shortly after her accident, and her health insurance coverage ended October 31. Her Medicare application is still being processed, leaving her physical therapy uncovered for now.
Please pray that LeeAnn’s Medicare coverage begins soon so she can continue her recovery.
LeeAnn sends her love and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been praying for her.
Related Scriptures
- Acts 4:32-35 – The early believers share their resources and care for those in need.
- Acts 4:36-37 – Barnabas, the son of encouragement, demonstrates generosity.
- Acts 9:26-27 – Barnabas stands beside Saul and speaks on his behalf.
- Acts 11:22-24 – Barnabas encourages the believers in Antioch to remain faithful to the Lord.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Paul tells believers to encourage one another and recognizes what they’re already doing.
Scripture readings from Acts are from the New Living Translation (NLT). The quotation of 1 Thessalonians 5:11 is from the New International Version (NIV).
Podcast Chapters
- 00:00 Cold Open: The Gift of Encouragement
- 00:40 Welcome to Verses We Missed
- 01:14 LeeAnn’s Fall and the Lifespring Family
- 03:00 Who Was Barnabas? (Acts 4:36-37)
- 04:25 Encouragement Through Generosity
- 05:45 Standing Beside Someone (Acts 9:26-27)
- 07:50 Pointing Others Toward God (Acts 11:22-24)
- 09:29 Be Somebody’s Barnabas
- 10:27 The Verse We Missed (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- 12:34 Prayer
- 13:41 Value for Value
- 14:44 Producer Thanks and Acknowledgments
- 20:00 Update on LeeAnn’s Recovery
- 21:34 Closing: Just As You Are Doing
Support the Show
Verses We Missed is a value-for-value podcast. If this episode gave you something of value, consider returning value with your Time, Talent, or Treasure.
Pray for the ministry, share this episode with someone who might enjoy it, contribute your skills or creativity, or support Lifespring! Media financially.
In this episode, Steve offers special thanks to the listeners whose generous support has helped the ministry during the past several weeks.
And whether you’ve contributed financially, offered a prayer, or sent a note of encouragement, Steve and LeeAnn want you to know how much your kindness means to them.
Learn more at https://lifespringmedia.com/support/.
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