In my research for my upcoming novel about Phillip the Evangelist, I notice this verse In Acts 11:24, where Luke describes Barnabas in a remarkable way:
“For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”
The word “full” comes from the Greek πλήρης (plērēs), meaning not just topped off, but completely filled and saturated. Barnabas wasn’t occasionally touched by the spirit; he was full of the spirit’s presence in his daily life.
His birth name was: Joseph (Yosef), a very common Jewish name.
- He was a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36).
- Why the Apostles Renamed Him
- The apostles gave him a new name because of his character:
- Barnabas = “Son of Encouragement / Consolation”
(Acts 4:36) The Greek text says:
“…and Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement) …”
So unlike Paul—who used two names he already had—Barnabas is a true apostolic nickname, given to him as a mark of his spiritual gift.
Why this name mattered: Barnabas consistently lived up to it:
- He encouraged the early church with radical generosity
- He sold a field and gave the money directly to the apostles.
- He encouraged Saul when others feared him
- Barnabas alone brought Saul to the apostles (Acts 9:26–27).
- He encouraged new believers in Antioch. Acts 11 says he rejoiced and strengthened them.
- He encouraged John Mark after Paul rejected him
To be “full of the Holy Spirit” means more than a one-time experience. It describes a continual reality of letting God’s spirit guide, empower, and shape us. Just as a vessel filled to the brim leaves no room for anything else, a believer filled with the spirit leaves less room for self, pride, anxiety or fear.
Barnabas’ fullness led to fruit: encouragement, faith, and evangelism. The result? “A great many people were added to the Lord.”
Something to think about. So that we shine so bright that others are drawn to Christ through us.
Gratitude,
Anthony Barbera
September 31, 2025
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