Becoming a Barnabas

 Becoming a Barnabas: The Church’s Call to Welcome, Disciple, and Restore

The story of Saul of Tarsus’s conversion in Acts 9 is one of the most remarkable accounts of transformation in the Bible. Saul went from being a zealous persecutor of Christians to one of the greatest apostles of the early Church. However, his journey wasn’t without challenges. After his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul was rejected by his former colleagues and distrusted by the disciples. It took someone like Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” to advocate for him and integrate him into the community of believers.

This biblical story came to life for my family during a mission trip to El Salvador. My wife and I were working with a short-term mission team from our church with our daughter, who was serving as a Missionary Associate with King’s Castle Ministries. While ministering in the gang-infested streets, my wife encountered a man named Paul, whose transformation mirrored Saul’s in many ways.

Paul’s Story: A Modern-Day Encounter with Grace

During a street evangelism event, our team shared the gospel with anyone willing to listen. My wife, ministering on her own after the program concluded, noticed a young man named Paul who had stopped to hear the message of Christ. Captivated by the gospel, he confessed to her that he wanted to follow Jesus but believed it was impossible. Paul was deeply entrenched in gang life, and as he explained, his “job” that day was to assassinate someone. He had already received and spent payment for the hit.

Compelled by the Holy Spirit, my wife pleaded with Paul to consider Christ. She and others raised enough money to repay what he had spent, removing one of the barriers to his decision. Tearfully, Paul gave his life to Jesus, fully aware of what it might cost him. In his world, the only way out of the gang was death.

Paul’s next step was to approach his gang leader, a move that could have ended his life. Miraculously, the leader showed him mercy, warning him that if he ever strayed from living for Christ, he would be killed. As long as Paul remained faithful, he would be left alone. From that moment, Paul began his new life in Christ with boldness and humility.

An Answer to Prayer

At the time, our daughter who had just graduated high school and now was in a third world country was a constant concern of ours. As parents, we prayed faithfully for her safety, knowing the dangers of ministering in gang-controlled areas. After Paul’s conversion, he began following the team wherever they went. Because of his reputation and newfound commitment to Christ, the team was able to minister freely without any interference from the gangs.

Paul became a living answer to our prayers, a testimony of how God can use one transformed life to impact an entire community. His courage and faith inspired the team and allowed the gospel to reach places that might otherwise have been closed off.

What the Church Can Learn from Paul’s Story

Paul’s story reminds us that salvation often comes with a cost. For some, it means leaving behind relationships, status, or identity. For others, like Paul, it means risking their very lives. As a church, we are called to be like Barnabas, stepping in to support, disciple, and advocate for those who make the bold decision to follow Christ.

Here are some lessons the church can take from Paul’s journey:

1. Be Willing to Engage with the Broken

My wife didn’t shy away from engaging with Paul, even though his situation was dangerous and complex. She listened to his story, shared the hope of Christ, and found practical ways to remove barriers to his decision.

Challenge for the Church: Are we willing to step into the messiness of people’s lives to bring them the hope of Christ? Being like Barnabas means showing up, even in difficult or risky circumstances.

2. Provide a Path to Spiritual Freedom

Paul’s conversion was facilitated by removing the financial barrier of the assassination payment. This practical step gave him the freedom to make a spiritual decision.

Challenge for the Church: How can we remove obstacles for those who want to follow Christ but feel trapped? Whether it’s financial support, prayer, or mentorship, the church can help pave the way for spiritual freedom.

3. Support New Believers in Their Journey

Paul faced enormous risks in leaving his gang, but his faithfulness to Christ gave him courage. The team’s ongoing encouragement provided him with the support he needed to live out his new faith.

Challenge for the Church: Are we walking alongside new believers, mentoring them, and helping them navigate their new identity in Christ? Discipleship is an ongoing commitment that builds a strong foundation for faith.

4. Trust God to Protect and Provide

Paul’s conversion not only changed his life but also protected the ministry team, opening doors for the gospel in areas previously controlled by fear. His story reminds us of God’s sovereignty and provision.

Challenge for the Church: Can we trust God to protect and provide for those who step out in faith? Our role is to remain faithful in prayer, trusting God’s power to guide and guard His people.

Closing Reflection

Paul’s story, like Saul of Tarsus’s, is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. His decision to follow Christ, despite the risks, challenges us to consider our own commitment to the faith. It also reminds us of the church’s vital role in supporting, mentoring, and encouraging new believers.

As a church, we are called to be Barnabases—advocates for those who step into a new life with Christ. Whether it’s someone leaving behind a life of violence or a neighbor struggling to overcome their past, every believer needs the love and support of the body of Christ to thrive.

Paul’s transformation didn’t just change his life—it brought peace and hope to the community where he lived. Let us be faithful in our calling to disciple others, trusting that God can use even the most unlikely people to build His kingdom and bring glory to His name.