Barnabas was a Good Man

“For he [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” -Acts 11:24

The book of the Acts of the Apostles begins with the Ascension, where the synoptic gospels end and then moves into an account of the Pentecost. I think it is important to mention that Jesus told them to wait “until the Father sends you the gift he promised” (Acts 1:4)

 

It’s likely the apostles initially believed that the Messiah was coming only for the people of Israel. But gift the Father gives through Jesus, the Holy Spirit, caused the apostles to see that even after the Ascension of Jesus; even after they heard the teachings of Jesus from his very mouth in the previous few years, and even after the crucifixion and resurrection, they still needed to wait for the Holy Spirit. The promised gift is God’s very self, the Holy Spirit.

 

We need the Holy Spirit in order to carry out the work of Christ lest we fall flat on our face. 

 

We need the Holy Spirit for the mission of the Church.

 

Lord, grant us the grace to know you as Barnabas knew you. To be full of the Holy Spirit and faith. Amen.