Barnabas is one of those people in the Bible that isn’t talked about a whole lot. Here is a basic Bible study of his life. Simply look up the Bible verses and discuss with your students what happened in the verses. I have put some information about the verses to be helpful to you as the teacher.
* Acts 4:36-37
Originally Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus
Apostles called him Barnabas – which means Son of Encouragement
He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles
* Acts 9:27
He brought Saul to the apostles
* Acts 11:22-25
Describes him
* Acts 13:1-3
Saul (Paul) & Barnabas sent off to spread the Word
* Acts 13:4-12
Saul, Barnabas & John (Mark), their helper
They went to Cyprus to proclaim the Word of God
Met a sorcerer – who ended up going blind
* Acts 14:1-7
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
They split the Jewish synagogue – some believed some didn’t
* Acts 14:8-20
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra
The people there thought they were gods…tried to make sacrifices to them
* Acts 14:21-28
Paul and Barnabas make a return trip to encourage the disciples in those cities
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” Acts 14:22b
* Acts 15:1
Argument about the Old Law vs New Law
* Acts 15:36-41
Paul and Barnabas have a disagreement
Barnabas wanted to take John(Mark) with them
Paul didn’t
Barnabas went with John to Cyprus
Paul took Silas to Syria and Cilicia
* 1 Corinthians 9:6
Paul describes Barnabas as a hard worker
Let’s Be Like Barnabas
- Give – Acts 4:37
He gave his land
Gave his all - Forgive – Acts 8:1-3, 9:26
Forgave Saul of his past sins - Be Humble – Acts 11:19-26
Brought Paul in - Be Supportive – Acts 5:37
Wanted to give Mark a second chance
** Encouragement
“Barnabas Club” – make cards for people in the church and put in their boxes “secretly”
- Bible Puzzle: Barnabas’ Actions List in Code
- Lesson Skit: Barnabas Speaks Up for Paul (Acts 9)
- Lesson: Barnabas and Paul Begin Their Missionary Journey
- Skit: Two Missionaries from Acts 13-14
- Paul and Barnabas (Children’s Sunday School Lesson)
Thank you for these free resources. God bless your ministry.