Greater the Sacrifice, Greater the Impact

Dr Beng Shin
Theological Education Consultant

Great sacrifice leads to great impact. In the book of Acts, this truth is demonstrated in the life of Barnabas.

Sacrificing Wealth

Barnabas was a Jew from Cyprus (4:36). He sold his land and laid the entire sum at the feet of the Apostles. Traditionally, a Jew would keep his ancestral land honouring his parents and clan. It was expected of him to pass it to his children. Barnabas’ sacrifice knew no barrier.

His giving was so impressive and exemplary that he was singled out from among the multitude who also gave their all. The Apostles changed his name from Joseph to Barnabas, the son of encouragement. This new name became the hallmark of his life. His giving must have been so pure and sincere that Luke contrasted it with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), who gave partially, but lied that they gave everything and paid with their lives.

Sacrificing Safety

When Paul escaped from Damascus and came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but the disciples were afraid of him (9:26). The death of Stephen and the imprisonment of many (7:58-8:3) were fresh in the mind of the persecuted Christian community. They were suspicious of Paul scheming to spy on the Christians and get all of them arrested. Barnabas was the only one who dared to sacrifice his safety and bring Paul to meet the Apostles (9:27).

Sacrificing Life

Though Barnabas was a successful leader of the thriving Antioch church (11:20-24), he went to seek out Saul to team up with him in this growing ministry (11:25-27). In Acts 13, when the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Paul to serve as missionaries He responded to God’s call without any hesitation. Barnabas unreservedly forsook all and took off with Paul. It demands great courage to give up a successful ministry to become a missionary.

Sacrificing Leadership

Next, he graciously let Paul take the lead role in their first mission trip (13-14). From then onwards, Paul stood at the forefront (13:9). Luke even described the mission team as Paul’s party (13:13). Paul became the speaker of the mission team (13:16). Though it is common among successful leaders not to give up their leadership, Barnabas gave it up with grace, humility, and sacrifice. Yes, Barnabas’ sacrifice made a great impact not only on the churches in Jerusalem, Antioch, and mission fields, but also on Paul and Mark. His sacrifice impacted the World.

It demands great courage to give up a successful ministry to become a missionary.