S – When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, ²⁴ for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord

Acts 11:23–24 CSB

O – Commentary:

Three things were said about Barnabas: he was a good man, he was full of the Holy Spirit, and he was full of faith (Stephen too was full of faith and the Holy Spirit; 6:5). Luke wrote this description of Barnabas after the confrontation between Paul and Barnabas, recorded in 15:39. Since Luke was Paul’s traveling companion, this statement about Barnabas must have been Paul’s assessment as well.

 “Acts,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Barnabas was described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.  He wasn’t described as talented, gifted, attractional, or dynamic.  It is easy to get caught up in one’s outside appearance instead of their inside.  Barnabas ministered from a solid “inside” and large numbers of people came to know Christ.  Let’s focus on our inside and expect God to draw people to him through us.

R – Heavenly Father, we praise your Holy Name.  Continue to refine our hearts and character in you.  Let our faith be strong and our desire for your Holy Spirit to grow us.  Thank you for your love for us.