Barnabas: Weakness

Even the best of us are susceptible to failure. There are men and women of astonishing moral rapport, immense faith, and irreplaceable benefit who, at times, go against their morals, break faith, and damage the brethren. Frankly, it is a reality for all, no matter how sincere, who have followed Christ. Sin is escapable (1 Cor 10:13), but it is not incapable of taking hold of us (1 Jn 2:1). We have the right of choice. With such a right, we are then vulnerable to making the wrong decision. Thus, we are encouraged, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Cor 10:12).

Some spiritual giants have fallen on their faces like Goliath. They erred in their decision to uphold the truth of the gospel, most often through their actions. Galatians chapter two is a showcase of such. The men of our Bibles are just that, men. They are capable of sin and, with that, culpable of rebuke. Such was the case for Peter, whom Paul withstood to the face (Gal 2:11). Such was the case for the Son of Encouragement, Barnabas (Gal 2:13).

In Galatians chapter two, the error of spiritual giants was that of partiality. Out of fear of those who preached a Judaizing gospel, those who were renowned (even responsible) for bringing the gospel to Gentiles succumbed to fear and deserted their Gentile brethren. This audacious act was appalling, and Paul found himself astonished to learn that Barnabas had erred in the same manner. Why? Barnabas was instrumental in leading Paul to minister among the Gentiles (Acts 11). How could the Son of Encouragement forsake such a great need for encouragement? Because he is human.

Barnabas’ error is a lesson for us all. We are weak; we make mistakes, and we fall prey to temptation. His example is also a lesson; even the strongest of us all will fall. We need to bear in mind our capacity for sin; if we remain blind to such, we will end up in the pit. If we are aware of such, we can stand to defend our hearts. Like Barnabas, if we strive for godliness, then moments like these will merely be a note of our humanity and not a picture of our souls. Yes, we fall. But will we rise again? “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again…” (Prov 24:16).