An Acts 11:24 Leader

“Lord, help me to be an Acts 11:24 man.” That was the prayer of my late, dear friend Emerson Lyle. Honestly, I didn’t know the verse, so I had to look it up…

“for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (Acts 11:24, ESV)

On that very day, I highlighted that verse in my Bible, and I have revisited it often since. Acts 11:24 is a description of Barnabas, the great encourager. While it is not comprehensive of all that Christian leadership involves, it is foundational. Let’s take a closer look…

“a good man…” This is a man of high character. This same Greek word is also translated as “honest” and “kind” in other parts of the New Testament. This is not a perfect man. This is a good man. This is not a sinless man. This is a blameless man.

“full of the Holy Spirit…” The filling of the Holy Spirit references the Spirit’s control, influence, and enablement in the life of a believer. Barnabas walked with God. Barnabas prayed. Barnabas was surrendered to the Lord.

“…and of faith.” Not only was Barnabas saved by faith, but he also lived by faith. He walked by faith and not by sight. He was known as a man whose faith was in the Lord alone, and circumstances did not dampen his faith.

“…and a great many people were added to the Lord.” Barnabas lived the gospel. Barnabas proclaimed the gospel. Barnabas was a soul winner.

Many times since that day, I have prayed, “Lord, help me to be an Acts 11:24 man.” I learned it from one of the greatest Acts 11:24 men I have ever known.

However, the application is not limited to men. Anyone, anywhere who follows Christ and is called to lead should seek to live this way. Thus, the title “An Acts 11:24 Leader.”

Lord, help me (and you) to be an Acts 11:24 leader!