I have been thinking lately about how we need exhorters within the body of Christ. Those who will lovingly challenge us and point us to Jesus in all things. Let’s consider an example from Scripture of such a person.
Barnabas is introduced to us in Acts 4:36 where he is called the “son of exhortation” (ASV), or of encouragement, or consolation, as the word there can be translated. Next in Acts 9 we see him bringing Saul (Paul) to the apostles to help him be accepted. And in ch. 11 he encourages and exhorts the new believers at Antioch, then goes to Tarsus to find Saul (Paul) and bring him to Antioch to join in the work there.
Unfortunately there would be a split between Barnabas and Paul in Acts 15 over whether or not to take Mark with them on the next missionary journey, for Mark had left the work at one time (see Acts 13:13). But Barnabas took Mark with him, not surprising for one who was an encourager and exhorter.
And this was important in the life of Mark of whom Paul would later say: “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions— if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” (Col. 4:10-11 ESV)
Being an exhorter is really something that all of us as followers of Christ are to be toward one another (see Heb. 10:25). It involves the process of keeping our eyes on Jesus, and then simultaneously seeing others and pointing them to the One on whom are eyes are set. This can be done in practical ways as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us wisdom how to pray and share the Scriptures, which bring comfort and encouragement and hope.
“When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose” (Acts 11:23 ESV).
