Years ago I heard someone say that you can achieve more in life if you aren't so concerned about who gets the credit. Some would disagree with that viewpoint, but there is a biblical example of a man who exemplified the principle. In his own way he made a considerable contribution to our New Testament.

There are 27 books in the New Testament. Of those, 13 were written by the apostle Paul, and possibly 14 if we include the book of Hebrews, whose author is not mentioned. We also have the book of Acts and the gospel of Luke, both written by Paul's associate, Luke the physician. Just think for a moment what we would be missing if those books were not part of the New Testament!

But this message is not about the apostle Paul. Instead, it is about the man who promoted him. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul "disappeared" for three years, during which he was taught personally by Jesus Christ. Then he returned to Jerusalem and wanted to associate with the church. How did the brethren react? "They were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple" (Acts 9:26).

It was then that Barnabas intervened on Paul's behalf by telling the apostles about Paul's conversion and his powerful defense of Jesus in Damascus. Barnabas believed Paul and was willing to grant him "advance trust". His intervention resulted in Paul being accepted by the Jerusalem church (verses 27-28).

Later, when the gospel bore fruit in Antioch, Barnabas, "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith", was sent there to care for the fast growing congregation. There he made a decision that has benefited Christians for centuries since: he got Paul to come to Antioch and help him care for Gentile Christians.

Actually his name was Joseph, but he "was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement)" (Acts 4:36). Barnabas encouraged Paul — and us indirectly through Paul. I imagine that if Barnabas were alive today and looked at the New Testament, he wouldn't mind at all that his former helper is reflected so prominently in its content.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!