Here we have the first mention of Barnabas. The apostles having already seen him at work, gave him a surname that matched the man, he had obviously brought consolation in previous days. These verses contrast with the story of Annias and Sapphire that follows. Barnabus was honest in his dealings and gave all the money he got from the sale of his land. We likewise need to be honest in our dealings with God.

Acts 9v27: But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them ...

Here we see Barnabas at work. Seeing Saul of Tarsus, once a great persecutor of the church, now come to Christ but having difficulties convincing the church he had, Barnabas steps in and intercedes on his behalf, testifying to Saul's new-found faith. So often a new Christian is misunderstood, we fail to recognise God's hand at work.

Acts 11v22: Then tidings of these things came unot the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Acts 11v25: Then departed Barnabus to Tarsus, for to seek Saul.

In this and the proceeding verses, we see Barnabus at Antioch. The church at Jerusalem, saw that the new believers in Antioch needed someone to bring them on gently in their faith, to feed them milk, and so sent Barnabas, the son of consolation there. No doubt these new believers would have faced persecution and Barnabas would be able to console them, and build them up.
Having done this Barnabas, then saw their need for more than he could offer them. So he sought Saul to come and help. Both Barnabas and Saul taught there for a year, building up the Christians in their new-found faith.
This, and indeed the previous comment, reminds us that once a person is saved, they then need continual help. They need someone (or someones) to lead them on in the Christian faith, that they may one day serve the Lord themselves.

Acts 13v2: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Seperate me Barnabus and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
1 Corinthians 9v6: Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
Galatians 2v1: I went up again to Jerusalem, with Barnabas.
Galatians 2v9: they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship:

In Acts 13 we see Barnabas and Saul called by the Holy Spirit to go forth and serve Him. They were not chosen by man but by God to go out and serve Him. Whilst Saul takes a more prominent position in their work, the Holy Sprit calls Barnabas and Saul together knowing that Barnabas was not a man who would via with Saul for position but would happily take a back seat as far as everyone else is concerned, but would no doubt be just as important in the work. In the verses quoted from the epistles, and indeed Acts 14 & 15, we see Paul and Barnabas joined together in the work. Each great worker for Christ, has someone to support them in the work they do. Like Barnabas we may need to be ready to take a back seat and let others have the limelight.

Acts 12v25: And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem ... and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Acts 13v5: ... and they had also John to their minister.
Acts 15v37-39: And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus.
Colossians 4v10: ... Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Alas, no man is perfect. It seems family ties let down Barnabas. Barnabas and Saul took Mark (Barnabas' nephew) with them to begin with, but then Mark departed from them "and went not with them to the work." Barnabas later wants Mark to join them, but Paul stands his ground as Mark, we presume had yet to be restored. We have to be careful in our Christian walk, not to let family ties restrict our service for God.

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