This message by Bishop Dennis Eversen examines the ministries of two lesser-known figures in the New Testament church: Barnabas and Agabus.

This message by Bishop Dennis Eversen examines the ministries of two lesser-known figures in the New Testament church: Barnabas and Agabus.**Barnabas**: The speaker identifies Barnabas as a crucial but frequently disregarded person in the New Testament. His name, "son of encouragement," describes his role in the early church [[01:06](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZNDsUDeoc&t=66)]. A key example of his encouragement is found in Acts 9, where he vouches for Saul (later Paul) to the scared disciples in Jerusalem, confirming Saul's conversion and paving the way for his ministry [[06:10](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZNDsUDeoc&t=370)].**Agabus**: The sermon introduces Agabus, a prophet who, similar to Barnabas, served an important role in the early church [[27:08](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZNDsUDeoc&t=1628)]. In Acts 11, Agabus foretold a major famine, which led the disciples in Antioch to send relief to believers in Judea [[27:27](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZNDsUDeoc&t=1647)]. In a later account (Acts 21), Agabus prophesies that Paul will be bound by the Gentiles in Jerusalem, a prophecy Paul accepts, stating he is prepared to die for Jesus [[37:08](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZNDsUDeoc&t=2228)].The speaker emphasizes that not everyone is called to be a prominent preacher; God also values those who serve quietly as the "backbone of the church" [[02:26](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZNDsUDeoc&t=146)]. The sermon also highlights the importance of a person's testimony and the "fruit" of a changed life to confirm their faith [[09:26](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZNDsUDeoc&t=566)].