The mentions of Barnabas in the New Testament provide an interesting framework for understanding the importance of precision in our walk with the Lord. There was a sharp contention between Paul and Barnabas, and they went their separate ways in ministry. The final mention of Barnabas was an incident when Paul rebuked Peter for eating exclusively with Jewish believers to the exclusion of the Gentiles. Barnabas joined Peter in that error. An important lesson for us is that even a minor deviation, if left uncorrected, can result in us ending up a long way off from our calling. Barnabas began by encouraging Paul and guiding him into ministry by vouching for him when the other apostles were wary of his past. We must make sure to be steadfast in our encouragement of others and in our desire for Godly correction so that we can remain on the right path.
When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
Galatians 2:11-13