New International Version Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), New Living Translation For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. English Standard Version Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Berean Standard Bible Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), Berean Literal Bible Now Joseph having been called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, King James Bible And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, New King James Version And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, New American Standard Bible Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), NASB 1995 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), NASB 1977 And Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means, Son of Encouragement), Legacy Standard Bible Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), Amplified Bible Now Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), Berean Annotated Bible Joseph (he will add), a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles (sent ones) called Barnabas (son of encouragement) (meaning Son of Encouragement), Christian Standard Bible Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), Holman Christian Standard Bible Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement, American Standard Version And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, English Revised Version And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, GOD'S WORD® Translation Joseph, a descendant of Levi, had been born on the island of Cyprus. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means "a person who encourages." Good News Translation And so it was that Joseph, a Levite born in Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "One who Encourages"), International Standard Version One man, Joseph, a descendant of Levi and a native of Cyprus, who was named Barnabas by the apostles (the name means "a son of encouragement"), NET Bible So Joseph, a Levite who was a native of Cyprus, called by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated "son of encouragement"), New Heart English Bible Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is translated, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus by birth, Webster's Bible Translation And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Weymouth New Testament In this way Joseph, whom the Apostles gave the name of Bar-nabas--signifying 'Son of Encouragement' --a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJoses, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), World English Bible Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joses, who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas—which is, having been interpreted, Son of Comfort—a Levite, of Cyprus by birth, Berean Literal Bible Now Joseph having been called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, Young's Literal Translation And Joses, who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas -- which is, having been interpreted, Son of Comfort -- a Levite, of Cyprus by birth, Smith's Literal Translation And Joses, surnamed Barnabas by the sent, (which is interpreted, Son of consolation,) a Levite, a Cyprian by birth, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Joseph, who, by the apostles, was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, by interpretation, The son of consolation,) a Levite, a Cyprian born, Catholic Public Domain Version Now Joseph, who the Apostles surnamed Barnabas (which is translated as ‘son of consolation’), who was a Levite of Cyprian descent, New American Bible Thus Joseph, also named by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, New Revised Standard Version There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow Joseph whom the apostles surnamed Bar’na-bas (which is, interpreted, the son of consolation), a Levite of the country of Cy’prus, Aramaic Bible in Plain English But Yoseph, named BarNaba by the Apostles, which is translated, “Son of comfort”, a Levite from the country of Cyprus, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd Joses, who, by the apostles, was surnamed Barnabas, (which name, when translated, is, Son of consolation,) a Levite, by birth a Cyprian, Godbey New Testament And Joseph called Barnabas by the apostles, which is interpreted, Son of consolation, a Levite, a Cyprian by race, Haweis New Testament And Joses, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, (which is, being interpreted, A son of consolation,) a Levite, a Cyprian by birth, Mace New Testament among the rest one Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (that is to say, the son of consolation) a Levite, and a native of Cyprus, Weymouth New Testament In this way Joseph, whom the Apostles gave the name of Bar-nabas--signifying 'Son of Encouragement' --a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Worrell New Testament And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is interpreted, "Son of Consolation"), a Levite, a Cyprian by birth, Worsley New Testament So Joses who was by the apostles sirnamed Barnabas, which is a son of consolation, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Sharing among Believers…35and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas ( meaning Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.… Cross References Joseph, Acts 1:23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Luke 23:50 Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, Matthew 1:16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. a Levite Deuteronomy 18:1 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. Numbers 18:24 For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” from Cyprus, Acts 13:4 So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. Acts 11:20 But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. Acts 21:16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to stay at the home of Mnason the Cypriot, an early disciple. whom the apostles called Barnabas Acts 9:27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. Galatians 2:9 And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. Acts 11:25-26 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, / and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. (meaning Son of Encouragement), Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. Acts 11:22-24 When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. / When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. / Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Treasury of Scripture And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Barnabas. Acts 11:22-25,30 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch… Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. The son. Mark 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: Cyprus. Acts 11:19,20 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only… Acts 15:39 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; Acts 21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. Jump to Previous Apostles Barnabas Comfort Consolation Country Cyprian Cyprus Encouragement Interpreted Joseph Joses Levite Means Native Race Sense Signifying Surnamed Translated WayJump to Next Apostles Barnabas Comfort Consolation Country Cyprian Cyprus Encouragement Interpreted Joseph Joses Levite Means Native Race Sense Signifying Surnamed Translated WayActs 4 1. The rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,3. imprison him and John. 5. After, upon examination 8. Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus, 11. and that only by the same Jesus we must be eternally saved, 13. they threaten him and John to preach no more in that name, 23. whereupon the church flees to prayer. 31. And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer; 34. confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with mutual love and charity. Joseph, Joseph was a Jewish believer from the tribe of Levi and among the early Christians in Jerusalem. Act 1:23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas… a Levite His ancestral connection to Israel’s priestly tribe identified him with a people set apart for the service of God. Deu 18:1 The Levitical priests shall have no portion… from Cyprus, He was from the Jewish community on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and likely arrived in Jerusalem before becoming part of the church. Act 13:4 So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit,… whom the apostles called Barnabas The apostles recognized Joseph by a name that reflected his service and character among the believers. Act 9:27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles… (meaning Son of Encouragement), Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” became known for strengthening others through generosity, faithful support, and wise leadership. Act 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced… Persons / Places / Events 1. Joseph (Barnabas)A Levite from Cyprus, known for his role in the early church. The apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement." His character and actions were pivotal in the growth and support of the early Christian community. 2. Levite A member of the tribe of Levi, traditionally assigned religious duties in the temple. Joseph's Levitical background highlights his Jewish heritage and his initial role within the Jewish religious system. 3. Cyprus An island in the Eastern Mediterranean, which was Joseph's (Barnabas's) place of origin. This location is significant as it indicates the spread of the Gospel beyond the immediate region of Judea. 4. Apostles The primary leaders of the early Christian church, who recognized Joseph's gifts and renamed him Barnabas, acknowledging his role in encouraging and supporting the believers. 5. Early Church The community of believers in Jesus Christ, who were growing in number and influence during this time. Barnabas played a crucial role in this community through his encouragement and generosity. Teaching Points The Power of EncouragementBarnabas's nickname, "Son of Encouragement," underscores the importance of uplifting and supporting fellow believers. Encouragement can strengthen faith and foster unity within the church. Generosity and Sacrifice As a Levite, Barnabas likely had a deep understanding of sacrificial giving. His actions in the early church demonstrate the impact of generosity on community growth and spiritual health. Embracing New Believers Barnabas's acceptance and support of Saul (Paul) illustrate the importance of welcoming and integrating new believers into the church, regardless of their past. Cultural and Geographical Diversity Barnabas's background from Cyprus highlights the early church's diversity and the spread of the Gospel across different regions and cultures. Leadership and Influence Barnabas's role in the early church shows how encouragement and support can lead to significant leadership opportunities and influence within the Christian community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 4:36?2. How does Acts 4:36 illustrate the importance of encouragement in Christian fellowship? 3. What can we learn from Barnabas about generosity and selflessness in Acts 4:36? 4. How does Barnabas' example in Acts 4:36 connect to Jesus' teachings on giving? 5. In what ways can you be a "son of encouragement" in your community? 6. How does Barnabas' role in Acts 4:36 inspire you to support church leaders? 7. Why is Joseph called Barnabas in Acts 4:36, and what does it signify? 8. How does Barnabas' generosity in Acts 4:36 challenge modern Christian views on wealth? 9. What role does Barnabas play in the early church according to Acts 4:36? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 4? (36) And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas.--The better MSS. give the name as Joseph. It is possible, as Rabbinic writers often give Jose for Joseph, that both were but different forms, like Simon and Simeon, of the same name. The later friendship between the Levite of Cyprus and St. Paul makes it probable that there had been some previous companionship (see Notes on Acts 9:27; Acts 11:25), and it may well have been that he was sent from Cyprus to receive his education in the famous schools of Tarsus, or practised with Saul in early life the craft of tent-making, for which Tarsus was famous, and in which they were afterwards fellow-labourers (1Corinthians 9:6). As a Levite he had probably taken his place in the ministries of the Temple, and may, therefore, have been among our Lord's actual hearers. His relation Mary, the mother of John surnamed Marcus, was, we know, living at Jerusalem. (See Note on Acts 12:12; Colossians 4:10.) A tradition, as early as Clement of Alexandria (Strom. ii. ? 116), makes him one of the Seventy, and this agrees with the prophetic character which we have seen reason to think of as attaching to that body. (See. Note on Luke 10:1.) The new name which the Apostles gave him, literally, if we look to its Hebrew etymology, The son of prophecy, or, taking St. Luke's translation, The son of counsel, implies the possession of a special gift of persuasive utterance, in which the Apostles recognised the work of the Spirit. The Paraclete had endowed him with the gift of paraclesis, in the sense in which that word included counsel, comfort, admonition, application of divine truth to the spiritual necessities of men. (See Excursus G. on St. John's Gospel.) In Acts 11:23, we find him exhorting the Gentile converts at Antioch, the verb being that from which paraclesis is derived. He was, i.e., conspicuous for the gift of prophecy as that gift is described in 1Corinthians 14:3. The several stages in his life come before us later. An Epistle bearing his name, and recognised as his by Clement of Alexandria and Origen, is still extant, but its authenticity is, to say the least, questionable. It consists mainly of allegorical interpretations of Old Testament narratives. Some critics have assigned the Epistle to the Hebrews to his authorship, as the expounder of St. Paul's thoughts. It should be noted that a little further on his kinswoman Mary's house is the chief meeting-place of the Church of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12), and that her son John, surnamed Mark, is mentioned by St. Peter ("Marcus my son," 1Peter 5:13) in words which make it almost certain that he was converted by that Apostle. . . . Verse 36. - Joseph for Joses, A.V., as Acts 1:23; Son of exhortation for The son of consolation, A.V.; a man of Cyprus by race for and of the country of Cyprus, A.V. Joseph. In the variation of manuscripts it is difficult to say which is right. Some (Grotius, Alford, etc.) consider the two forms as mere variations in writing the name Joseph. But it seems more probable that Joses is the same name as Josiah, only without the addition of the Divine Name (Jab) at the end (see Simon, 'Onomast.'). It is found as a proper name in the T.R. of Matthew 13:55; Matthew 27:56; Mark 6:3; Mark 15:40, 47; Luke 3:29 (Jose); and is not likely to have been substituted for the common name of Joseph. The Codex Sinaiticus has Joses only in Mark 15:40. The R.V. has Joseph in Matthew 13:55, and Joses in Matthew 27:56; Mark 6:3; Mark 15:40, 47. In Luke 3:29 the R.V. has Jesus. But Joses is probably right both here and in the above-cited passages. Barnabas; literally, son of prophecy; i.e. a prophet, as he is called in Acts 18:1. Probably his exhortations under the influence of the Holy Spirit in the Church assemblies were particularly stirring and edifying. The Greek version of the name, υἱὸς παρακλήσεως, should be rendered, as in R.V., Son of exhortation, for "son of consolation? is a meaning which can hardly be got out of the Hebrew. The apostles seem here to have followed our Lord's example in naming the sons of Zebedee, sons of thunder. A man of Cyprus by race. The A.V. is less accurate, but it gives the sense better. Cyprus was the country where he was born and lived, as, it is likely, his fathers had done before him. But he was hardly, in our sense of the words, a Cypriot by race. We know that a great many Jews were settled in Cyprus (Philo, 'Leg. ad Caium.,'§ 36; Josephus, 'Ant.,' 13:4; Alford, on Acts 11:19); and we learn from Acts 13:5 that in Salamis alone there were several synagogues. Acts 4:36 introduces a real man, Joseph, whose priestly heritage, international background, and Spirit-given gift of encouragement make him a vital bridge in the early church. Renamed Barnabas by the apostles, he models sacrificial generosity, cultural agility, and persistent advocacy for others, showing how Christ transforms ordinary believers into indispensable servants who strengthen and extend the gospel’s reach. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Joseph,Ἰωσὴφ (Iōsēph) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2501: Joseph, a proper name. Of Hebrew origin; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites. a Levite Λευίτης (Leuitēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3019: From Leui; a Levite, i.e. Descendant of Levi. from Cyprus, Κύπριος (Kyprios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2953: A Cypriote, belonging to Cyprus. From Kupros; a Cyprian, i.e. Inhabitant of Cyprus. whom ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. apostles ἀποστόλων (apostolōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. called ἐπικληθεὶς (epiklētheis) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1941: (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address. Barnabas Βαρνάβας (Barnabas) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 921: Of Chaldee origin; son of Nabas; Barnabas, an Israelite. ( ὅ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. meaning μεθερμηνευόμενον (methermēneuomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3177: To translate (from one language into another), interpret. From meta and hermeneuo; to explain over, i.e. Translate. Son Υἱὸς (Huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. of Encouragement), παρακλήσεως (paraklēseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3874: From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace. Additonal Resources Acts 4:36 Blue Letter BibleActs 4:36 Bible Gateway Acts 4:36 Bible.com Acts 4:36 NIV |
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