Acts 4:36
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),
Joseph
The name "Joseph" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "He will add" or "Jehovah increases." In the context of the early church, Joseph is a common name, but this particular Joseph is distinguished by his actions and the nickname given to him by the apostles. His Hebrew roots suggest a heritage of faith and a connection to the promises of God to increase and bless His people.

a Levite
Levites were members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. This background indicates that Joseph, later known as Barnabas, was well-versed in Jewish law and traditions. His Levitical heritage would have given him a unique perspective on the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ, and it underscores his role as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church.

from Cyprus
Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean, known in antiquity for its strategic location and cultural diversity. Joseph's origin from Cyprus highlights the spread of the Gospel beyond the confines of Judea and Galilee, illustrating the early church's mission to reach all nations. This geographical detail also suggests that Joseph was familiar with diverse cultures and languages, equipping him for his future missionary journeys.

whom the apostles called Barnabas
The apostles' decision to rename Joseph as "Barnabas" reflects a common biblical practice of assigning names that capture a person's character or destiny. This renaming signifies the apostles' recognition of Joseph's unique gifts and his vital role in the community. It also indicates the close relationship and trust between Joseph and the apostolic leaders.

(meaning Son of Encouragement)
The name "Barnabas" is derived from the Aramaic "Bar" (son) and "Nabas" (encouragement or consolation). This title encapsulates Joseph's ministry and character, as he was known for his ability to uplift and support others. His encouragement was not merely emotional but deeply spiritual, rooted in the truth of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. Barnabas's role as an encourager was crucial in the early church, fostering unity and growth among believers.

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 Encouragement
Barnabas'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
1. How does Barnabas's example of encouragement challenge us to support others in our church community today?

2. In what ways can we practice generosity like Barnabas, and what impact might this have on our local church?

3. How can we better embrace and integrate new believers into our church, following Barnabas's example with Saul?

4. What lessons can we learn from Barnabas's background and how it contributed to his role in the early church?

5. How can we cultivate a spirit of encouragement and support within our own families and workplaces, reflecting Barnabas's influence?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 9:27
Barnabas's role in introducing Saul (Paul) to the apostles, showcasing his trustworthiness and influence.

Acts 11:22-24
Barnabas's mission to Antioch, where he encouraged the believers and contributed to the growth of the church.

Galatians 2:1-9
Barnabas's partnership with Paul in ministry, highlighting his role in the early missionary efforts.

Colossians 4:10
Reference to Barnabas's cousin, Mark, indicating his familial connections within the early church.

Hebrews 10:24-25
The call to encourage one another, reflecting Barnabas's example of encouragement and support.
Being Let GoJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
Being Let GoJ. McNeill.Acts 4:23-37
Christian SocialismD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
CompanyW. M. Taylor, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
Every Creature After its KindW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
Every Man to His Own PlaceG. F. Humphreys.Acts 4:23-37
Features of the Apostolic ChurchR. Hall, M. A.Acts 4:23-37
Happy Only in Our Own CompanyJohn Currie.Acts 4:23-37
Men Will Go At Last. Where They are Fit to GoJ. L. Nye.Acts 4:23-37
Our Own CompanyA. Raleigh, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
Prayer and the Promises are Doubly Dear in ExtremitiesH. G. Salter.Acts 4:23-37
Primitive WorshipDean Vaughan.Acts 4:23-37
Resource in TroubleWayland Hoyt, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
The Apostles At LibertyJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
The Burnt Offering of a True Church PrayerK. Gerok.Acts 4:23-37
The Prayer of the Church At Jerusalem Under PersecutionThomas Jackson.Acts 4:23-37
The Prayer of the Primitive ChurchW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 4:23-37
The Resource of the Devout, EtcW. Clarkson Acts 4:23-37
Their Own CompanyHomiletic ReviewActs 4:23-37
A Glimpse of Ideal Social LifeE. Johnson Acts 4:32-37
The Earliest of the Tares, in the Field of the ChurchP.C. Barker Acts 4:36-5:11
A Great Example of Spiritual ExcellenceR.A. Redford Acts 4:36, 37
A Son of ConsolationT. L. Cuyler.Acts 4:36-37
A Son of ConsolationActs 4:36-37
A Son of ConsolationW. Arnot.Acts 4:36-37
BarnabasW. Brock.Acts 4:36-37
CyprusF. A. Warrington.Acts 4:36-37
Practical Christian. BeneficenceA. Moody Stuart, D. D.Acts 4:36-37
The Power of a High ExampleR. Tuck Acts 4:36, 37
The Profit and Rule of Christian BeneficenceBp. Cleveland Coxe.Acts 4:36-37
People
Alexander, Annas, Barnabas, Caiaphas, David, Herod, John, Joseph, Joses, Peter, Pilate
Places
Cyprus, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Solomon's Colonnade
Topics
Apostles, Barnabas, Bar-nabas, Birth, Comfort, Consolation, Cyprian, Cyprus, Encouragement, Exhortation, Interpreted, Joseph, Joses, Levite, Native, Race, Sense, Signifying, Surnamed, Thus, Translated
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 4:36

     4248   islands
     5043   names, significance
     5738   sons
     8415   encouragement, examples

Acts 4:32-37

     5476   property
     5776   achievement
     8262   generosity, human
     8356   unselfishness

Acts 4:34-36

     5414   money, stewardship

Acts 4:34-37

     7025   church, unity

Acts 4:36-37

     8223   dedication
     8410   decision-making, examples

Library
Courage
Chester Cathedral, 1871. Acts iv. 13, 18-20. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. . . . And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

February 16 Morning
Thy name is as ointment poured forth.--SONG 1:3. Christ . . . hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.--Unto you therefore which believe he is precious.--God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.--In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. If ye love me, keep my commandments.--The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

With and Like Christ
'Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.' --ACTS iv. 13. Two young Galilean fishermen, before the same formidable tribunal which a few weeks before had condemned their Master, might well have quailed. And evidently 'Annas, the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest,' were very much astonished
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Impossible Silence
'We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.' --ACTS iv. 20. The context tells us that the Jewish Council were surprised, as they well might be, at the boldness of Peter and John, and traced it to their having been with Jesus. But do you remember that they were by no means bold when they were with Jesus, and that the bravery came after what, in ordinary circumstances, would have destroyed any of it in a man? A leader's execution is not a usual recipe for heartening his followers,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Wheat and the Tares
'And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.' --ACTS iv. 32. 'And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.'--ACTS v. 11. Once more Luke pauses and gives a general survey of the Church's condition. It comes in appropriately at the end of the account of the triumph over the first assault of civil authority, which assault
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Blast of Tempest
'And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2. Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now even-tide. 4. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 5. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Obedient Disobedience
'But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 23. And being let go they
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Servant and the Slaves
'Thy servant David...'; 'Thy Holy Servant Jesus...'; 'Thy servants...'--ACTS iv. 26, 27, 29. I do not often take fragments of Scripture for texts; but though these are fragments, their juxtaposition results in by no means fragmentary thoughts. There is obvious intention in the recurrence of the expression so frequently in so few verses, and to the elucidation of that intention my remarks will be directed. The words are parts of the Church's prayer on the occasion of its first collision with the civil
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Scriptural Christianity
"Whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head." Ezek. 33:4. "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 4:31. 1. The same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we read, "When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all" (the Apostles, with the women, and the mother of Jesus, and his brethren) "with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Christ's People --Imitators of Him
First, then, this morning, I will tell you what a Christian should be; secondly, I will tell you when he should be so; thirdly, why he should be so; and then fourthly how he can be so. I. As God may help us then, first of all, we will speak of WHAT A BELIEVER SHOULD BE. A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read lives of Christ, beautifully and eloquently written, and you have admired the talent of the persons who could write so well; but the best life of Christ is his
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

The Way of Salvation
What a great word that word "salvation" is! It includes the cleansing of our conscience from all past guilt, the delivery of our soul from all those propensities to evil which now so strongly predominate in us; it takes in, in fact, the undoing of all that Adam did. Salvation is the total restoration of man from his fallen estate; and yet it is something more than that, for God's salvation fixes our standing more secure than it was before we fell. It finds us broken in pieces by the sin of our first
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
A MANIFESTATION OF GOD IN ANSWER TO PRAYER ". . . When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." -- Acts 4:31. This remarkable manifestation of God reveals the effectiveness of prevailing prayer. It vividly discloses the fact that prayer can accomplish much. It is apparent that neither the apostles, nor the assembled company of devout believers were astonished at the marvelous
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Against the Modern Free-Thinkers.
Sir, THERE arrived in this neighbourhood, two days ago, one of your gay gentlemen of the town, who being attended at his entry with a servant of his own, besides a countryman he had taken up for a guide, excited the curiosity of the village to learn whence and what he might be. The countryman (to whom they applied as most easy of access) knew little more than that the gentleman came from London to travel and see fashions, and was, as he heard say, a Free-thinker; what religion that might be he could
Joseph Addison—The Evidences of the Christian Religion, with Additional Discourses

The Church of God.
More than one hundred times the words church and churches are used in the New Testament. It is always translated from ekklesia. Most translators agree that a more correct translation of this Greek word would have been congregation. "The church of God" would then have read, "Congregation of God." "The church of the first-born" would have read, "The congregation of the first-born." The church that was at Antioch would have read, "The congregation that was at Antioch," etc. What Is The Church Or
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Paul at Sea. Acts xxvii. 22-25.
"There's no hope," said the captain, "the ship cannot live in such a storm." "There's no hope," said the military officer, "we shall never see Rome." "There's no hope," said the prisoners, "we shall die at sea instead of on the scaffold." One prisoner, however, had hope, and in the long run made all his companions to hope. Paul cried out, "BE OF GOOD CHEER, FOR THERE STOOD BY ME THIS NIGHT THE ANGEL OF GOD, WHOSE I AM, AND WHOM I SERVE, SAYING, FEAR NOT, PAUL, THOU MUST BE BROUGHT BEFORE CAESAR,
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

"And all that Believed were Together. " Acts 4:44.
"And all that believed were together." Acts 4:44. 1 Restore, O Father! to our times restore The peace which filled thine infant church of yore; Ere lust of power had sown the seeds of strife, And quenched the new-born charities of life. 2 O never more may differing judgments part From kindly sympathy a brother's heart; But linked in one, believing thousands kneel, And share with each the sacred joy they feel. 3 From soul to soul, quick as the sunbeam's ray, Let concord spread one universal
J.G. Adams—Hymns for Christian Devotion

Ananias and Sapphira
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. One of the most striking features of the early Christian Church was what we have come to know as Christian Communism, or as the historian describes it in Acts iv, 32: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." It is a bright and a pleasing picture that is thus presented. Nor is it difficult to understand how such a spirit
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether Explicit Belief in the Mystery of the Incarnation of Christ is Necessary for the Salvation of Everybody
Whether Explicit Belief in the Mystery of the Incarnation of Christ is Necessary for the Salvation of Everybody We proceed to the seventh article thus: 1. It seems that explicit belief in the mystery of the incarnation of Christ is not necessary for the salvation of everybody. A man is not required to have explicit belief in matters of which angels are ignorant, since the faith is made explicit by divine revelation, which reaches men through the medium of angels, as was said in the preceding article.
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

St. Cyprian.
PART I (AD 200-253) About the same time with Origen lived St Cyprian, bishop of Carthage. He was born about the year 200, and had been long famous as a professor of heathen learning, when he was converted at the age of forty-five. He then gave up his calling as a teacher, and, like the first Christians at Jerusalem (Acts iv. 34f), he sold a fine house and gardens, which he had near the town, and gave the price, with a large part of his other money, to the poor. He became one of the clergy of Carthage,
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Whether There is but one Divine Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is but one Divine law. Because, where there is one king in one kingdom there is but one law. Now the whole of mankind is compared to God as to one king, according to Ps. 46:8: "God is the King of all the earth." Therefore there is but one Divine law. Objection 2: Further, every law is directed to the end which the lawgiver intends for those for whom he makes the law. But God intends one and the same thing for all men; since according to 1 Tim. 2:4: "He will have
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Necessary for the Salvation of All, that they Should Believe Explicitly in the Mystery of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not necessary for the salvation of all that they should believe explicitly in the mystery of Christ. For man is not bound to believe explicitly what the angels are ignorant about: since the unfolding of faith is the result of Divine revelation, which reaches man by means of the angels, as stated above [2287](A[6]; [2288]FP, Q[111], A[1]). Now even the angels were in ignorance of the mystery of the Incarnation: hence, according to the commentary of Dionysius (Coel.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all are Bound to Receive Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that not all are bound to receive Baptism. For Christ did not narrow man's road to salvation. But before Christ's coming men could be saved without Baptism: therefore also after Christ's coming. Objection 2: Further, Baptism seems to have been instituted principally as a remedy for original sin. Now, since a man who is baptized is without original sin, it seems that he cannot transmit it to his children. Therefore it seems that the children of those who have been baptized, should
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Worked Miracles Fittingly on Men?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ worked miracles unfittingly on men. For in man the soul is of more import than the body. Now Christ worked many miracles on bodies, but we do not read of His working any miracles on souls: for neither did He convert any unbelievers to the faith mightily, but by persuading and convincing them with outward miracles, nor is it related of Him that He made wise men out of fools. Therefore it seems that He worked miracles on men in an unfitting manner. Objection 2:
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Suffered in a Suitable Place?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not suffer in a suitable place. For Christ suffered according to His human nature, which was conceived in Nazareth and born in Bethlehem. Consequently it seems that He ought not to have suffered in Jerusalem, but in Nazareth or Bethlehem. Objection 2: Further, the reality ought to correspond with the figure. But Christ's Passion was prefigured by the sacrifices of the Old Law, and these were offered up in the Temple. Therefore it seems that Christ ought
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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