Acts 4:36
Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Barnabas, the "son of encouragement," wasn't just a kind presence; his new name, given by the apostles, reflected a recognized gift from the Spirit for speaking words of counsel and comfort that deeply impacted people's spiritual needs. This hints that his role went beyond mere emotional support to actively guiding and strengthening others in their faith.
In the context of the early church's radical generosity and communal living, Joseph of Cyprus, a Levite, is introduced as Barnabas, meaning "son of encouragement." This remarkable act of selling land and giving the proceeds to the apostles serves as a powerful example of selfless giving, highlighting how individuals from diverse backgrounds were contributing to the burgeoning Christian community.
Why did the apostles give Joseph a new name? What did 'Barnabas' truly signify?
The apostles, recognizing a profound gift within Joseph, renamed him Barnabas. This new name, translated as 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation,' wasn't just a nickname. It pointed to a divine gifting, a unique capacity to comfort, exhort, and build up others in faith. The original Hebrew might even carry a sense of 'son of prophecy,' suggesting a speaker who could reveal God's will and apply it with powerful insight. This gift of 'paraklesis'—a powerful form of speaking that includes comforting, urging, and advising—was central to Barnabas's ministry and was recognized by the apostles as a work of the Holy Spirit.
Barnabas was a Levite, but also 'a native of Cyprus.' How does this background shape our understanding of him and the early church?
Barnabas came from a unique background: he was a Levite, part of the priestly tribe of Israel, but he was also from Cyprus, an island outside the immediate land of Israel. This meant he was a 'Hellenist' – a Jew who was more exposed to Greek culture and language. This 'foreign' background, combined with his Levitical heritage, made him an ideal bridge-builder. While the more insular Jewish believers in Jerusalem might have struggled with a wider vision, Barnabas, with his broader perspective, could more easily connect with and minister to both Jewish and Gentile believers. His very identity as a Jew from the diaspora signaled the expanding reach of the gospel.
Barnabas is introduced right after the description of the early church's radical generosity. What does his example teach us about giving?
The placement of Barnabas's introduction is no accident. He is presented immediately following the account of the early believers selling possessions to meet everyone's needs. The text highlights that Barnabas 'had land and sold it and brought the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles' (Acts 4:37, though implicitly referenced here). This wasn't just a financial transaction; it was a profound act of trust and sacrifice. It demonstrated that his identity and security were not in his possessions but in God and the community. His willingness to give so freely, even selling his landed property, showcased a deep commitment to the radical new way of life the early church embodied, a life characterized by sharing and selfless love.
Understand the original words
Leuitēs · Greek Noun
A member of the tribe of Levi, specifically set apart by God for priestly and temple service. They were dedicated to the ministry of the tabernacle and later the temple, serving as representatives of the people before God and ministers of the law.
epiklētheis · Greek Participle/Verb
A term of address or title given by the early church leadership. It indicates an official designation or a descriptive title recognized and bestowed by the Apostles, signifying a role of authority or character that carries weight within the community of believers.
apostolōn · Greek Noun
Refers to the authorized messengers and witnesses sent by Jesus Christ. They were foundational figures in the early church, endowed with apostolic authority to teach, govern, and testify to the resurrection of Christ.
Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, embodies the 'son of encouragement' by selling his ancestral land and supporting the burgeoning, inclusive Christian movement, bridging the gap between Jewish tradition and the Gentile world.
c. 63 BC - 31 BC
Herod the Great's Patronage of Cyprus
Augustus Caesar leased the copper mines of Cyprus to Herod the Great, leading to a significant influx of Jewish subjects to the island.
Early 1st century AD
Jewish Diaspora in Cyprus
Large Jewish communities flourished on Cyprus, establishing synagogues and maintaining cultural and religious ties to their homeland.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Resurrection
Jesus' public ministry, death, and resurrection occur in Jerusalem, forming the foundational events for the early Christian movement.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Early Jerusalem Church
The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples in Jerusalem, leading to the formation of the first Christian community and bold preaching of the resurrection.
This passage mentions Jesus sending out the seventy disciples, a group that might have included individuals with prophetic gifts like Barnabas, who was known for his 'son of encouragement' role.
Acts 11:23-24Here, Barnabas is described as seeing the grace of God and encouraging the believers in Antioch, directly reflecting his 'son of encouragement' title and his role in strengthening the church.
Galatians 2:13This passage shows Barnabas being carried away by hypocrisy along with Peter, highlighting his human side and the internal struggles that even those with encouraging gifts could face.
1 Corinthians 14:3Paul defines prophecy as speaking to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort, which aligns perfectly with the meaning and function of Barnabas's surname, 'son of encouragement'.
Acts 13:1-3Barnabas is explicitly named as a prophet and teacher alongside Paul, demonstrating his significant spiritual leadership and his role in the early church's missionary endeavors.
ellicottActs 4:36: "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,"
(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…
barnesActs 4:36: "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,"
And Joses - Many manuscripts, instead of "Joses," here read "Joseph." The reasons why this individual is selected and specified particularly were, doubtless, because he was a foreigner; because it was a remarkable instance of liberality; and because he subsequently distinguished himself in the work of the ministry. He gave himself, his…
Barnabas, the "son of encouragement," wasn't just a kind presence; his new name, given by the apostles, reflected a recognized gift from the Spirit for speaking words of counsel and comfort that deeply impacted people's spiritual needs. This hints that his role went beyond mere emotional support to actively guiding and strengthening others in their faith.
In the context of the early church's radical generosity and communal living, Joseph of Cyprus, a Levite, is introduced as Barnabas, meaning "son of encouragement." This remarkable act of selling land and giving the proceeds to the apostles serves as a powerful example of selfless giving, highlighting how individuals from diverse backgrounds were contributing to the burgeoning Christian community.
In the context of the early church's radical generosity and communal living, Joseph of Cyprus, a Levite, is introduced as Barnabas, meaning "son of encouragement." This remarkable act of selling land and giving the proceeds to the apostles serves as a powerful example of selfless giving, highlighting how individuals from diverse backgrounds were contributing to the burgeoning Christian community.
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paraklēseōs · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, this refers to a gift of the Holy Spirit characterized by comforting, exhorting, consoling, and strengthening others in their faith. It is the active ministry of lifting up others toward godliness and perseverance.
c. AD 35-36
Ananias and Sapphira's Deception
Ananias and Sapphira sell property and claim to give all to the apostles, but keep back funds, leading to their immediate judgment.
c. AD 35-36— this verse
Barnabas Sells His Land
Joseph, surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, sells his land in Cyprus and brings the proceeds to the apostles to support the early church community.
c. AD 44
Barnabas and Saul's First Missionary Journey
Barnabas and Paul embark on their first major missionary endeavor, taking the Gospel to Gentile audiences.
"Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus," — Barnabas, the "son of encouragement," wasn't just a kind presence; his new name, given by the apostles, reflected a recognized gift from the Spirit for speaking words of counsel and comfort that deep…
