Acts 4:36-37
“Now Joseph a Levite of
Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated
means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought
the money and laid it at the apostles feet.
Everyone needs
encouragement at some point in their life.
Often, all it takes is a kind word of concern or a simple statement of
appreciation to boost the spirit of a person who is downright discouraged. Even at our places of employment, people are
much happier if they feel appreciated for their work. But the sad reality faced by this
self-centered, busy generation, is the apathy towards the wholesomeness of our
fellow human beings; and busyness is often taken as excuse for neglecting them. The New Testament church exists to be
concerned about others—about their welfare, happiness and spiritual growth.
How fitting that the Holy Spirit introduces
Barnabas to us at this crucial moment of the early church growth. As more and more people in Jerusalem believed
(Acts 2:41, 47; 4:4), there needed to be someone to be an encouragement to the
new converts who were leaving Judaism and professing their faith to Jesus
Christ. Could it be possible that
Barnabas rose up to that occasion and did his part to encourage them to stand
for the faith? His positive, uplifting
personality, was so evident that he was designated by the apostles as the “Son
of Encouragement.” It is particularly
noteworthy that his very character had earned him this reputation. The growing church in Jerusalem had a truly
amazing spirit, as recorded in Acts 4:32: “…the multitude of those who believed
were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things
that he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” In that atmosphere of absolute cooperation
and brotherly love, the Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas, stood out as a positive
influence. God is calling us also to
play our part in being that Barnabas in our circle of influence.
Stephen Thomas
Stephen is an
ordained Christian Minister and a Bible teacher who is a mentor to several
youth leaders in Crossway Church and around the globe. He is a regular visiting
Speaker in Crossway Church, New Delhi. He can be reached at stephenthomas6400@hotmail.com
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