September 20, 2016 - "And Joses or Joseph, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet." (Acts 4:36-37)
No one forced Barnabas to sell his possessions and bring the proceeds to the apostles. No one commanded him to do so and others had already done so. He was not the first to step forward in support of the new church. Barnabas was not, however, following someone's example.
He was not of Palestine, he was a native of Cyprus and free of the prejudice and bigotry manifest in some of the Palestinian Jews.
His giving of his possessions seemed to verify his total surrender to Christ. From that day forth, nothing would hinder his service to the Lord.
When Paul tried to join the other apostles in Jerusalem, it was Barnabas who stepped forward and took Pauls stead with the others, eventually getting approval and acceptance for Paul from the others.
When persecutions scattered many members of the church in Jerusalem, some went to Antioch and so many began to be saved there that Barnabas was called upon to go there. This shows the confidence the other apostles had in him and his obedience in going tells even more of his good example.
We see here that Barnabas was an accomplished soul winner. "For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord." (Acts 11:24)
Barnabas was presented with an opportunity in Antioch that many pastors long for; the opportunity to build a strong church and to enjoy a long and successful pastorate there. Barnabas, however, had no motive other than to teach the gospel and realized that he needed help in Antioch, he went in search of Paul and brought him back, together, they worked there for a year, teaching the gospel. during this time, they were the first of Jesus' disciples to be called Christians.
Paul and Barnabas were the first missionaries to be sent out by the Holy Spirit and the church at Jerusalem. "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "now separate to Me, Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus." (Acts 13:2-4)
After a time they returned to Jerusalem and while they were there the word came down by council affirming that salvation is by grace through faith without the deeds of the law. (Acts 15:1-12)
Barnabas truly sat a good example by his service to the Lord... We need such people as Barnabas today, people with generous hands, minds and hearts, who are willing to set a good example for others to follow... May God bless and keep you each day...
