Acts 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 {G1161} Joses {G2500}, who {G3588} by {G5259} the apostles {G652} was surnamed {G1941} Barnabas {G921},(which {G3739} is {G2076}, being interpreted {G3177}, The son {G5207} of consolation {G3874},) a Levite {G3019}, and of the country {G1085} of Cyprus {G2953},

Thus Yosef, whom the emissaries called Bar-Nabba (which means “the Exhorter”), a Levi and a native of Cyprus,

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),

And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,

Acts 4:36 introduces us to a significant figure in the early Christian church: Joses, better known by the surname given to him by the apostles, Barnabas. This verse highlights his background, his new name, and his connection to the burgeoning community in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse immediately follows a description of the profound unity and shared resources among the early believers in Jerusalem. Acts 4:32-35 paints a picture of a community where "no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." It was in this environment of radical generosity and mutual support that Barnabas emerges, providing a concrete example of this shared commitment by selling a field he owned and laying the money at the apostles' feet.

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Selflessness: Barnabas's act of selling his land and giving the proceeds to the apostles exemplifies the extraordinary generosity characteristic of the early church. It underscores a selfless devotion to the community's needs and the mission of God.
  • Apostolic Authority and Discernment: The apostles' act of bestowing the surname "Barnabas" (rather than Joses) signifies their recognition of his character and spiritual gift. This highlights their leadership in identifying and affirming individuals' roles within the growing body of believers.
  • The Power of Encouragement: His interpreted name, "The son of consolation," points to his defining characteristic. Barnabas would become known for his ability to comfort, encourage, and uplift others, a vital ministry in the nascent church. This trait would later be seen in his support of Paul when others were hesitant (Acts 9:27) and his role in establishing the church in Antioch (Acts 11:22-26).
  • Diversity in the Early Church: Being a Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas represents the diverse geographical and vocational backgrounds of those who joined the early Christian movement, bringing their unique skills and heritage to serve Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The name Barnabas is of Aramaic origin. While often translated as "Son of Consolation" (as in the KJV), the Greek word for "consolation" (paraklesis) also carries the meaning of "exhortation" or "encouragement." Therefore, "Son of Encouragement" or "Son of Exhortation" might also capture the full scope of his ministry. This dual meaning perfectly describes his role throughout the Book of Acts: he was both a comforter and an encourager, urging believers towards faithfulness and action.

Practical Application

Barnabas serves as a powerful model for believers today. His story encourages us to:

  • Embrace Generosity: To be willing to share our resources—whether financial, time, or talent—for the benefit of the church and the spread of the Gospel.
  • Be a Source of Encouragement: To actively seek opportunities to uplift, comfort, and exhort others in their faith journey. The world often brings discouragement; the church should be a place where spiritual support abounds.
  • Utilize Our Gifts: To recognize that God has given each of us unique gifts and backgrounds, which can be used for His glory and the edification of the body of Christ.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Galatians 2:13

    And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

  • Galatians 2:9

    And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

  • Galatians 2:1

    ¶ Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with [me] also.

  • 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 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.

  • Acts 11:30

    Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
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