Acts 4:36

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:36 introduces Joses, a Levite from Cyprus, who was given the surname Barnabas by the apostles, a name interpreted as "The son of consolation." This verse highlights his background and the defining characteristic recognized by the early church leadership, setting the stage for his significant role as an encourager and generous contributor within the burgeoning Christian community in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a vivid description of the early Christian community's radical unity and shared resources in [Acts 4:32-35](/acts/4-32-35 "Acts 4:32-35 - The Community of Believers"). The preceding verses emphasize that "no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had" ([Acts 4:32](/acts/4-32 "Acts 4:32 - All Things in Common")). Barnabas is presented as a concrete, exemplary illustration of this communal generosity, specifically noted for selling a field and laying the proceeds at the apostles' feet. His introduction here serves to personify the ideal of selflessness and mutual support that characterized the early church, making him a model for the believers and foreshadowing his later prominence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem, following Pentecost, was experiencing rapid growth and a unique communal dynamic. The practice of selling property and sharing resources was a voluntary expression of radical devotion, not a mandatory economic system, as later clarified in [Acts 5:4](/acts/5-4 "Acts 5:4 - Peter's words to Ananias"). Barnabas's identity as a Levite is significant; traditionally, Levites were dedicated to temple service and often did not own land within Israel, though they could own property outside of it, like in Cyprus. His Cypriot origin indicates the diverse geographical and ethnic makeup of the early church, drawing believers from across the Jewish diaspora. This context underscores a community deeply committed to caring for its members, reflecting a profound shift in values from individual accumulation to collective welfare, driven by the Holy Spirit.
* **Key Themes:** Barnabas's introduction contributes to several key themes prevalent in [the Book of Acts](/acts/1 "Acts 1 - The Acts of the Apostles"). His act of selling land exemplifies the theme of **radical generosity and communal living**, showcasing how believers sacrificially supported one another, echoing the descriptions in [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - Early Church Practices"). The apostles' act of bestowing the surname "Barnabas" highlights the theme of **apostolic authority and discernment**, as they recognized and affirmed his character and spiritual gift, signaling their leadership in guiding the nascent church. Most notably, his interpreted name, "The son of consolation," introduces the vital theme of **encouragement and exhortation**, which would become his defining characteristic and a crucial ministry within the early church. This trait is seen later when he champions Paul ([Acts 9:27](/acts/9-27 "Acts 9:27 - Barnabas Vouches for Paul")) and plays a pivotal role in the growth of the church in Antioch ([Acts 11:22-26](/acts/11-22-26 "Acts 11:22-26 - Barnabas and Saul in Antioch")). Finally, his background as a Levite from Cyprus underscores the **diversity and inclusivity** of the early Christian movement, drawing people from various backgrounds into a unified body.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **surnamed (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** This verb means "to entitle" or "to invoke." In this context, it signifies that the apostles formally bestowed a descriptive name upon Joses. This act highlights their authority and discernment in recognizing a distinctive character trait or spiritual gift within an individual, thereby affirming their role and identity within the burgeoning Christian community. It was not a mere nickname but an official designation reflecting his essence.
* **consolation (Greek, _paráklēsis'_):** This noun encompasses a rich range of meanings, including "imploration," "hortation," "solace," "comfort," and "exhortation." When applied to Barnabas, it indicates that his primary characteristic and ministry were to provide comfort, encouragement, and spiritual strengthening to others. This word is deeply significant, pointing to his role as one who comes alongside others to uplift, support, and urge them forward in their faith.
* **country (Greek, _génos'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be born," this word refers to "kin," "kindred," "nation," or "offspring." Here, it specifies Barnabas's origin or nationality, indicating that he was "of the country of Cyprus." This detail provides important geographical and cultural context for his identity, showing the diverse background of believers joining the early church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,"**: This clause introduces the individual by his birth name, Joses, but immediately qualifies it by stating that the apostles gave him a new, descriptive surname: Barnabas. This act of naming by the apostles signifies their recognition of his character and spiritual gifting, establishing his identity within the Christian community.
* **"(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,)"**: This parenthetical explanation provides the profound meaning behind the surname "Barnabas." It reveals that the name is an Aramaic term interpreted into Greek, signifying that Joses was characterized by his ability to bring comfort, encouragement, and exhortation to others. This interpretation highlights the core of his ministry and personality.
* **"a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,"**: This final phrase details Barnabas's background. He was a Levite, indicating his tribal lineage and traditional priestly association, though now serving in a new covenant context. His origin from Cyprus further broadens his identity, showing the diverse geographical reach of the early church and the varied backgrounds of its members.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 4:36 employs several literary devices to introduce and define Barnabas. The most prominent is **Appellation** or **Epithet**, as the apostles bestow the surname "Barnabas," which is then immediately interpreted as "The son of consolation." This epithet is not merely a label but a profound descriptor of his character and future ministry, effectively summarizing his essence. There is also an element of **Juxtaposition** between his birth name, Joses, and his new, Spirit-inspired name, Barnabas. This contrast emphasizes the transformative power of God's call and the recognition of spiritual gifts within the new community, where one's identity is shaped by their service and character in Christ. Finally, the phrase "son of consolation" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "son of" does not denote literal parentage but rather a strong association or embodiment of a quality. Barnabas is so characterized by consolation that he is called its "son," indicating that this quality is intrinsic to his being and ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Barnabas's introduction in Acts 4:36 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of the early church and the Spirit's work within it. His radical act of generosity, selling his land and giving the proceeds to the apostles, embodies the communal ideal of the Spirit-filled community, where material possessions were held loosely for the benefit of all. This selfless act is not presented as a legalistic requirement but as a spontaneous overflow of love and devotion, demonstrating a profound trust in God and a deep commitment to the body of Christ. Furthermore, his surname, "Son of Consolation," underscores the vital importance of encouragement, comfort, and exhortation within the Christian fellowship. In a nascent church facing internal challenges and external persecution, individuals like Barnabas, gifted with the ability to uplift and strengthen others, were indispensable. His life exemplifies how spiritual gifts are not merely for personal edification but are given for the building up of the entire body of Christ, fostering unity, resilience, and growth.

* [Romans 12:8](/romans/12-8 "Romans 12:8 - The Gift of Exhortation")
* [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1-corinthians/14-3 "1 Corinthians 14:3 - Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Mutual Encouragement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Barnabas stands as an enduring model for believers today, challenging us to embody the principles of radical generosity and profound encouragement. His willingness to divest himself of personal assets for the common good calls us to examine our own relationship with material possessions and to consider how we might more fully share our resources—whether financial, time, or talent—to meet the needs of our community and advance God's kingdom. Beyond material giving, Barnabas's very name, "Son of Consolation," beckons us to cultivate a spirit of encouragement. In a world often marked by despair, criticism, and division, the church is called to be a beacon of hope and affirmation. We are invited to actively seek opportunities to uplift, comfort, and exhort those around us, speaking words of life and faith into weary souls. Like Barnabas, we are to be people who come alongside others, offering strength and support, helping them to persevere in their faith journey. Our unique backgrounds, like Barnabas's as a Levite from Cyprus, are not hindrances but divinely appointed aspects of our identity that God can use to serve His purposes and edify the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I emulate Barnabas's radical generosity in my own life, whether with finances, time, or skills?**
* **Who in my sphere of influence (family, friends, church, workplace) needs a "son/daughter of consolation" today, and how can I intentionally offer encouragement and comfort to them?**
* **How can I leverage my unique background, experiences, or gifts, like Barnabas did, to serve the church and contribute to its mission?**

### FAQ
**Why did the apostles rename Joses to Barnabas?**

Answer: The apostles did not formally "rename" Joses in the sense of changing his legal identity, but rather bestowed upon him a descriptive surname, "Barnabas." This act was a recognition of his outstanding character and spiritual gift, specifically his profound ability to bring comfort, encouragement, and exhortation to others. It was a prophetic and affirming act, highlighting his defining quality and signaling his significant role within the burgeoning Christian community. This practice aligns with other instances in Scripture where individuals receive new names or titles that reflect their transformed character or divine calling, such as Abram becoming Abraham or Simon becoming Peter.

**What does Barnabas being a "Levite" signify in this context?**

Answer: Barnabas's identity as a Levite is significant because Levites were traditionally the priestly tribe, responsible for temple service, teaching the Law, and maintaining the tabernacle/temple. In the context of the early Christian church, his Levite background highlights a profound shift: a Levite, whose former life was tied to the Old Covenant temple system, is now serving God in the New Covenant community through radical generosity and encouragement. This demonstrates the continuity of service to God but also the transformation of that service under Christ, moving from ritualistic duties to Spirit-empowered acts of love and community building. It underscores that all believers, regardless of their past roles, are now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")).

**Was selling property mandatory for early Christians, or was Barnabas's act unique?**

Answer: Barnabas's act of selling his field and giving the proceeds to the apostles was a voluntary and extraordinary expression of faith and communal commitment, not a mandatory requirement for all early Christians. The apostle Peter explicitly clarifies this point later in [Acts 5:4](/acts/5-4 "Acts 5:4 - Peter's words to Ananias") when confronting Ananias, stating that the property remained his to keep or sell, and the money was his to use as he wished. Barnabas's generosity was an exemplary demonstration of the Spirit's work in producing radical selflessness among believers, reflecting the deep unity and care within the early church, rather than a universal command for all to liquidate their assets.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Barnabas, the "Son of Consolation," serves as a beautiful human reflection of the ultimate Comforter and Exhorter, Jesus Christ. While Barnabas generously gave his earthly possessions, Christ gave infinitely more, divesting Himself of divine glory and ultimately His life on the cross to secure humanity's salvation ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humiliation of Christ")). His self-sacrificial act is the supreme example of the radical generosity that Barnabas's actions foreshadow. Furthermore, the very essence of Barnabas's name, "consolation" or "encouragement," points directly to Christ as the [Paraclete](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit"), the one who comes alongside us as Advocate, Counselor, and Comforter. Jesus promised His disciples that He would send another Helper, the Holy Spirit, who would continue His work of comforting and guiding them ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Reminder")). Thus, Barnabas's ministry of encouragement within the early church is a tangible manifestation of Christ's ongoing work through His Spirit to [comfort His people](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1 - Comfort for God's People") and to [build up the body of Christ](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Building Up the Body of Christ") for His glory. Barnabas, in his character and actions, embodies the very heart of Christ's self-giving love and comforting presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.