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BARNABAS
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Acts 4:36-37

Matthew 19:27-30

 

“…shall receive an hundredfold,

and shall inherit everlasting life.”

 

BARNABAS
 
Jewish names have meanings. “Barnabas” literally means “the son of Nabas.” The word “Nabas” is taken from the word “Nabee,” a prophet. His name is first on the list of prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). Luke spoke of Barnabas as a “good man” (Acts 11:24). When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his conversion, Barnabas took him and introduced him to the Apostles (Acts 9:27).
 
Son of consolation: Barnabas was a model of giving. The verses immediately before today’s passage talks about the giving and sharing of possessions by the brethren. The Bible presents Barnabas as an example. He was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He was a native of Cyprus, where he possessed land. Levites originally did not possess property. “The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance” (Deut 18:1). However, later, there were instances where the Levites possessed lands (Jer 32:7-12). More importantly, however, Barnabas sold it. The context suggests he was motivated to give because of the needs of fellow brethren and not for personal exaltation.
 
Man of submission: Barnabas sold his land and laid the money at the Apostles’ feet. This submissive attitude is to be emulated. He did not worry about his own needs. He knew that many of his brethren needed help. This must be in every Christian’s perspective: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).
 
Are you willing and ready to share what you have? Do you want to be like Barnabas?
 
THOUGHT: Am I a person of consolation?

PRAYER: Father in heaven, let me be a “giver” and not a “getter.”

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