how the verses describe Barnabas.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth,
the one the apostles called Barnabas
(which is translated Son of Encouragement),
37 sold a field he owned, brought the money,
and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
encourage others by meeting the needs of others.
the early church flourished as it shared resources.
Son of Encouragement
Luke initially introduced his readers to Joseph.
But Luke added that the apostles had started calling him Barnabas,
which means Son of Encouragement.
From this point forward in Acts, Luke referred to him only as Barnabas.
On each of his appearances in Scripture,
Barnabas consistently lived up to his name.
He was always working to encourage others
and to lead them into a closer relationship with Jesus.
He took Saul of Tarsus (Paul) under his wing more than once
(Acts 9:26-28; 11:25-26),
served as a missionary
(13:2-3),
and stood up for John Mark
(15:36-40).
Stewardship
According to the Scriptures,
Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully,
regularly, systematically, proportionately,
and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.
(See Acts 2:44-47; Philippians 4:10-19.)
Note that stewardship involves accountability to God for our resources.
Barnabas’s actions were descriptive, not prescriptive.
believers should give as God leads,
not as a way to earn God’s favor or to get praise from people.