Barnabus     Acts 4:34-37

This post discusses Barnabus’ generosity and encouragement of others.

Barnabus, a Jerusalem church member, gave money to relieve the needy, Acts 4:36-37. “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Thus, not only did he display generosity, he gave encouragement to others as well.

Years later, the persecutions that arose at the stoning of Stephen scattered preaching and teaching Christians everywhere—see Acts 8:1. Then, on the road to Damascus, Saul heard Jesus speak and became a Christian—see Acts 9. When Saul tried to join the Jerusalem church, he met resistance. But Barnabus introduced him as a faithful Christian. When a plot to kill Saul arose, the brethren sent him away to his hometown of Tarsus.

God instructed Peter to preach to Cornelius, a Gentile, and thereby show that Gentiles were acceptable in the church—see Acts 9. After the preaching in Antioch converted many Gentiles, the Jerusalem church sent Barnabus to help with this effort. He then went to Tarsus for Saul to also come teach, see Acts 11. However, while Saul and Barnabus worked in Antioch, Peter exhibited prejudice by not eating with the Gentiles. Also, Barnabus fell into this sin. But Saul rebuked him—see Galatians 2.

Later, he and Saul traveled on the first preaching tour with John Mark. But John Mark turned back at Perga.

So, after returning home from this preaching tour, some brethren attempted to impose Moses’ Law on Gentile converts. Saul, now called Paul, and Barnabus then participated in a conference in Jerusalem that proved that Gentiles did not have to keep Moses’ Law—see Acts 15.

When Paul and Barnabus decided to go on a second preaching trip, Barnabus insisted on taking John Mark. When Paul objected, the two parted company. He and John Mark visited Cyprus. Paul and Silas sailed to Asia Minor.

We should emulate his generosity and encouragement of others.

So, what did we learn?

1.Barnabus was a faithful, generous Christian who encouraged others.

2.He preached faithfully.

3.We should also teach others and show generosity and encouragement.

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#generousity #encourage #teachOthers