Apostles Barnabas Bar-nabas Birth Comfort Consolation Cyprian Cyprus Encouragement Exhortation Interpreted Joseph Joses Levite Native Race Sense Signifying Surnamed Thus Translated
4:36 Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas. His name was Joses; but the apostles from some feature of his character called him Barnabas, the son of exhortation (Revised Version).
A Levite. Of the sacred tribe.
Of the country of Cyprus. The famous island of the Mediterranean. He and Paul afterwards carried the gospel there (Ac 13:4).
4:36 A son of consolation - Not only on account of his so largely assisting the poor with his fortune; but also of those peculiar gifts of the Spirit, whereby he was so well qualified both to comfort and to exhort.
4:32-37 The disciples loved one another. This was the blessed fruit of Christ's dying precept to his disciples, and his dying prayer for them. Thus it was then, and it will be so again, when the Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high. The doctrine preached was the resurrection of Christ; a matter of fact, which being duly explained, was a summary of all the duties, privileges, and comforts of Christians. There were evident fruits of Christ's grace in all they said and did. They were dead to this world. This was a great evidence of the grace of God in them. They did not take away others' property, but they were indifferent to it. They did not call it their own; because they had, in affection, forsaken all for Christ, and were expecting to be stripped of all for cleaving to him. No marvel that they were of one heart and soul, when they sat so loose to the wealth of this world. In effect, they had all things common; for there was not any among them who lacked, care was taken for their supply. The money was laid at the apostles' feet. Great care ought to be taken in the distribution of public charity, that it be given to such as have need, such as are not able to procure a maintenance for themselves; those who are reduced to want for well-doing, and for the testimony of a good conscience, ought to be provided for. Here is one in particular mentioned, remarkable for this generous charity; it was Barnabas. As one designed to be a preacher of the gospel, he disentangled himself from the affairs of this life. When such dispositions prevail, and are exercised according to the circumstances of the times, the testimony will have very great power upon others.
Apostles Barnabas Comfort Consolation Country Cyprian Cyprus Encouragement Interpreted Joseph Joses Levite Means Native Race Sense Signifying Surnamed Translated Way
Apostles Barnabas Comfort Consolation Country Cyprian Cyprus Encouragement Interpreted Joseph Joses Levite Means Native Race Sense Signifying Surnamed Translated Way
