Title Acts 04:36-37 A good nickname
content good nickname
Acts 4:36-37
All Koreans have at least one nickname. A neighbor in the village I lived in called him "Soogae" in the sense that he wanted him to grow up like a male dog because he was a late-born son. But in the neighborhood, they still call me "Soogae". If you're good at running, you're nicknamed the "ostrich". The ostrich weighs 140 kg and is a runner at 50 km/h. Despite its small stature and diligence, the ostrich is nicknamed "bee". Honeybees diligently travel around a 2km radius to collect honey. It is said to have the ability to accurately locate a home by measuring the angle with the sun even on cloudy days. This is called the "bee's "solar compass".
1. People with beautiful nicknames
There are people in the Bible whose nicknames are better known than the names given to them by their parents. A prime example is Peter. Peter's parents gave him his real name, "Simon". However, not many people know Simon. After seeing Simon's confession of faith (Matthew 16:17), Jesus gave him the nickname "Peter (Rock)".
Barnabas' original name was "Joseph". The word Joseph is a Hebrew name meaning "additional". Joseph had an exemplary life of faith in the church. Therefore, the apostles nicknamed him "Barnabas." What does Barnabas mean? It means "authoritarian". "勸慰" is not a person who exercises power. One who advises (recommend) and comforts (comfort).
2. Barnabas, a man of counsel and consolation
The world we live in today is very difficult in every field. Society and culture are deteriorating. Therefore, there is no way to find true comfort and hope. Now, the last hope must be given by the church.
Those of us who believed first must give the gospel of Jesus life to those who first found the church. Christianity is not a selfish religion that goes to heaven by believing in Jesus alone. “It is the path to heaven with a new family. This is the purpose of Barnabas training.
Who is our true comforter? It is Jesus. (Matthew 11:28-30) Who can guide Jesus? We were the first to believe. will it just be? I must first understand the gospel and receive training so that I can take on the role of a guide for others on the journey to heaven.
In the Bible, who did it well, "Joseph". So the people around him gave Joseph the beautiful nickname Barnabas. Barnabas's mission is twofold. ① If we do not live according to God's Word, we must advise them and guide them on the right path. ② He is a person who gives comfort and hope for the kingdom of heaven to the saints who are discouraged and exhausted. (Romans 15:1-7)
3. Barnabas is a good person. (Acts 11:24)
When we meet people, we divide them into good people and bad people. If we show kindness when we first meet, we want to meet again next time. On the other hand, evil people hate to meet again. Jesus also said that good people are good when evaluating people. Evil people were evaluated as evil (Matthew 25:14-30).
Why was Barnabas told that he was good in the church? He did his job well. have benefited others. Because he lived for the church and for the glory of God.
What can we do to be recognized as a good person like Barnabas?
① You must have a good conscience.
We must keep our God-given conscience clean. The conscience is where God dwells. Paul (1 Tim. 1:19) instructed, “Have a good conscience of faith.” (2 Tim. 1:3) Peter also (1 Peter 3:16-17) exhorted, “Have a good conscience.” If you have a good conscience, you will discover your sinful self and repent. He is ashamed of his mistake. (John 8) Even the hard-headed Pharisees who tried to condemn the woman caught in adultery were ashamed to hear Jesus' words, and they all left.
Do we too feel ashamed of our evil conscience every moment we hear the words of life from Jesus? God sees the inner world of man clearly. It transforms you into a person of good faith.
②You must build up goodness in your heart.
Jesus said, (Matthew 12:35) A good person brings good things out of the good stored up in them, and an evil person brings evil things out of the evil stored up in them.” (Matthew 15:10-11) Food comes out of the mouth without defilement. It makes people dirty.
So, what should we do to cultivate good deeds in our hearts like Barnabas? We must continue to listen to the words of Jesus who is the light. You must receive training. (Ephesians 5:8-9) You must show good deeds of faith by acting like children of light. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Saints! What is "Barnabas"? “A person of counsel and comfort.” Therefore, I pray in the name of the Lord that there will be many saints who are well trained in this Bible tour and fulfill the mission of Barnabas in our church.