Title Acts 04:36-37 Barnabas 1
Contents
"Barnabas (1)" / Acts 4:36-37
When we think of Bible figures to imitate, we think of great people. People like the apostle Paul or Peter, or people like David or Daniel. But there are some people we don't even know by name and who don't seem to be of much importance in the Bible, but they are really good examples of life. I would like to meet Barnabas in the book of Acts today. The first character in the book of Acts is Barnabas. Although he is not a significant figure, there is a true Christian image in his life. Let's look at him and hope that our faith will grow like that. I'll look at Barnabas for two weeks.
Authority, Barnabas
Verse 36, "The apostles were called Barnabas
The meaning of "Barnabas" is 勸慰子 (son of authority). In other words, he is the son of encouragement and consolation. The Greek word for "authority" used here (" ", paraklesis) has the meaning of 'advice, comfort, consolation', and has the same etymology as the Holy Spirit (" " parakletos) in John 14:16. It contains the meaning of the role of the Holy Spirit mentioned in John 14 as a comforter and a transformer. Barnabas was playing the role of the Holy Spirit.
Many people come to church and want to be comforted, but Barnabas served as a comforter and served as an encouragement to others. In fact, such a person was absolutely necessary in the early church. Because believing in Jesus at that time was a time of many difficulties. Wouldn't it be comforting to be called Barnabas? But he lived a life of comfort rather than comfort.
Barnabas Recognized by the Apostles
Verse 36, “The apostles were called Barnabas.”
Being called by the name of Barnabas by the apostles shows that Barnabas was a man of faith recognized by the apostles. Getting God's approval is very important. Above all else. But don't ignore getting people's approval. It is absolutely necessary.
Romans 14:18 "He who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God, and acceptable to men."
The characteristic of the seven workers in Acts 6 is the filling of the Holy Spirit. Such filling of the Holy Spirit led to praise from people (Acts 6:3 "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom"
In particular, Barnabas was recognized by the apostles. The apostles were leaders of the Church with spiritual discernment. It is important to note that in chapter 5, the apostles who discern fakes like Ananias and Sapphira recognized Barnabas. Let's cultivate a sincere life that is praised and recognized by people in the church life.
Barnabas who sold the field
Verse 36: “He had a field, and he sold it, took the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Barnabas was a man who had a right view of materialism. He gave the field he had for the church that was having difficulties at the time. Barnabas knew well where to use the field and how to use his wealth.
Matter has tremendous power. The Lord said in the Sermon on the Mount that we cannot serve both God and money. In other words, he was saying that matter can sit in the place of God. If you are bound by material things and begin to be governed by them, you will not be able to lead a righteous life of faith. Ananias and Sapphire in Chapter 5 are the people who are angry because they live their lives as slaves to the substance.
Barnabas started by giving money and dedicated his whole life to become the first missionary in the book of Acts.
Acts 15:25 "Our beloved Barnabas, who did not lay down his life for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"
Barnabas accepting Saul
9:26, 27 “Saul went to Jerusalem to make friends with his disciples, but because they were all afraid, they did not believe that he was his disciples. So Barnabas took him and went to the apostles, how he saw the Lord on the road, what the Lord had told him, and what he had said to him in Damascus. how he spoke boldly in the name of Jesus."
It is the role of Satan to separate and destroy relationships. But the Holy Spirit creates a relationship of harmony and trust. Barnabas is someone who believes in people and builds people to work.
In today's terms, it is the role of trusting a newcomer to the church and encouraging him to adapt and work.
Barnabas trusting people who have failed