Acts 4 36

Acts 4:36 kjv

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 4:36 nkjv

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 4:36 niv

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"),

Acts 4:36 esv

Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,

Acts 4:36 nlt

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.

Acts 4 verses

Acts 4 36 Meaning

Acts 4:36 introduces Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, a name meaning "son of encouragement." This verse provides a specific example of the early church's radical generosity and communal spirit, where individuals voluntarily sold their possessions and entrusted the proceeds to the apostles for distribution to those in need, highlighting a model of selfless sharing within the Christian community.

Acts 4 36 Context

Acts 4:36 appears within a significant transitional phase in the early Christian church. Preceded by Peter and John's miraculous healing of a lame man, their subsequent arrest, and their bold declaration before the Sanhedrin (Acts 3-4:31), the community responded with fervent prayer and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Following this, Luke provides a summary statement (Acts 4:32-35) describing the ideal state of the Jerusalem community: profound unity, mutual sharing of possessions, power in apostolic testimony, and abundant grace. Acts 4:36 then immediately presents Barnabas as a concrete, named example of this generous spirit, thereby exemplifying the principles just outlined. This deliberate placement sets the stage for a stark contrast in Acts 5 with Ananias and Sapphira, who attempt to deceive the community and the Holy Spirit by feigning generosity while withholding funds. Historically and culturally, communal sharing was not unique to the early church (some Jewish ascetic groups also practiced it), but the early church's spontaneous and Spirit-led adoption on a wider scale, under the authority of the apostles, marked it as distinct. There is an implied polemic against selfishness or insincere religiosity, foreshadowing the need for authenticity which will be tested later.

Acts 4 36 Word analysis

• Thus: (Greek: οὕτως, houtōs) — Serves as a connector, signaling that what follows is an example or illustration of the general statement made in Acts 4:32-35 regarding the unity and generosity of the early believers. It links the principle to a specific practice.

• Joseph: (Greek: Ἰωσὴφ, Iōsēph) — A common Hebrew name, meaning "he adds" or "may God add." This is his given name, linking him to the heritage of Israel, specifically the patriarchal line or tribal association, though here he is noted for transcending those boundaries in service of the new covenant community.

• who was also called Barnabas: (Greek: ὅς ἐπικληθεὶς Βαρναβᾶς, hos epiklētheis Barnabas) — Indicates that "Barnabas" was an honorific title or nickname bestowed upon him by the apostles, recognizing his unique character or function within the community. This implies a public recognition and approval of his qualities by those in leadership.

• by the apostles: (Greek: ὑπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων, hupo tōn apostolōn) — Highlights the apostles' authority and discernment in recognizing spiritual character and gifting. Their endorsement underscores Barnabas's significant role. It shows early church structure where leadership observed and affirmed roles.

• (which means son of encouragement): (Greek: ὅ ἐστιν υἱὸς παρακλήσεως, ho estin huios paraklēseōs) — This is Luke’s direct interpretation for his Greek-speaking audience. The Aramaic root bar-nabas (Bar-nabba) likely means "son of the prophet" or "son of comfort/consolation." Luke's Greek translation huios paraklēseōs (son of paraklēsis) is profound. Paraklēsis encompasses comfort, consolation, exhortation, appeal, and encouragement. It is a robust term for calling people to the side, to help, to strengthen. This description reveals his intrinsic character trait and prophetic ministry gifting, which aligns with his later actions in encouraging Saul (Acts 9) and the Antioch church (Acts 11).

• a Levite: (Greek: Λευίτης, Leuitēs) — Member of the priestly tribe. Levites, traditionally, did not inherit land in Israel but were supported by tithes. While Jer 32:6-9 indicates individuals could own land, a Levite selling land signifies a profound commitment beyond the dictates of the Old Covenant system. This shows how New Covenant community transcended old regulations, as all now serve the ultimate High Priest, Jesus.

• a native of Cyprus: (Greek: Κύπριος, Kuprios) — Identifies his geographic origin. Cyprus was an island in the Mediterranean, a Greek-speaking region. This detail highlights the Hellenistic and diverse nature of the early Christian community, showing that this transformative generosity was not limited to Jerusalem-born Jews.

• sold a field that belonged to him: (Greek: ἀγρὸν ὑπάρχοντα αὐτῷ πωλήσας, agron hyparchonta autō polēsas) — A deliberate, voluntary act of selling an actual piece of property, signifying personal sacrifice and devotion. It underscores the concept that private ownership was respected, but individual will led to voluntary communal good. It’s an example of practical self-denial for the sake of others, flowing from true faith.

• and brought the money and laid it: (Greek: καὶ ἐνέγκας τὰ χρήματα ἔθηκεν, kai enenkas ta chrēmata ethekēn) — This highlights the act of physical delivery and the relinquishing of personal control over the asset. The phrase "brought the money" (not merely 'sold for the community') emphasizes direct personal involvement in the act of giving.

• at the apostles' feet: (Greek: παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων, para tous podas tōn apostolōn) — A symbolic posture of humility, submission, and recognition of the apostles' authority and responsibility in stewarding and distributing the communal funds. This implies full trust in their leadership and wisdom in administering aid to the needy among believers.

Acts 4 36 Bonus section

The term paraklēsis is also used to describe the Holy Spirit as the "Paraclete" or "Helper" in John 14:16, 26. This connection deepens the significance of Barnabas's nickname, suggesting that he, in his human ministry, embodies a similar function of encouragement, advocacy, and consolation that the Spirit performs. He literally became an embodiment of comfort and exhortation, reflecting a key attribute of the divine Spirit in the new community. This exemplifies how the Spirit equips believers with gifts that profoundly impact the church. The act of giving was a public demonstration of a private spiritual conviction, reinforcing the authenticity and communal focus of the early church. Barnabas’s gift was not just financial; it was an act of personal empowerment for the fledgling church.

Acts 4 36 Commentary

Acts 4:36 provides a profound glimpse into the spontaneous, Spirit-empowered generosity of the early Christian community. The introduction of Joseph, aptly named Barnabas ("son of encouragement"), immediately links a virtuous act of giving to a character marked by consolation and exhortation. His actions of voluntarily selling property and placing the proceeds at the apostles' feet exemplify the principles of communal sharing described earlier (Acts 4:32-35). This was not a forced communalism but a willing divestment driven by deep spiritual fellowship and concern for fellow believers. That Barnabas was a Levite adds another layer of significance: one from the priestly tribe, historically sustained by others' offerings, now provides generously for the burgeoning spiritual priesthood of all believers. This verse establishes Barnabas as a positive model of discipleship—a standard of radical obedience, genuine care for the body, and humble submission to apostolic authority, standing in stark contrast to the subsequent narrative of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. His actions are a practical demonstration of faith and love in action, setting a foundational example of sacrificial living within the Body of Christ.