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And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold [it], and brought the money and laid [it] at the apostles' feet. Acts 4:36-37 NKJV
Before naming Saul (Paul), Luke introduces Barnabas. He was the man God used to befriend the future apostle. We call him by his nickname and remember him as Paul’s foremost missionary companion.
Barnabas is first named because he sold some land and gave the money to the apostles in order to meet needs within the Christian community. Later, he stood with Paul when he turned into a new man passionate about the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
People struggled to trust a man who had Christians killed and imprisoned. Barnabas stepped up and walked with Paul to places where God could use them to share His love across the Roman Empire.
Maybe you had a champion when you began your journey with Jesus. Maybe you are a champion for others. Maybe both.
God uses human encouragement to help you continue new steps in your spiritual journey. You might be tempted to give up without it. Someone else might take steps forward because you shared it.
Prayer: Dear God, I wouldn’t be where I am today if someone hadn’t share what they knew about You. Show me how I can encourage someone who may be in the same place I was.
Before naming Saul (Paul), Luke introduces Barnabas. He was the man God used to befriend the future apostle. We call him by his nickname and remember him as Paul’s foremost missionary companion.
Barnabas is first named because he sold some land and gave the money to the apostles in order to meet needs within the Christian community. Later, he stood with Paul when he turned into a new man passionate about the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
People struggled to trust a man who had Christians killed and imprisoned. Barnabas stepped up and walked with Paul to places where God could use them to share His love across the Roman Empire.
Maybe you had a champion when you began your journey with Jesus. Maybe you are a champion for others. Maybe both.
God uses human encouragement to help you continue new steps in your spiritual journey. You might be tempted to give up without it. Someone else might take steps forward because you shared it.
Prayer: Dear God, I wouldn’t be where I am today if someone hadn’t share what they knew about You. Show me how I can encourage someone who may be in the same place I was.