“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”
Acts 4:36-37
One year when I was not participating in the Milwaukee Marathon, I ran a few miles alongside our friend Connie. Previously injured and having missed some training, she was struggling. Running with Connie and encouraging her for a few crucial miles during the race was more fulfilling than having run the marathon for myself. Years later, I had the privilege of running with my wife Kori for part of her first marathon and again with my brother Joel on the last miles of his first-of-many marathons.
In Acts 4, Luke introduces us to Joseph, known to the apostles as Barnabas, “son of encouragement.” He greatly heartened Paul as a new believer (9:26-27) and John Mark, who had been a quitter (15:36-41). Imagine being such an encourager that others give you a new name reflecting it!
Connie, Kori, and Joel needed someone to run by them as they fought through adversity. We can be that encouragement to other believers as they run life’s race, especially because the greatest Son of Encouragement, Jesus Christ, has come alongside of us!
In Acts 4, Luke introduces us to Joseph, known to the apostles as Barnabas, “son of encouragement.” He greatly heartened Paul as a new believer (9:26-27) and John Mark, who had been a quitter (15:36-41). Imagine being such an encourager that others give you a new name reflecting it!
Connie, Kori, and Joel needed someone to run by them as they fought through adversity. We can be that encouragement to other believers as they run life’s race, especially because the greatest Son of Encouragement, Jesus Christ, has come alongside of us!
Scripture Focus
Acts 4:23-37
Insight
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 26-27
- Psalm 6
- Matthew 8-9
