Monday 27, July 2026

It is often helpful for us to understand the background of someone’s story, whether in real life or when reading the Bible. In so doing, our responses to them may shift. This isn’t about judgement – all have sinned. However, we may find, in some instances, their life influences our own behaviour and invites us to transformation. Of course, that is also possible without knowing someone’s story. Nevertheless, the added details offer a layer of depth that may cause us to think about our experiences. In Today’s Holy Nougat, we are offered an insight into one of my favourite apostles.

Acts 4:36-37 CEVDCI

[36-37] Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “one who encourages others.”

Beyond the Surface

A reading of this account of Joseph of Cyprus’ background suggests that he wasn’t a natural fit among the apostles. He was a Levite, a priest by lineage, yet perhaps one who wasn’t active at the temple since he lived in Cyprus. We might assume that he lived a double life (some might even say he was a hypocrite), as owning property wasn’t supposed to be part of a Levite’s lot. We may recall that the Levite whom we met in the parable of the Good Samaritan was more concerned about the Law than compassion. As one who absolutely aggravated by the Levite of Judges 19, I would judge Joseph of Cyprus most unfavourably.

However, it seems that Luke wants us to view Joseph in a different light.

Self-Check

Have we ever judged someone hastily or been judged unfairly by others? How has that experience shaped our character?

Digging Deeper

Whether Joseph the Cypriot was the rich young ruler or not (as proposed in yesterday’s Nougat), he was impacted by the Gospel of Christ. In response to the preached and lived Gospel, Joseph willingly sold a piece of property and handed the proceeds to the apostles. Luke’s account does not suggest that he sought acclaim for his actions; he simply gave.

But Joseph’s story doesn’t end with the handing over of the money. There was something more. His humility and personable nature led to him being given a new name by the apostles. His new name – Barnabas, meaning ‘Son of Encouragement’ – suggests that his persona lifted the spirits of others in community. That’s the Barnabas we meet as a travel companion to Paul (ie Saul of Tarsus) and the Barnabas who defended Mark, insisting on second chances. He spoke as one who had a real-life experience of the God of Second Chances. That may have been the shift which influenced his name change.

Here’s a thought. Inasmuch as we know that Barnabas was impacted by God’s grace, we learn that our encounter with Christ should result in personal transformation. Our name might not be changed personally, but some may call us ‘Christ-ian’, that is, of the nature of Christ. The Gospel that we believe and live boldly may become a source of someone’s Encouragement or transformation. We might not immediately see the impact, and even if we don’t, we look forward to when Y’shua compliments us, saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful steward. Enter into the joy of my rest.’

Point to Ponder

Is there a particular characteristic of faithfulness we would wish to be remembered for? Let’s invite Christ to perfect it in us by the power of God’s Spirit.

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May all we seek be found in Christ