Topical Encyclopedia Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus who played a significant role in the early Christian church. His life and actions are a profound example of self-denial, a virtue highly esteemed in Christian teachings. The name "Barnabas" means "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36), and he lived up to this name through his generous and selfless actions.Acts of Generosity and Self-Denial Barnabas first appears in the Book of Acts, where he is noted for his remarkable act of self-denial and generosity. In Acts 4:36-37 , it is recorded that Barnabas sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles to support the early Christian community. This act of selling his property and giving the proceeds to the apostles exemplifies the Christian principle of self-denial, as Barnabas willingly sacrificed his own material wealth for the benefit of others and the advancement of the Gospel. Support of Saul (Paul) Barnabas's self-denial is further illustrated in his relationship with Saul, later known as Paul. After Saul's conversion, many in the early church were skeptical of his transformation due to his past persecution of Christians. Barnabas, however, took a risk by vouching for Saul. Acts 9:27 states, "Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He described how Saul had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus." Barnabas's willingness to support Saul, despite potential backlash, demonstrates his self-denial in prioritizing the mission of the church over his own reputation or safety. Missionary Journeys Barnabas's self-denial is also evident in his missionary work. He was chosen by the Holy Spirit, along with Saul, for missionary service (Acts 13:2). Barnabas left the comfort and familiarity of his home to travel and spread the Gospel, enduring hardships and persecution. His commitment to the mission reflects a life dedicated to serving God and others, often at great personal cost. Dispute with Paul A notable incident that further highlights Barnabas's character is his disagreement with Paul over John Mark. In Acts 15:36-39 , Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement about whether to take John Mark on their missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance, while Paul did not. Barnabas's decision to part ways with Paul and support John Mark demonstrates his self-denial in prioritizing the restoration and encouragement of a fellow believer over maintaining his partnership with Paul. Legacy of Encouragement and Self-Denial Barnabas's life is a testament to the power of self-denial in the Christian faith. His actions consistently reflected a willingness to put the needs of others and the mission of the church above his own desires and comforts. Through his generosity, support of Saul, missionary endeavors, and commitment to encouraging others, Barnabas exemplified the self-denial that Jesus taught, as seen in passages like Luke 9:23 : "Then Jesus said to all of them, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'" Barnabas's legacy continues to inspire believers to live lives marked by self-denial, generosity, and encouragement, embodying the spirit of Christ in their daily walk. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 4:36,37And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Exalting the Cross Paul and his Praying Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists. Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence. His Great Controversy The Missionary in India. The True Spirit of Missions. The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ... Acts XX The Controversy Concerning Fasting Resources What does it mean to deny yourself? What is self-denial? | GotQuestions.orgHow did the Israelites deny themselves in Leviticus 23:27? | GotQuestions.org Does Egyptology confirm or deny the biblical record? | GotQuestions.org Deny: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Denial in Forsaking all and Following Jesus Self-Denial: A Test of Devotedness to Christ Self-Denial: Abraham, when he offered to Lot (His Junior) his Preference of the Land of Canaan Self-Denial: Barnabas , in Selling his Possessions Self-Denial: Becomes Strangers and Pilgrims Self-Denial: Christ Set an Example of Self-Denial: Danger of Neglecting Self-Denial: Daniel, in his Abstention Self-Denial: Daniel, in Refusing Rewards from Belshazzar Self-Denial: Esther, in Risking Her Life for the Deliverance of Her People Self-Denial: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Denial: Ministers Especially Called to Exercise Self-Denial: Moses, in Taking No Compensation from the Israelites for his Services Self-Denial: Necessary in Following Christ Self-Denial: Necessary in the Warfare of Saints Self-Denial: Necessary: To the Triumph of Saints Self-Denial: Paul, in Laboring for his own Support While he Also Taught Self-Denial: Paul, in not Coveting Anyone's Silver, Gold, or Apparel Self-Denial: Paul, in not Regarding Even his Life Dear to Himself Self-Denial: Peter and the Other Apostles, in Abandoning Their Vocations and Following Jesus Self-Denial: Samuel, in his Administration of Justice Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Abstaining from Fleshly Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Assisting Others Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Being Crucified to the World Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Being Crucified With Christ Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Controlling the Appetite Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Crucifying the Flesh Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Even Lawful Things Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Forsaking All Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Mortifying Deeds of the Body Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Mortifying Sinful Lusts Self-Denial: should be Exercised in No Longer Living to Lusts of Men Self-Denial: should be Exercised in not Pleasing Ourselves Self-Denial: should be Exercised in not Seeking out own Profit Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Preferring Christ to all Earthly Relations Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Preferring the Profit of Others Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Putting off the Old Man Which is Corrupt Self-Denial: should be Exercised in Taking up the Cross and Following Christ Self-Denial: Simon, Andrew, James, and John Self-Denial: The Early Christians, in Having Everything in Common Self-Denial: The Rechabites, in Refusing to Drink Wine or Strong Drink, or Even to Plant Vineyards Self-Denial: The Widow of Zarephath, in Sharing With Elijah the Last of Her Sustenance Self-Denial: The Widow, Who Put Everything She had Into the Treasury Self-Denial: Widow of Zarephath Related Terms Serious-minded (4 Occurrences) |
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