Joseph, nicknamed Barnabas by the apostles, is a positive example. Luke translates the nickname for us: Son of Encouragement, that is, one who habitually manifests this quality (Bruce 1990:160). Barnabas is a bridge person," bringing diverse parties together so that the cause of Christ advances and both older and newer believers are encouraged (9:27; 11:22-23, 25; 15:3, 12, 25; 30-35). For Luke he embodies the fully integrated life of external witness and care for the church's internal needs of "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith" (11:24). We learn he is a Levite, from the tribe of priests and temple staff. He is from Cyprus, which had a large Jewish population in the first century A.D. (Philo Legatio ad Gaium 282). He has a field suitable for growing crops; he sells it and brings the proceeds to the apostles.

Admirable but impractical? No, admirable and doable when we keep in step with the Spirit. Where are the Barnabases for today's church?