The True Test of Faith

Acts 4:36-37

I. Doctrinal Section - Barnabas the son of consolation (υιος παρακλησεως ).

A. He was a Levite and possessed land.

Some have speculated that the law at this time was lax because Barnabas shouldn’t have had land; or they speculate that perhaps it was only in Palestine that they were prohibited from owning land, and since Barnabas’ property was in Cyprus it was O.K.

1. Aaron and his progeny were prohibited. (Num. 18:20,24)

2. Not all Levites served in the tabernacle.

3. The tribe was prohibited but not the individual. (Deut. 18:8)

B. He was a Christian and free from the encumbrances of this world.

1. He sold the entire property.

2. He gave the whole thing.

3. He trusted God 100%.

II. Practical Section – Our identification with the heart of Barnabas.

A. We are a royal priesthood in Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)

B. We are not allowed to set our hearts on things of this world.

(Matt. 6:19-20) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.[1]

C. We are permitted to manage the resources placed within our hands.

(Luke 19:13-20)

D. We are expected to multiply what God has given us for His kingdom.

(Luke 19:13-20)

E. An evil heart reveals itself eventually. (Acts 5:1-2)

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[1]The Holy Bible : King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995). Mt 6:19.