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Was Barnabas, Barsabbas?
Was Barnabas, Barsabbas?
Was Barnabas, Barsabbas? The Bible doesn’t directly say so, but does the Holy Spirit imply such is true by how each narrative unfolds? If they are not the same individual, the Bible introduces them both in ways which I believe suggests we are to infer they are. This isn’t just a intellectual game of “what if”. If they are the same man, there is a great spiritual, dare I say “encouraging”, lesson to be imitated.
Let’s notice a few facts from their “introduction” narratives (Acts 1:13-26; Acts 4:36-37)
1. Both are named Joseph.
2. Their nicknames are similar – Barnabas and Barsabbas in spelling.
3. Both nicknames are similar in meaning because they mean, “Son of”: the Sabbath or Rest; and Encouragement.
4. Similar language is used in describing them: “Joseph called Barsabbas”; “Joseph…the one called…Barnabas”.
5. Both narratives involve land being bought or sold: “Now this man acquired a field” (Acts 1:8). That would be Judas and the land was a burial place for the poor. In Acts 4:37, Barnabas sold a field and brought the money and laid it as the feet of the apostles for poor saints.
6. A final connection is both scenes involve the apostles. In Acts 1, Barsabbas is chosen along with Matthias to possibly replace Judas. However, he is not chosen to be the replacement. Then notice in Acts 4, Joseph is called Barnabas BY THE APOSTLES. If they are the same man, the group he wasn’t chosen to be one of, ends up changing his nickname from Barsabbas to Barnabas!
Later on, Barnabas is selected to accompany two men carrying encouraging news to the Gentile churches. One of these two men was named, Justus called Barsabbas (Acts 15:22). Could this other Barsabbas be the brother of Joseph called Barsabbas who is possibly Joseph called Barnabas?
Now this is either some unconnected similarities, or else we are to connect the dots to see that “Joseph called Barsabbas”, who was not chosen to be an apostle, but because he was such an encouragement, Barsabbas is now called Barnabas by the apostles!
Do you see the encouraging lesson? Even when we are not chosen, be there for those who are, and continue to do what you can. Encourage others. Encourage the ones called. Wait your turn. And finally, who does the Holy Spirit lead Luke to write about more – Matthias or Barnabas who I believe was Barsabbas.
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