And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet–Acts 4:36-37.
God the Holy Spirit identified one of the many who heard the word of God, the preaching of the gospel by the apostles and were given grace to believe. (Acts 4:32; 15:11; Eph.1:19). Barnabas is a good example of sovereign grace and mercy in Christ and one used of God to the furtherance of the gospel. "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord" (Acts 9:24.
His birth name was Joses, his new name given by the apostles was Barnabas, "son of consolation" born of the Spirit of God and adopted into the family of Christ (Gal. 4:4-6). (1 John 5:1).
He gave up his Levitical priesthood and the typical sacrifice for the fulfillment of the law (Matt.5:17), Jesus Christ crucified (1Cor. 2:2) and became a priest of God in Christ (Rev. 1:5-6).
He gave up his Jewish heritage, ceremony, and traditions and became an heir of God in Christ (Rom. 8:15-18; 1 Peter 1:4).
He sold his earthly land and became a pilgrim and stranger here looking for the heavenly city (Heb.11:10), "the new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13).
This is the first mention of Barnabas in the book of Acts but not the last. God raised him up to preach the gospel of Christ to many. Barnabas introduced Saul of Tarsus (Paul) to the Apostles (Acts 9:27). Barnabas sought out Saul (Paul) and brought him to Antioch to preach the gospel (Acts 11:29). Barnabas and Paul were chosen by God the Holy Spirit and sent out from the church in Antioch to preach the gospel of Christ to the Gentile world. "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them" (Acts 13:2-3). May the Lord be pleased to raise up more like Barnabas (son of God), totally sold out to the gospel of Jesus Christ the Lord and fully dedicated to the cause of God and truth (1 Cor. 16:15; 1 John 3:1-2)!!