Acts 4:36

“And Joses, etc.] The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, read “Joseph”, and so do Beza’s most ancient copy, and two of his manuscripts, and the Alexandrian copy, and others; for “Jose”, or “Joses”, is only an abbreviation or contraction of “Joseph”; though according to others it is the same with “Josiah”: there is one of this name, who was the sort of Alphaeus, and brother to two of the apostles, James and Jude, (<401355>Matthew 13:55) and another called “Joses Barsabas”; and it may be to distinguish the one from the other this is called “Joses Barnabas”; for so it follows, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas: his name before his conversion was “Joses”, or “Joseph”, or…”

“Joses, &c.--This is specified merely as an eminent example of that spirit of generous sacrifice which pervaded all. son of consolation--no doubt so surnamed from the character of his ministry. a Levite--who, though as a tribe having no inheritance, might and did acquire property as individuals (Deu 18:8). Cyprus--a well-known island in the Mediterranean. Next: Acts Chapter 5”

“And Joses - Many manuscripts, instead of “Joses,” here read “Joseph.” The reasons why this individual is selected and specified particularly were, doubtless, because he was a foreigner; because it was a remarkable instance of liberality; and because he subsequently distinguished himself in the work of the ministry. He gave himself, his property, his all, to the service of the Lord Jesus, and went forth to the self-denying labors of the gospel. He is mentioned elsewhere with honor in the New Testament Acts 11:24, Acts 11:30, and usually as the companion of the apostle Paul. The occasion on which he became connected with Paul in the ministry was when he himself was sent forth by the church at…”

“A son of consolation - Not only on account of his so largely assisting the poor with his fortune; but also of those peculiar gifts of the Spirit, whereby he was so well qualified both to comfort and to exhort. Acts 4:37”

“4:36-37 Barnabas is held up as an example of generous, unselfish giving in response to the genuine needs in the Christian community.”

“Barnabas: Act 11:22-25, Act 11:30, Act 12:25, Act 13:1, Act 15:2, Act 15:12, Act 15:37; Co1 9:6; Gal 2:1, Gal 2:9, Gal 2:13 The son: Mar 3:17 Cyprus: Act 11:19, Act 11:20, Act 15:39, Act 21:16 Acts 4:37”