How does Barnabas' example in Acts 4:37 inspire us to support church needs? The Snapshot of Sacrificial Giving “...he sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:37) • A real parcel of land, a real sale, a real bag of coins—Barnabas’ act is presented as historical fact, not parable. • He does not designate the funds for a pet project; he trusts church leadership to distribute “as anyone had need” (Acts 4:35). • His public deed quietly echoed the earlier pattern: “All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:44). Barnabas’ Motive: Love Over Land • Love for the Lord—Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Barnabas’ treasure moved toward Christ’s body. • Love for people—John asks, “If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need… how can the love of God be in him?” (1 John 3:17). Barnabas answers that question with open hands. • Love that trusts leadership—laying money “at the apostles’ feet” signals humility and unity, avoiding control or strings attached. Practical Wisdom for Today’s Believers 1. Inventory God’s blessings – Income, property, skills, time. – “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). 2. Identify genuine needs in the local congregation – Benevolence funds, missions, facility upkeep, staff support. 3. Give decisively and cheerfully – “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). 4. Release control – Once the gift is placed, view it as the Lord’s. Resist the urge to micromanage. 5. Model generosity – Barnabas’ act encouraged a culture in which others soon followed (Acts 4:34). Your obedience can spark similar faith in fellow believers. Blessings Promised to Givers • Spiritual abundance: “Give, and it will be given to you... For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). • Corporate strength: needs met, unity deepened, witness amplified (Acts 4:33-34). • Eternal reward: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Guarding the Heart While Giving • Beware applause-seeking—contrast Barnabas with Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. Motive matters more than amount. • Maintain stewardship—selling property was Barnabas’ personal choice, not an enforced command. Generosity flows from willing hearts. • Keep faith in the sufficiency of God—“Test Me in this... and see if I will not open the windows of heaven” (Malachi 3:10). An Ongoing Legacy Barnabas’ single transaction set the tone for a ministry marked by encouragement (Acts 11:22-24) and missionary partnership (Acts 13:2). Likewise, one decisive, joyful act of meeting church needs today can ripple outward—funding gospel work, uplifting saints, and glorifying Christ. |
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