And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of encouragement,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
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Erasmus of Rotterdam
AD 1536
Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the surname Barnabas, which in Aramaic means 'son of consolation
Joseph . surnamed Barnabas, the son of consolation He seems to be mentioned as the first that sold all he had, and brought the price, and laid it at the feet of the apostles. (Witham)
There was at that time a great number of Jews established in this city. (Bible de Vence)
The curse against Levi, or, rather converts it into a blessing, on account of the subsequent zeal of the tribe, and of Phinehas in particular, in behalf of God. But that against Simeon he did not recall. Wherefore it also was fulfilled in deed.
I suppose he also received the name from his virtue, as being qualified and suited for this duty.
was a Levite of Cyprian descent:
Observe on all occasions how the writer indicates the breaking up of the Law. But how was he also a “Cyprian by birth?” Because they then even removed to other countries, and still were called Levites.
Wherever Sacred Scriptures gives the names of things or persons with an interpretation, it certainly indicates that a more sacred sense is contained in them.
Barnabas means, 'Son of a prophet', or 'son of one coming', or, as many think, son of consolation. All the derivations, as 'Bar' (son of) either 'Nabi' (a prophet), or a derivative from 'Bo' (to come) or from 'Bee' ( to console), as by the Syriac interpreter it is also rendered, 'Son of consolation.'
The writer is now about to relate the affair of Ananias and Sapphira, and in order to show that the man's sin was of the worst description, he first mentions him who performed the virtuous deed; that, there being so great a multitude all doing the same, so great grace, so great miracles, he, taught by none of these, but blinded by covetousness, brought destruction upon his own head. "Having land,--meaning that this was all he possessed,--sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the Apostles' feet. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the Apostles' feet." (ch. v. 1, 2.) The aggravating circumstance was, that the sin was concerted, and none other saw what was done. How came it into the mind of this hapless wretch to commit this crime? "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back ...
