1 QUOTE

“Luke uses the generosity of Barnabas as ‘Exhibit A’ to illustrate the type of extraordinary faith expressed by believers at Jerusalem.”

-  C. Merrill Tenney

1 NOTE

The beginning of the Jerusalem church was perfect. But garden faith in the  city world did not last very long. Jesus described the devil as a liar and murderer from the very beginning (John 8:44). We know from the Genesis account the enemy is always plotting to tear down the works of God. The first three chapters of Acts are Christian paradise. But in chapters 4-6, Satan launches a three-front strategic counter-attack.

His first strategic objective was to hit the church with physical destruction. Peter and John were beaten and imprisoned. But the hate only made them stronger. The devil’s next offensive was deception. Internal assaults are almost impossible to defend. His final maneuver was distraction through racial crisis. The Hellenist widows were denied pita and hummus while the Jerusalem widows ate second and thirds. Satan’s playbook, even today, is full of measures of destruction, deception and distraction.

Up to chapter 4, the disciples were incredibly unified in their devotion. The first sin to crack that unity was financial. Finances are one of the six finishing well barriers identified by Dr.Bobby Clinton. Barnabas is highlighted for his exemplary mission faith. Judas bought a field with his wicked gains (Acts 1:18). But Barnabas sold a field and gave his profits to the church.

Ananias and Sapphira want to be like Barnabas but sorely lack faith. They are each given a chance to repent but they both independently lie to the Holy Spirit. God makes an example of them, teaching his people that the wages of sin is death. This disobedient couple is the New Testament version of Adam and Eve. This makes finances the New Testament apple. The lesson is clear: financial faith cannot be faked. Bluffing will be exposed!

1 QUESTION

How can you follow Barnabas’ model of financial faith in 2026?

Until Next Tuesday,

John