Day 20 - Barnabas: All In Through Encouragement and Generosity

Devotional Scripture Reading

Primary Passage: Acts 4:32-37

Supporting Scriptures (as cited in devotional): Acts 4:36-37, Acts 9:26-27, Acts 11:22-26

KJV (Full Text):

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
36 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,
37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Summary: Acts 4:32-37 — The early church lived in unity and generosity; Barnabas modeled encouragement and giving.

Barnabas stands as a model of how the Kingdom grows through encouragement, generosity, and spiritual support. His very name means son of encouragement. The Greek word paraklēsis (παράκλησις) means comfort, exhortation, strengthening speech that builds faith. Being All In means you do not only receive in the church. You strengthen others in the church.

First, Barnabas shows us stewardship through giving. He sold land and brought the money to support the needs of the believers (Acts 4:36–37). This teaches that giving is not only a financial act. It is a spiritual statement. It says the Kingdom matters more than possessions.

Second, Barnabas shows us discipleship through believing in others. When people feared Paul because of his past, Barnabas advocated for him (Acts 9:26–27). This is spiritual maturity. It sees grace in people. It helps develop leaders. Barnabas reminds us that the church grows when we stop labeling people by who they were and start encouraging who God is shaping them to be.

Third, Barnabas shows us Kingdom building through partnership. He traveled, taught, strengthened churches and built unity in the early community (Acts 11:22–26). He proves that encouragement is not soft. It is powerful. It stabilizes faith, fuels mission, and strengthens communities.

Barnabas reminds us that the family of faith needs more builders than critics. During this fast, speak life, give faithfully, and strengthen someone who is growing.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Barnabas’ example of encouragement and generosity. Fill my heart with compassion and teach me to strengthen others with my words and my actions. Lord, help me steward my resources and influence for Your purposes. Use me to build unity, develop others, and advance Your Kingdom through faithful support. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Reflective Questions:

1. Who can I encourage intentionally this week, and how will I do it?

2. What is one act of stewardship or generosity I can practice during this fast?