And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,

1. Joses (Joseph) is also called by a nickname given by the apostles, Barnabas.

2. He was known as an encouragement to those who were down, depressed, sad, lonely, in grief, or in distrss. We all need someone to encourage us. Who has been your encourager?

3. He was a Levite, of the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe of Israel.

1. At this time there were three classes within the tribe of Levi.

1. High Priest (house of Aaron)

2. Priests - enter Temple to work

3. Levites - study law, served in the synagogues, led prayers, read Scripture

4. He was from the island nation of Cyprus.

1. Cyprus is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

2. A large Jewish population lived on this island.

3. Paul visited Cyprus - Acts 13:4. It was the first stop when Paul and Barnabas left on the first missionary journey.

4. When Paul and Barnabas disagreed (Acts 15:39), Barnabas took Mark and went back to Cyprus to preach.

5. Most believe that he was the other man considered to replace Judas - Acts 1:23.

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Old Testament