Rev. George Miller
April 30, 2023
Acts 13:1-3
Today’s story is a glimpse into the people of the early church.
We’re in Antioch, the first place where the followers of Jesus are called
“Christians”.
We have the “Divine 5” of the Antioch church- Lucious, Niger, Manaen, Saul,
and Barnabas.
Today’s scripture is simple. Short. What’s left to be said?
A lot, because each of these men have a story, and each have a name that
makes us go “Hmm.”
Let’s start with the place- Antioch.
Antioch is a major capital city by the Sea. A place of traveling, trading, and shared
knowledge.
A perfect place to have a church where you can reach as many people as possible.
Antioch means “stands against”, “holding out”.
What a great name for the place in which the word “Christian” comes from.
This means that as Christians, our roots come from a city that was known
as “Resistant.”
It means that as Christians, we can literally trace our roots back to a
place that was brave.
Now, the people.
There’s Lucius, which means “Bright Light” and Niger, which means “Black.”
These two names give us an immediate insight into just how inclusive the
church is.
Then Manaen, a member of the king’s court. Back then, certain kids who were raised in
the king’s court were given this title.
Which means Manaen most likely came from a family of prestige, and he was
raised personally knowing the king’s son.
Can you hear this juxtaposition of who makes up the Christian church in
Antioch? A man from Libya, a black man
most likely from North Africa, and the best friend of a prince.
Then we have Saul, a zealous Jew who experienced the Resurrected Christ
and changed his ways.
Finally, Barnabas, who is an interesting man. Originally, his name was Jospeh.
He came from the family of Levi, lived on the island of Cyprus, owned
land, hand selected Saul, and was once confused for Zeus.
Barnabas was born with the name Joseph.
He came from a distinguished family called the Levites who traced their
lineage back to Jacob and Leah.
His ancestors were known for having great political and educational
responsibility, administrators who managed with harmony and unity, often overseeing
cities for refugees.
Barnabas was a landowner from Cyprus, an island known for luxury items, richly
decorated mansions, copper mines, mountains, and lush fields of wheat and
barley.
When the Christian church in Antioch began, he sold his land, laid the
money at the disciples’ feet so they could share the proceeds and do their
ministry.
He was known for being such a great encourager, as someone who supported and
cheered on others, that they gave him a new name – Barnabas, which means Comforter.
Barnabas took this new name and ran with it. He was the one who sought out Saul, saw his potential,
and invited him to be part of the team.
He had such a gift of making people feel happy, feel included.
When someone, like John Mark, messed up, Barnabas was willing to give
them another chance.
When other Christians tried to judge the people Barnabas was ministering
to, he stood up for them. He risked his life.
When someone tried to abuse the ministry to make a buck, Barnabas and
Saul held them accountable.
He was beloved and had such a strong physical presence, full of wisdom
and fairness, that there were Greeks who actually thought he was Zeus.
But none of this is to put Barnabas on a pedestal or to make him seem otherworldly.
Because Barnabas was not- he was only human, just like Lucious, Niger, Manaen.
So why talk about Barnabas today?
Because there is an aspect about Barnabas that we may have all overlooked
for the last 2,000 years.
Barnabas had land…and Barnabas sold it…and he gave all the proceeds to
the church…
…and those who have land know, that giving up your land is not easy.
Those who love the land, feel connected to the land, know that parting with
it is not so simple, especially those who have had the land in their family for
generations.
The author of Acts makes a quick reference to Barnabas selling his land,
but is the author really aware of what that meant and what that emotionally
felt like?
For Barnabas to be descended from a historical family line, to live on an
island with land so rich it has copper mines, wheat, and barley?
To realize that for Barnabas to sell his land it meant he was literally
selling his family’s inheritance, history and future legacy all to be part of
something so new?
Selling family land is not easy. That’s
something someone living in a city may not realize.
But here, surrounded by citrus groves, cows and 4-H clubs, we know
better.
We live in a county defined by its land, be it golf courses or blueberry
fields.
Our attachment to the land is clear at the County Commissioner meetings,
as we discuss greening and building new developments.
More and more the discussions are about families selling generational land
because it now costs more to maintain than they make.
It is so heartbreaking to watch an elderly man with a cane, supported by
his wife, step before our elected officials, asking if their land can be rezoned
so they can sell it…
…while making it clear that if things were any other way, they would
never ever sell.
Selling your own bit of heaven on earth is not easy.
So think about Barnabas, this man from Cyprus, who sold his land so he
could give the proceeds to the early church in Antioch.
He probably didn’t sell a quarter acre parcel; he most likely sold all he
had, acres and acres that had been passed down through his family.
Why?
So that the Christian church in Antioch could preach the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, so the church could reach out to those in need.
So that the church could be Heaven here on Earth.
Think of that. Think of the fact
that if Barnabas did not do what he did, we may not be here today.
Could it be that Barnabas’ generosity is why we even know about Jesus
Christ?
Barnabas is the lineage we come from.
He is the spiritual family we can claim; an ancestor who shows us what
it means when we live a life of encouragement.
Barnabas, from the City of Resistance, is a brother in Christ we celebrate
because he shows us-
-through John Mark, that second chances can be essential.
-Comforting and cheering on others brings forth new life.
-Generosity can change the world.
The things we have here on earth can be the very things that make Heaven
and eternal life real to those around us.
How is God calling us to travel through this thing called life
together?
How can we share what we have so others can experience the gifts of
Christ?
Amen and amen.
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