Bearing Witness

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. 

Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles. (Acts 4:32-37)

These passages from Acts likely give evidence of the attractiveness of Jesus Christ.  His early followers were extremely charitable and helped the needy by distributing funds to each according to need.  That was in stark contrast to the way it was before believers were of one heart and mind.  Those oppressed by the Romans and Jewish elite gravitated towards this faith and behavior.  

Why is Barnabas mentioned, and who is he?  We learn that Barnabas was a Cypriot Jew. Named an apostle in Acts 14:14, he and Paul undertook missionary journeys together and defended Gentile converts. Of note, Barnabas is traditionally identified as the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church.

Although very few of us who own property or houses would sell them and donate them to the Church to be distributed to the needy according to need, some of us have done so.  CTK owes great gratitude to those who symbolize Barnabas.  With CTK plans to improve the Food Pantry to serve the needy in Mashpee, we hope for donors bearing witness and placing money at the feet of Christ.

Deacon David Pierce