Unstoppable! 'Meet Mr. Encouragement' — Acts 4:34-37

Sunday, March 8, 2026

There were no needy people among [the disciples], because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

— Acts 4:34-37 NLT

Key Thought

How are you known among your friends and your brothers and sisters in Christ? What is your reputation? What would they nickname you if they gave you a name to match your lifestyle and reputation? These are good questions for us to ask ourselves as we remember the story of Barnabas, the "Son of Encouragement." This generous brother not only gave up his property and offered encouragement to others, but he also reclaimed Saul (whom we know as Paul) and mentored him in ministry (Acts 9:26-27, 11:25-26). Let's commit to leaving an example and legacy of goodness, graciousness, and encouragement for others, like Barnabas.

Today's Prayer

O Father, I want to be known as a person of generous grace. I don't want this reputation so I can be prideful, but because I want to be truly your person, someone who reflects your generosity, grace, goodness, and encouragement. I ask for the Holy Spirit to work in my life and grow your holy fruit in me. I want, O Lord, to reflect your righteous character and gracious compassion faithfully in my life through the power of your Spirit. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Generous Fellowship
Devo: Together in Christ
"There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in...."
Goodness and Deception
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, Key transitions in the life and faith of My people need to be protected. In the early days of My church, this need for safety was..."
A Movement of Compassion and Testimony
Devo: Unstoppable!
"All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The..."
Greater Things: Fellowship
Article by Phil Ware
Are we willing to make fellowship more than coffee and donuts? Phil Ware continues to talk about the greater things the early church experienced in the opening days of the believers following Jesus and in this case, genuine fellowship, sharing and having life in common, is key.
See All 5 Related Resources about Acts 4:34-37

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 4:34-37 NLT — There were no needy people among [the disciples], because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, March 8, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Leaving the Water Jar Behind' (Jn. 4:28-29)
"The woman [at Jacob's well] left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, "Come and see a man who told me..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Signed, Sealed, and Delivered' (Ep. 1:13-14)
"It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free — signed, sealed, and..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by G. C. Lichtenberg:
"Never undertake anything for which you wouldn't have the courage to ask the blessing of heaven."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: 2 Chronicles 31:21
"This is no unusual occurrence; it is the general rule of the moral universe that those men prosper who do their work with all their hearts, while..."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!