Luke now gave a specific instance of what he had just described in verses 34 and 35. This reference to Barnabas is significant because it introduces him to the reader. Barnabas becomes a major character in Acts later. Furthermore Barnabas provides a vivid contrast to Ananias in chapter 5.
4:36 His given Jewish name was Joseph, but people called him by his Jewish nickname (cognomen), Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement"(Gr. huios parakleseos).251They probably did so because he was a constant positive influence on those around him, as further references to him in Acts will demonstrate (cf. 9:27; 11:22-30; 13:1-14:28; 15:2-4, 12, 22, 36-41; 1 Cor. 9:6).252Luke probably mentioned that he was a Levite just to identify him more specifically, not to throw a cloud of suspicion over him since the Mosaic Law forbade Levites from owning property (Num. 18:24).
". . . the rule was no longer rigidly adhered to, and would not have applied to those living overseas."253
Levites had connections to the temple, but not everyone with temple connections opposed the apostles (cf. 4:1). Barnabas had lived on the island of Cyprus at some time, though he had relatives in Jerusalem, namely John Mark, Mark's mother, and perhaps others (cf. 12:12; Col. 4:10).
4:37 Barnabas evidently sold some of his land--where it was we do not know--to provide cash for the needs of the church members. He humbly presented the proceeds of the sale to the apostles for their distribution.
"Barnabas is a first example in Acts of the tendency to introduce an important new character first as a minor character, one who appears and quickly disappears. Philip (6:5) and Saul (7:58; 8:1, 3) are similarly introduced before they assume important roles in the narrative. This procedure ties the narrative together, and in each case the introductory scene contributes something significant to the portrait of the person."254
