"Joseph, a Levite born in Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “One who Encourages”), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and handed it over to the apostles. ...

Saul went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. But they would not believe that he was a disciple, and they were all afraid of him.

Then Barnabas came to his help and took him to the apostles. He explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him. He also told them how boldly Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. And so Saul stayed with them and went all over Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. "

(Acts 4.36-37, 9.26-28 GNB)

Barnabas dared to do bold things. And his impact was enormous to the work of the apostles.

I wonder if his Levite parents and grandparents influenced him positively when he was growing up. Being a Levite, he probably was also learned in the Old Testament and steeped in many Jewish traditions. And yet he opened his heart to Jesus, unlike many of his Jewish contemporaries.

I wonder what influence his parents or grandparents impressed upon him that helped him come to faith.

Lord,
I want to be more and more like Christ
and be a positive influence to those around me

~

Related: Raising children