Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
“And so it is good for one who has learned all the upright demands of the Lord that have been written, to walk in them. For the one who does these things will be glorified in the kingdom of God. The one who chooses those other things will be destroyed, along with his works. This is why there is a resurrection; this is why a recompense.
I ask those of you who are in high positions, if you are willing to receive advice from my good counsel: keep some people among yourselves for whom you can do good, and do not fail. The day is near when all things will perish, along with the wicked one. The Lord is near, as is His reward.
Again and again I ask you, be your own good lawgivers, remain faithful advisors to yourselves, remove all hypocrisy from yourselves. And may God, the one who rules the entire world, give you wisdom, under standing, perception, knowledge of his righteous demands, and patience. Become those who are taught by God, enquiring into what the Lord seeks from you. And do it, that you may be found in the day of judgment.
And if there is any recollection of what is good, remember me by practicing these things, that my desire and vigilance may lead to a good result. I ask this of you, begging for a favor. While the good vessel is still with you, do not fail in any of these things, but enquire fervently after them and fulfill every commandment. For they are worth doing.
Therefore I have been all the more eager to write what I could, to make you glad. Be well, children of love and peace. May the Lord of glory and of every gracious gift be with your spirit.”
Joseph (died A.D. 61) a.k.a. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus in the Epistle of Barnabas 21:1-9.
This marks the last post from Barnabas.
These are the last words in his epistle. I will let them speak for themselves. Just imagine the disciple who journeyed and ministered with the Apostle Paul. He was one of the 70 who helped build the church.
Read and consider what stands out to you.
Words like “upright demands” and “remain faithful” stand out to me. But no sentence more than “And if there is any recollection of what is good, remember me by practicing these things.”
So as we remember Barnabas, let’s practice the generosity he modeled for us.