Peter of Bethsaida: Material and proper use

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

“Peter himself will explain, for he continues, “Carried away by igno­rance and not knowing God as we do, according to the perfect knowledge, but shaping those things over which he gave them power for their use, wood and stones, brass and iron, gold and silver, forgetting their material and proper use, they set up things subservient to their existence and worship them; and what things God has given them for food, the fowls of the air and the creatures that swim in the sea and creep on the earth, wild beasts and four-footed cattle of the field, weasels too and mice, cats and dogs and apes; even their own food­ stuffs do they sacrifice to animals that can be consumed and, offering dead things to the dead as if they were gods, they show ingratitude to God since by these practices they deny that he ex­ists. . . .”

“The Teaching of Peter” reported by Bart Ehrman in Lost Scriptures: Books That Did Not Make It Into The New Testament (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003).

This excerpt attributed to the Apostle Peter comes to us from the writings of Clement of Alexandria in his Stromata 6.5.39–41. These words of Peter were circulated in the window of Clement’s life (A.D. 150-215).

Peter cares about the right “use” of what we have. In his first epistle he challenges us to use whatever gift (Greek singular) God has given us. That implies we are each like one piece in God’s big puzzle.

In this excerpt of Peter’s teaching, he speaks of the material and proper use of things in a world, back then and now, where people don’t use things rightly and, in so doing, demonstrate ingratitude to God.

Ponder for a moment then what the material and right “use” of your gift and your goods would be. Things have been given to us as gifts from God. But we must not make them the object of our desire. We must use them for good.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:10

“Rich is the man who has mercy on many, and, imitating God, gives what he has. For God has given all things to all his crea­tion. Understand then, you rich, that you ought to minister, for you have received more than you yourselves need. Learn that others lack the things you have in superfluity. Be ashamed to keep things that belong to others. Imitate the fairness of God, and no one will be poor.”

“The Teaching of Peter” reported by Bart Ehrman in Lost Scriptures: Books That Did Not Make It Into The New Testament (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003).

This is an example of a quote that did not make it into biblical text but ascribed to the apostle by the early church fathers. Specifically this quote comes to us from John of Damascus (c. 675 – 749).

In the early church, the idea of sharing mercy and resources went together. One person’s surplus was viewed as belonging to the person who had need.

I like how today’s Scripture from Peter fits with this quote attributed to him. One we were not a people, now we are the people of God. Once we had not receive mercy, now we have.

And this should change how we relate to people and possessions. I pray it inspires you rich to minister and to share the things you have in superfluity. Imitate the fairness of God as the people of God!

And no one shares and sacrifices and shows mercy like the mothers out there. Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, my wife, sister, son’s wife, and all the mothers out there!

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.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

“Think about the day of judgment night and day, and seek out the company of the saints every day, either laboring through the word and going out to com­ fort another, being concerned to save a life through the word, or working with your hands as a ransom for your sins. Do not doubt whether to give, nor grumble while giving. But recognize who is the good Paymaster of the reward. Guard the injunctions you have received, neither adding to them nor taking away. Completely hate what is evil. Give a fair judgment.”

Joseph (died A.D. 61) a.k.a. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus in the Epistle of Barnabas 19:10-11.

I had a priceless lunch yesterday in the company of a saint who has been a Barnabas to me. As I mentioned in my post yesterday, he gave the lead gift to start GTP just more than five years ago.

He’s 84 years young, in good health, and still working hard as a faithful steward trying to liquidate his interest in a shrinking portfolio of buildings and businesses.

Pray with me for him and for stewards like him that pray for buyers and deals to get sorted so they can store up those treasures in heaven through giving while they are living.

It was a lunch that reflected a mix of food, fellowship, and worship. We praised God for the many fruits of GTP through his encouragement and giving and the service of our team. See GTP at 5 for details.

And in our conversation we talked about what “finishing well” looks like in anticipation of meeting the Lord. In today’s Scripture, Paul reminds us we will all have to give an account before God.

And Barnabas urges us not to doubt or grumble in our giving and serve as faithful stewards knowing the good Paymaster will reward us. He emphasizes the importance of having our hearts right before God in our giving and our living.

Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. Galatians 6:6

“Do not be one who reaches out your hands to receive but draws them back from giving. Love like the apple of your eye everyone who speaks the word of the Lord to you.”

Joseph (died A.D. 61) a.k.a. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus in the Epistle of Barnabas 19:9.

Barnabas applies an amazing word picture to describe reaching out and not drawing back in our giving: “Love like the apple of your eye everyone who speaks the word of the Lord to you.”

Notice how that echoes the sentiment in Galatians. Remember, Paul did the first missionary journey to Galatia with Barnabas. We can imagine them teaching people to bless those who speak the Word of the Lord to them.

Today, I am having lunch with a man who is like Barnabas to me. He saw me as the apple of his eye and did not hold back but gave the lead gift to launch GTP. I will never forget that day.

We have not had meal together for some time. I can’t wait to fellowship, to hear what God is teaching him and to share what God has been teaching me. And I will thank him for sharing so generously with me.

Is there a Barnabas in your life that you need to thank? Do it today! Or are you Barnabas to someone like Paul? If so, don’t hold back in giving but make that person the apple of your eye.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:32-37

“Share all things with your neighbor and do not say that anything is your own. For if you are partners in what is imperishable, how much more in what is perishable? Do not be garrulous, for the mouth is a deadly trap. In so far as you are able, be pure within.”

Joseph (died A.D. 61) a.k.a. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus in the Epistle of Barnabas 19:8.

In today’s excerpt from Barnabas, we hear an echo of today’s Scripture.

Barnabas connects two ideas we don’t often connect. He urges us not to claim ownership of anything and not to be garrulous, which means not to talk too much.

So the sharing the “son of encouragement” beckons us to share through actions rather than words. And he then connects this behavior with purity or consistency within.

Imagine if every disciple of Christ followed this example. I think God’s grace would work among us with the same power it did in the early church.

God help us share what is perishable with fellow believers because we are both partakers of the imperishable, namely, Christ. By this way, make our lives pure to reflect a consistent witness. Amen.

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried repeatedly to associate with the disciples; and yet they were all afraid of him, as they did not believe that he was a disciple. Acts 9:26

“Do not desire your neighbor’s be­ longings; do not be greedy. Do not join forces with the high and mighty but associate with the humble and upright. Welcome whatever happens to you as good, knowing that nothing occurs apart from God.”

Joseph (died A.D. 61) a.k.a. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus in the Epistle of Barnabas 19:6.

I changed the header photo. People have asked where I am. Notice the flag blowing on my daily walk with the dog. I am stateside this month, inviting people to give to GTP and preparing for work in India in June.

As we continue reading the epistle ascribed to Barnabas, we find interesting imperatives in the exhortation section. Today let’s consider today’s Scripture the terms “associate” and “welcome.”

When Saul, who would become known as Paul, met Jesus on the road and began to follow him, many doubted whether he was a disciple. Saul tried to “associate” with them but did not find warm “welcome.”

As the story unfolds, Barnabas would be the guy who puts his arm around Saul and associates with him and welcomes him. Just think about the generosity and grace he exhibited in doing this.

Our temptation in life is to desire things and money and to join forces with the high and mighty. We do this because there’s power in all these things. That’s not the way of Jesus. He wants us to associate with the humble and upright.

And we get to welcome whatever happens knowing that nothing happens to us apart from God. Let us give thanks for His generosity toward us and pledge our trust afresh to Him today.

And when James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the gentiles and they to the circumcised. They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do. Galatians 2:9-10

“And so he speaks to them again concerning these things, “Why do you fast for me, says the Lord, so that your voice is heard crying out today? This is not the fast I have chosen, says the Lord — not a person humbling his soul. Not even if you bend your neck into a circle and put on sackcloth and make for yourself a bed of ashes — not even so should you call this a proper fast.”

But he says to us, “See, this is the fast I have chosen, says the Lord. Loosen every bond of injustice; unravel the strangle-hold of coercive agreements; send forth in forgiveness those who are downtrodden; tear up every unfair con­tract. Break your bread for the hungry, and provide clothing for anyone you see naked. Bring the homeless under your roof. And if you see anyone who has been humbled, do not despise him—neither you nor anyone from your children’s household.

Then your light will burst forth at dawn, your garments will quickly rise up, your righteousness will go forth before you, and the glory of God will clothe you. Then you will cry out and God will hear you. While you are still speaking he will say, ‘See! Here I am!’ — if, that is, you remove from yourself bondage, the threatening gesture, and the word of com­plaint, and from your heart you give your bread to the poor and show mercy to the person who has been humbled.”

The one who is patient anticipated, brothers, that the people he prepared in his beloved would believe, in a state of innocence. And so he revealed all things to us in advance, that we not be dashed against their law as newcomers.

Joseph (died A.D. 61) a.k.a. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus in the Epistle of Barnabas 3:1-6.

Today, Barnabas quotes Isaiah 58:3-5 and then Isaiah 58:6-10 in declaring the motivation behind his patient and generous service to the poor. This should inspire us to study the Old Testament as the backdrop for the generous examples we see, like Barnabas, in the New Testament.

These early followers had the Law and the Prophets. They understood their fulfillment in Jesus. They then walked in His footsteps. Our Lord connected the dots for them. They believed and translated their belief into concrete, humble, and patient action toward the poor.

God caused their light to shine and wants to do the same for us today. Regardless of their ministry focus in the early church, as today’s Scripture notes, every served the poor. Do that with GTP. Don’t give people in need a handout. Be like the Barnabas. Give them a hand up. Click here to give.

One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world (This happened during the reign of Claudius). The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:28-30

“Since, then, the days are evil and the one who is at work holds sway, we should commit ourselves to seeking after the righteous acts of the Lord. Reverential awe and endurance assist our faith, and patience and self-restraint do battle on our side. And so while these things remain in a holy state before the Lord, wisdom, understanding, perception, and knowl­ edge rejoice together with them.

For through all the prophets he has shown us that he has no need of sacri­fices, whole burnt offerings, or regular offerings. For he says in one place, “What is the multitude of your sac­rifices to me? says the Lord. I am sated with whole burnt offerings, and have no desire for the fat of lambs, the blood of bulls and goats—not even if you should come to appear before me. For who sought these things from your hands? Trample my court no longer. If you bring fine flour, it is futile; incense is loathsome to me. I cannot stand your new moons and sabbaths.”

And again he says to them, “Did I command your fathers who came out from the land of Egypt to offer whole burnt offerings and sacrifices to me?” “No, this is what I commanded them: Let none of you bear a grudge against your neighbor in your heart, and do not love a false oath.”

And so, since we are not ignorant, we should perceive the good intention of our Father. For he is speaking to us, want­ing us to seek how to make an offering to him without being deceived like them. And so he says to us: “A sacrifice to the Lord is a crushed heart; a sweet fragrance to the Lord is a heart that glo­rifies the one who made it.” And so, brothers, we ought to learn clearly about our salvation, to keep the Evil One from hurling us away from our life after bring­ing error in through the backdoor.”

Joseph (died A.D. 61) a.k.a. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus in the Epistle of Barnabas 2:1-10.

Barnabas knows his Old Testament. He quotes Isaiah 1:11-13, Jeremiah 7:22, Zechariah 8:17, and Psalm 51:17. And from that knowledge he reminds us to have a humble heart toward God and show love toward others.

From there, he talks about the sacrifices God likes and where bad thinking comes from. He urges us to have a broken heart and to watch out for error coming from the Evil One through the backdoor.

This reminds us, on this Lord’s day, that God does not need our money; He wants our hearts. We show He has our hearts by how we relate to others and by not giving any space for the error of the Evil One.

Imagine a conversation with this disciple. He numbered among the 70 with Jesus. He traveled on missionary journeys with Paul. And if you had coffee with Him, this is likely what He would say to you.

Study the Scriptures so you know the heart of God. With a broken heart, approach Him to learn more about your salvation and avoid allowing any error to sneak in from the Evil One. Lock the backdoor of your heart.

And, inspired by today’s Scripture, I think he would conclude, “When you hear of needs, give as generously as you are able to show God’s love to a watching world. Offer to deliver it to those in need and discover unspeakable joy.”

After this the Lord appointed seventa others and sent them on ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:1-2

“I have thus come to realize that I will be rewarded for serving spirits like yours, if I care for you enough to hand over a portion of what I have received. I have hastened, then, to send you a brief letter, that you may have perfect knowledge to accompany your faith.

There are three firm teachings of the Lord of life: hope, which is the beginning and end of our faith; righteousness, which is the beginning and end of judg­ment; and love, which is a testament to our joy and gladness in upright deeds.

For through the prophets the Master has made known to us what has happened and what now is; and he has given us the first fruits of the taste of what is yet to be. And as we see that each and every thing has happened just as he indicated, we should make a more abundant and exalted offering in awe of him.

But I will show a few matters to you, not as a teacher but as one of your own; these will gladden your hearts in the pres­ent circumstances.”

Joseph (died A.D. 61) a.k.a. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus in the Epistle of Barnabas 1:5-8.

As we continue reading the Epistle of Barnabas today, we reflect on the clue that Barnabas gives us that Jesus made known to him what has happened, what is, and showed the first fruits of what is yet to be.

According to the ancient list of the 70 by Hippolytus of Rome in his work, On the end of the world, Barnabas is mentioned. He was with Jesus as one of the 70, and scholars place him later as becoming the bishop of Milan.

Why reflect on this today?

Barnabas heard Jesus talk about rewards. He heard our Lord teach about of hope, righteousness, and love. And in response, he aimed only to model these through his deeds. And he knew that the fruit of obedience was reward. So, he passed on words of encouragement to us, not as a teacher, but to gladden our hearts where we are.

Friends, we too must live like the teachings of Jesus are real. We must spread hope, righteousness (which means obedient actions), and love wherever we go. We should, as Barnabas wrote, “make a more abundant and exalted offering in awe of him” in response to His blessings to us. Barnabas was known for giving encouragement and resources.

Let’s follow suit. Let’s spread hope, righteousness, and love.

In response today, what would it look like for you to spread hope, righteousness, and love and to make a more abundant and exalted offering in awe of our Lord Jesus Christ and in anticipation of reward?