Acts 4:36 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Luke, the author of the book of Acts, Joses was given the name Barnabas by the apostles, which means "The son of consolation" or "The son of comfort." He was a man from the island of Cyprus and was from the special tribe of people called Levites in the Bible.

Contradiction with Acts 5:1-2

This describes Ananias and Sapphira's deceit about their gift, contrasting Barnabas's positive example of generosity in Acts 4:36.

Acts 5:1-2: But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Contradiction with Matthew 6:3-4

Jesus advises to give in secret, which contrasts with Barnabas’s public act of selling land and donating the proceeds in Acts 4:36.

Matthew 6:3-4: But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Contradiction with Matthew 19:21-22

Jesus advises the rich young ruler to sell possessions, yet he goes away sad, unlike Barnabas who sells his land willingly in Acts 4:36.

Matthew 19:21-22: Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

Contradiction with Luke 12:33

Calls for selling possessions and giving alms, but many followers did not do this as Barnabas did uniquely in Acts 4:36.

Luke 12:33: Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 9:7

Encourages giving as one decides in their heart, not under compulsion, an idea contrasting with Barnabas’s specific act of selling land in Acts 4:36.

2 Corinthians 9:7: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Advises the wealthy to be generous and willing to share, while Acts 4:36 highlights Barnabas’s complete relinquishing of his property.

1 Timothy 6:17-19: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [uncertain...: Gr. uncertainty of riches]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:42

Teaches to give to those who ask without expectation, diverging from Barnabas’s proactive giving act in Acts 4:36.

Matthew 5:42: Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.