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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"And Joses, who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas, which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation." I do not think that this is the same with the companion of Matthias; for that person was also called Justus and Barsabas, but this, Joses and "Barnabas" ["son of consolation"]. I suppose he also received the name from his virtue, as being qualified and suited for this duty. "A Levite, and of the country of Cyprus by birth." Observe on all occasions how the writer indicates the breaking up of the Law. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
It seems to me that "Joseph" is not the same person who is mentioned together with Matthias (see Acts 1:23), because that one is also called Justus, while this one is called Barnabas, which means "son of consolation." It also seems to me that this Joseph received such a name on account of his virtue. But how was he both a Levite and a Cypriot? It is because the law was already being violated, and the Levites were relocating to foreign countries and deriving profit for themselves there.
Oecumenius
First, he recalls the one who had succeeded, namely Joseph, as a greater rebuke to Ananias, because with so many persons doing these things, and so many signs, and so great a grace, none of them was instructed by him. But the calling of Joseph was confirmed by the Apostles as testimony of compassionate virtue. And he was a Levite who conducted affairs in Cyprus, since the law was already relaxed, and people were migrating from Judea wherever one wished. …
Western Saints
Jerome
Barnabas means, 'Son of a prophet', or 'son of one coming', or, as many think, son of consolation. All the derivations, as 'Bar' (son of) either 'Nabi' (a prophet), or a derivative from 'Bo' (to come) or from 'Bee' (to console), as by the Syriac interpreter it is also rendered, 'Son of consolation.'
Bede
Joseph, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles. I think this Barnabas is the same who later is read to be ordained as an apostle to the Gentiles with Paul. Hence, because he was a Cypriot by birth, after separating from Paul, he returned to his native island. …
Cassiodorus
"And Joseph, who, by the apostles, was surnamed Barnabas," etc. Here are given examples of faithful and of deceitful people: Joseph, who was surnamed Barnabas, went away unhurt, because he brought the entire price; Ananias, on the other hand, and his wife Saphira, who kept back by fraud the price of the land they had sold, were cursed, and gave up their unfortunate souls in front of everyone; and the same people carried out the husband and later his lifeless wife. …
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