Joseph was given the name Barnabas by the apostles, meaning "son of encouragement" in Greek. This reflected that he would be expected to share the good news from God and encourage and comfort others. Simon was named Peter by Jesus. When Simon acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus said he would build his church on Peter and give him the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Peter later preached that Jesus was Lord and Christ. Jesus was named by God to be called Jesus, meaning "God saves", to fulfill the prophecy that he would save people from their sins. He was also called Immanuel, meaning "God with us", connecting him to Isaiah's prophecy. Those in Ant

1. Acts 4:36
Great
Expectations

2. Joseph was named Barnabas
This name appears to be from the Aramaic ‫בר‬‫נביא‬ , bar
naḇyā, meaning “the son (of the) prophet”.
However, Luke uses Greek in Acts 4:36. He explains
that υἱός παρακλήσεως, meaning "son of encouragement".
1 Cor. 14:3 – “But he who prophesies speaks edification
and exhortation and comfort to men”
From now on, Joseph would introduce himself as the
“son of encouragement”
He would be expected to share the good news from
God
He would be expected to be an encourager and
comforter

3. Simon was named Peter
Matthew 16:16-19
Simon tells Jesus who He is
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus tells Simon who He is
“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my
church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail
against it. And I will give you the keys of the
kingdom of heaven…”
Peter preaches in Acts 2:36
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly
that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified,
both Lord and Christ.”

4. Matthew 1:21-23
The Son would be called Jesus, “Jehovah
is Salvation, Salvation from God”, for He
will save His people from their sins
The Son would be named Immanuel,
which is translated “God with us”
This name connects the Son to Isaiah 7:14
The Son of God was named Jesus

5. Those in Antioch expected us to be of Christ
 Acts 11:26
The Holy Spirit through Paul expects us “to walk
worthy of our calling” (the gospel)
 Eph. 4:1-3
The Holy Spirit through Peter expects us to Glorify God
no matter what our situation
 1 Peter 4:16
The Expectations are Great, but they are also
Reasonable and Possible
 Romans 12:1-2
We are named Christians