Joseph was a Christian who actively participated in teaching others about Jesus (Acts 12:12–13; Acts 13:1–2; Acts 15:2–12; 1 Corinthians 9:6) and helping with financial needs (Acts 11:28–30). The fact that he was a Levite identifies him as someone who was responsible for teaching God’s law in Israel under the terms of the old covenant (Joshua 21:1–45; Nehemiah 8:7, Nehemiah 8:9; 2 Chronicles 17:7–9; 2 Chronicles 35:3). The fact that he came from Cyprus suggests that he was a visitor to Jerusalem. He joined Paul on his first missionary journey to Cyprus (Acts 13:4) and then also later with John Mark (Acts 15:39). It is not clear if he was called son of encouragement
at this early stage, or if he received the nickname only later. Either way, from his life and the things he did (e.g., selling a field he owned to care for church members) it is clear that he was a great encouragement to the apostles and other believers.
36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,