Reserved as we have seen him, in regard to time and other circumstances,--one circumstance more there is, for which our curiosity is to no small amount, debtor, to the author of the Acts. This is--information, of the means--of the channel, through which Paul obtained the introduction, which, without mention made of the object, we have seen him acknowledging that, so far as concerned Peter, he was desirous of: and _that_ to such a degree, as to undertake a journey from Damascus to Jerusalem, some 120 or 130 miles, for the purpose. Repugnancy, so natural, and naturally so vehement--even at the end of three years, or the still greater number of years--by what means could he remove it, or so much as flatter himself with a prospect of being able to remove it? To this question, it is to the author of the Acts that we are indebted for an answer: and that answer a satisfactory one:--it was by the assistance of Barnabas, that the object, so far as it was accomplished, was accomplished. To the religion of Jesus, after as well as before this,--to the Apostles in particular before this,--Barnabas was a supporter of no small importance. At the time when the financial arrangements were for the second time settled;[26]--when, from the substance of the opulent among the faithful, enough was collected for the support of all the indigent;--among those, by whom, on this second occasion, lands and houses, were for this purpose sold, particular persons are, on this second occasion, for the first time mentioned. The first place is occupied by this Barnabas: and not till after him come Ananias and Sapphira--the unfortunate pair, of whose fate mention will have to be made in another place. Joses was, it seems, the original name--the proper name of this beneficent protector: Barnabas, the _Son of consolation_, Acts 4:36, was no more than a title of honour,--a token of gratitude. A title of honour? and by whom conferred? Even by the Apostles. By Barnabas, therefore, whatsoever thereafter comes to be reported as done,--it is by _the Son of consolation_ that we are to understand it to have been, and to be, done. As to the arguments, by which this son of consolation succeeded,--in prevailing, upon two, and, if we are to believe Paul, no more than two, of these so lately persecuted or threatened servants of Jesus,--to be, for a few days, upon speaking terms, with him, who so lately had been their deadly, as well as open enemy,--it is from imagination, with judgment for her guide, that they must, if at all, be deduced from the surrounding circumstances of the case.