A Good Man

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Category: General | Feb 1991

This tribute is rare and occurs in Scripture four times only. Luke by the Spirit's guidance chooses two men for the honour. Both were named Joseph, but one was re-named Barnabas by the apostles.

Previously he had been known as Joseph, a Levite of Cyprus (Acts 4:36). Barnabas means "son of consolation", and he proved true to his name. He sold a field and gave the proceeds for the encouragement and help of the Lord's work. He befriended newly converted Saul of Tarsus when the Lord's disciples were afraid of him. He also took Saul to the apostles and vouched for his testimony (Acts 9:26,27). These were practical things worthy of a Christian. When Christian Jews, native to Cyprus (Barnabas' home) and Cyrene, were being blessed in their preaching at Antioch, the apostles sent Barnabas to Antioch as an act of fellowship. What did he do when he saw the grace of God there? He exhorted them all to cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart. "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" (Acts 11:19-24). He literally drew alongside them as only a comforter can do, and encouraged them to remain faithful to the Lord with a fixed resolve. How the Lord must have rejoiced in this good man! What an example he is to us today!

Joseph of Arimathea, the only other recipient of Luke's noble tribute was an aristocrat of his race. He was a councillor, a member of the prestigious Sanhedrin. "A good man", says Luke, "and a righteous" (Luke 23:50). He had disavowed the rulers' plans to crucify Jesus, but had remained one of His disciples secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). He was looking for the kingdom of God (Luke 23:51), just as Simeon looked for the consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25), and Anna looked for the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). Boldly he asked Pilate's permission to remove Jesus' body from the Cross. With the help of Nicodemus he undertook the difficult task of releasing the corpse from the spikes which held it fast to the tree. Gently they washed and prepared the body of Jesus for His fragrant burial in Joseph's new tomb. What a reward awaits these two men! Our God does not forget such faithfulness, such goodness. In his narrative Luke conveys to us the characteristics which belong to a good man.

It is David who provides the third commendation, "He is a good man", which he bestowed on Ahimaaz. During the treachery of Absalom in usurping the throne, the deviousness of Ahithophel, the scorn of Shimei, Ahimaaz with others had remained

faithful. While anxiously awaiting news of the battle and Absalom's welfare, the king welcomed the news that messengers: ,had been sighted. They would be carriers of news from the battlefront. The watchman identified the foremost runner as being Ahimaaz, and David answered, "He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings" (2 Sam. 18:27). David had not forgotten Ahimaaz's dependability which was confirmed with his succinct report. He only told what he saw, without embellishment. It was left to the Cushite to tell of Absalom's death.

Finally, "He is a good Man", was the tribute paid to the Lord Jesus by some of the Jews in Jerusalem. Many were hostile; "There was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning Him: some said, He is a good Man; others said, Not so" (John 7:12). It was a time of unbelief, of hatred, and some sought to kill Him (v.1). There were those who loved Him, and those who hated Him. It is so today. Yet without exception, the redeemed would say unequivocally, "He is a good Man". Yes, and they could add that He is "the chiefest among ten thousand... yea, He is altogether lovely" (S. of S. 5:10,16).

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Feb 1991
General