One example of noble benevolence is particularly mentioned in the Scriptures: “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation), a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” This was the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit of God upon the believers. It made them of one heart and soul. They had one common interest—the success of the mission intrusted to them. Their love for their brethren, and the cause which they had espoused, was far greater than their love for money and possessions. They acted out their faith, and by their works testified that they accounted the souls of men of far greater value than any earthly heritage. {3SP 283.2}

Et eksempel på ædel godgørenhed nævnes særlig i skriften: " Og Josef, en levit, som stammede fra Kyperen og af apostlene fik tilnavnet Barnabas (det betyder trøstens søn), solgte en mark, han ejede, og kom med pengene og lagde dem for apostlenes fødder." Dette var virkningen af at udgyde Guds ånd over de troende. Det gjorde dem til et hjerte og sjæl. De havde en fælles interesse – fremgang med den mission de var blevet instrueret i. Deres kærlighed for deres brødre, og den sag som de havde gjort sig til tals mand for, var langt større end deres kærlighed for penge og ejendomme. De handle ud fra deres tro, og ved deres gerninger bevidnede de at de regnede (284) menneskesjæle af langt større værdi end nogen jordisk arv.