Acts 11 24

Acts 11:24 kjv

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Acts 11:24 nkjv

For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Acts 11:24 niv

He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Acts 11:24 esv

for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Acts 11:24 nlt

Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

Acts 11 verses

Acts 11 24 Meaning

This verse highlights Barnabas's positive character and spiritual maturity. He saw the grace of God in fellow believers and encouraged them in their faith. His actions were marked by a wholehearted commitment to the Lord.

Acts 11 24 Context

This verse is found in Acts chapter 11, following the conversion of Gentiles in Antioch. Peter has just defended his actions to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, explaining how the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles, mirroring what happened to Jewish believers at Pentecost. This event marks a significant shift in the early church, opening the door for the Gentile mission. Barnabas, a native of Cyprus, a Jew with a Greek name, known for his generous spirit and faith (Acts 4:36-37), is sent to Antioch. He rejoices at the sight of the grace of God among the Gentiles, signifying a crucial moment in the church's expansion beyond its Jewish roots.

Acts 11 24 Word Analysis

• "And Barnabas": A conjunctive particle indicating continuity with previous events, introducing Barnabas. He is a key figure, contrasting with Peter's previous defense.
• "when he": Refers back to Barnabas.
• "saw": Greek: eidōn (εἶδον). Aorist participle from horaō (ὁράω), meaning to perceive with the eyes, to understand, to recognize. It implies more than just physical sight; it denotes a deep understanding and appreciation.
• "the grace": Greek: tēn charin (τὴν χάριν). The definite article "the" specifies a particular grace. "Grace" (charis) signifies divine favor, kindness, and the unmerited assistance and work of God.
• "of God": Greek: tou theou (τοῦ θεοῦ). Denotes the source of this grace.
• "he": Refers to Barnabas.
• "was glad": Greek: echairē (ἐχάρη). Aorist passive indicative of chaírō (χαίρω), meaning to rejoice, to be glad, to exult. It signifies a deep inner joy and pleasure.
• "and": Conjunctive particle.
• "exhorted": Greek: parēkalei (παρεκάλει). Imperfect active indicative of parakaleō (παρακαλέω), meaning to call to one's side, to encourage, to urge, to comfort. The imperfect tense suggests a continuous action, indicating that Barnabas didn't just offer a one-time encouragement but sustained support.
• "them all": Greek: hautous pantes (αὐτοὺς πάντας). Emphasizes that his encouragement extended to every believer present.
• "that with": Greek: hina tē (ἵνα τῇ). Purpose clause, indicating the purpose or manner of their remaining with the Lord.
• "purpose of heart": Greek: prothesei kardías (προθέσει καρδίας). "Purpose" (prothesis) means a setting forth, a resolution, an intention. "Heart" (kardía) in Scripture represents the inner person, the seat of will, intellect, and emotions. Thus, it means a firm and sincere resolution emanating from their inner being.
• "they should": Greek: diamenei eis (διαμένει εἰς). Infinitive expressing purpose.
• "continue with the Lord": Greek: diamenein tōi kuriōi (διαμεῖναι τῷ κυρίῳ). "Continue" (diameneō) means to remain steadfast, to abide, to persevere. "With the Lord" (tōi kuriōi) signifies remaining in fellowship and devotedness to Jesus Christ as Lord.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• "saw the grace of God": Barnabas perceived and understood the divine favor, unmerited kindness, and active working of God among the Gentiles. This was not just an observation but a spiritual discernment of God's presence and work.
• "was glad": This joy was not superficial but a deep, God-given rejoicing over the salvation of others and the expansion of God's kingdom. It reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes.
• "exhorted them all": Barnabas actively encouraged everyone. This encouragement involved urging, strengthening, and comforting them to remain steadfast.
• "with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord": This signifies a commitment made from the depth of their being, a resolute decision to remain faithful, steadfast, and actively connected to Jesus Christ.

Acts 11 24 Bonus Section

Barnabas, whose original name was Joseph, earned the name "Barnabas" from the apostles, meaning "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). This verse exemplifies precisely why he received that name. His perception of grace and his subsequent exhortation are hallmarks of an encourager. This demonstrates that encouragement in the Christian life is not merely uttering pleasant words, but a discerning eye for God’s work, a joyful heart over it, and an active effort to foster perseverance in others. His ministry validated the inclusion of Gentiles, a major turning point in early Christianity, foreshadowing the vast global mission of the church.

Acts 11 24 Commentary

Barnabas’s response in this verse exemplifies the qualities of a true disciple and leader. His gladness wasn't conditional on the background of the believers but on God's grace extending to all. He recognized the work of the Holy Spirit in the Gentiles and rejoiced in it, a stark contrast to the skepticism or resistance some Jewish believers initially felt. Barnabas’s role was not merely observational; he actively encouraged them. This encouragement was rooted in a "purpose of heart," meaning it was sincere and deeply intentional. It was a call for them to persevere in their newfound faith, remaining committed to Christ. His actions show that genuine faith involves both rejoicing in God's work and actively nurturing the faith of others, encouraging them towards steadfastness. His positive attitude and active encouragement helped solidify the new Gentile believers' faith and integrate them into the larger body of Christ. This illustrates the principle that spiritual maturity is seen in embracing God's broad work of salvation and in building up fellow believers.