- Home
- Bible
- Acts
- Chapter 11
- Verse 11
Acts 11:23
Verse
Context
The Church at Antioch
22When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.23When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.24Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Had seen the grace of God - That is, had seen the effects produced by the grace of God. By the grace of God, we are to understand: 1. His favor. 2. The manifestations of that favor in the communication of spiritual blessings. And, 3. Principles of light, life, holiness, etc., producing effects demonstrative of the causes from which they sprung. Barnabas saw that these people were objects of the Divine approbation; that they were abundantly blessed and edified together as a Christian Church; and that they had received especial influences from God, by his indwelling Spirit, which were to them incentives to faith, hope, and love, and also principles of conduct. Was glad - Not envious because God had blessed the labors of others of his Master's servants, but rejoiced to find that the work of salvation was carried on by such instruments as God chose, and condescended to use. They who cannot rejoice in the conversion of sinners, because they have not been the means of it, or because such converts or their ministers have not precisely the same views of certain doctrines which they have themselves, show that they have little, if any thing, of the mind that was in Christ, in them. With purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord - These converts had begun well; they must continue and persevere: God gave them the grace, the principle of life and action; it was their business to use this. If they did not, the gift would be resumed. Barnabas well knew that they must have the grace of God in them to enable them to do any good; but he knew, also, that its being in them did not necessarily imply that it must continue there. God had taught him that if they were not workers together with that grace they would receive it in vain; i.e., the end for which it was given would not be answered. He therefore exhorted them, τῃ προθεσει της καρδιας, with determination of heart, with set, fixed purpose and resolution, that they would cleave unto the Lord, προσμενειν τῳ Κυριῳ, to remain with the Lord; to continue in union and fellowship with him; to be faithful in keeping his truth, and obedient in the practice of it. To be a Christian is to be united to Christ, to be of one spirit with him: to continue to be a Christian is to continue in that union. It is absurd to talk of being children of God, and of absolute, final perseverance, when the soul has lost its spiritual union. There is no perseverance but in cleaving to the Lord: he who in his works denies him does not cleave to him. Such a one is not of God; if he ever had the salvation of God, he has lost it; he is fallen from grace; nor is there a word in the book of God, fairly and honestly understood, that says such a person shall absolutely and unavoidably arise from his fall.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when he . . . had seen the grace of God--in the new converts. was glad--owned and rejoiced in it at once as divine, though they were uncircumcised. exhorted them all that with purpose of heart--as opposed to a hasty and fickle discipleship. they would cleave unto the Lord--the Lord Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he was a good man,.... He had the grace of God wrought in his soul, and did good works; he was very kind, and generous, and charitable; he sold what land he had, and gave the money to the apostles, for the use of the community, Act 4:37 and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith; he was full of the several graces of the Spirit, and particularly of faith; and he was full of the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, and of the faith of miracles; he was full of the doctrine of faith, and of spiritual gifts for the preaching of it: the same character is given of Stephen, Act 6:5 and much people was added unto the Lord; by the means of Barnabas, through his ministry, and the exercise of those gifts he was full of; so the Arabic version, "and he drew a large multitude to the Lord".
Acts 11:23
The Church at Antioch
22When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.23When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.24Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Availability and Angels
By Paris Reidhead2.5K00:00AngelsACT 11:1ACT 11:4ACT 11:15ACT 11:17ACT 11:23In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who had blood on his hands and darkness in his heart. He was told by a figure in white that someone with a face like his would help him remove the blood and darkness. The man searched for a solution but nothing worked until one night, he saw the figure in white standing across the fire. The figure asked if he was willing to obey in order to have the blood and darkness removed. The speaker then emphasizes the importance of living in the present and not wishing our lives away.
Comfort of the Spirit
By Stephen Olford2.1K41:35Spirit Of GodACT 2:40ACT 9:31ACT 11:23ACT 11:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with truth, passion, and clarity. He believes that exhortation, which includes a compassionate presentation of truth, should challenge the audience to respond either by believing or rejecting. The preacher cites examples from the book of Acts, such as Peter's sermon on Pentecost and Barnabas' exhortation in Antioch, to illustrate the need for decision and response in preaching. He also highlights the ministry of consolation and encourages the audience to have a spirit of consolation towards others.
How God Prepares Us (Part 9)
By Jim Cymbala1.8K41:06PreparationACT 4:32ACT 9:26ACT 11:23ACT 11:29ACT 14:22ROM 12:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action and making sacrifices for others. He uses the example of Barnabas, who saw a need in the early church and sold his own property to help the poor. The preacher highlights the unity and selflessness of the early church, where believers shared everything they had and had one heart and mind. He encourages the listeners to believe in and support others, as they may encounter someone in need of someone to believe in them.
Progress of Redemption #12
By David Shirley85855:42RedemptionGEN 1:1MAT 6:33JHN 10:29ACT 11:23ACT 14:22ROM 8:35REV 21:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inseparable connection between the natural and spiritual realms. The central theme is the power and purpose of Jesus Christ, with the key message being that everyone will see his return. The sermon highlights the hope and anticipation of Christ's second coming as the ultimate answer for the world. It also emphasizes the concept of overcoming, prevailing, conquering, and victory, which are all interconnected and prevalent throughout the book of Revelation. The sermon concludes by discussing the doctrine of judgment and the ultimate restoration of all things in a new heaven and earth.
Christ Our Life (Colossians 3:4)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual IdentityChrist as LifeJHN 15:5ACT 11:23ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:16PHP 1:21COL 3:4HEB 12:21JN 5:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of believers being fully identified with Christ as the risen Lord, highlighting the contrast between the allure of worldly institutions and the deep yearning for a genuine relationship with Christ. As the world moves toward its culmination, many will be drawn to man-made systems, leading to disappointment, while a faithful remnant will seek Christ as their true life. The sermon outlines three critical elements: the rise of Anti-christ, the imitation of life through man-made Christianity, and the quest for authentic truth in Christ. Sparks asserts that true spiritual strength and understanding come from Christ alone, who must be the life of our spirit, mind, and body, especially in times of adversity. Ultimately, he calls believers to cleave to the Lord, as the manifestation of Christ as our life is the ultimate goal.
The Fellowship of the Mystery
By Raymond Golsworthy0ACT 2:44ACT 6:1ACT 11:231CO 1:101CO 12:12GAL 3:28EPH 1:22EPH 3:9PHP 2:4Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the importance of unity in Christ Jesus, emphasizing the concept of the church as one body, all believers being baptized into this one body by the Spirit. He addresses the mystery of God's plan for unity among believers, highlighting the dangers of divisions within the church, especially the recent trend of gaps between old and young Christians. Golsworthy urges for a return to the early church's unity and fellowship, cautioning against the acceptance of divisions that weaken the church's witness and power.
The Living One
By H.J. Vine0PRO 17:17JER 4:1MAT 16:18LUK 24:39ACT 11:23HEB 5:8REV 1:18H.J. Vine preaches about the significance of believers having a living Saviour, a living Lord, and a living Head in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and holds all authority, building His spiritual house with believers as living stones. Despite the challenges and lawlessness in the world and the church, believers are encouraged to not fear but to abide with the living Lord, who loves them unconditionally and continues to serve them with grace and compassion, interceding for them in their weaknesses. His present love and ongoing work in believers' lives are a source of encouragement and assurance as they await His glorious return.
Beauty and Bonds
By Dick Brogden0ZEC 11:7ZEC 11:16ACT 10:2ACT 11:23Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of having a generous heart that God blesses, contrasting it with a stingy heart that restricts ministry and seeks to minimize influence. He highlights Barnabas as an example of a generous heart and Diotrephes as an example of a stingy shepherd. The wise, generous shepherd cares for all, seeks the young, heals the broken, feeds the strong, and models his life after the Good Shepherd. Brogden stresses that grace and unity are not just goals but tools to be used in service of God's love and glory, warning against valuing them over the person of Jesus, as seen in the example of John the beloved.
Remaining True to the Lord
By William MacDonald0Loyalty to ChristDefending the FaithMAT 10:32ACT 11:23ROM 1:161CO 15:14GAL 1:10PHP 1:272TI 4:31PE 3:15JUD 1:3REV 2:10William MacDonald emphasizes the critical need for Christians to remain true to the Lord amidst a culture that often prioritizes intellectualism over faithfulness to Christ. He warns against the danger of valuing scholarly achievements while overlooking heretical views that undermine the core truths of Christianity, such as the Virgin Birth and the resurrection. MacDonald calls for a righteous anger against those who betray Christ in academic circles and urges believers to stand firm in their loyalty to Him. He highlights the examples of prophets, apostles, and martyrs who prioritized God's approval over human accolades. Ultimately, he challenges Christians to be unwavering in their commitment to uphold the truth of Christ's identity and work.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Had seen the grace of God - That is, had seen the effects produced by the grace of God. By the grace of God, we are to understand: 1. His favor. 2. The manifestations of that favor in the communication of spiritual blessings. And, 3. Principles of light, life, holiness, etc., producing effects demonstrative of the causes from which they sprung. Barnabas saw that these people were objects of the Divine approbation; that they were abundantly blessed and edified together as a Christian Church; and that they had received especial influences from God, by his indwelling Spirit, which were to them incentives to faith, hope, and love, and also principles of conduct. Was glad - Not envious because God had blessed the labors of others of his Master's servants, but rejoiced to find that the work of salvation was carried on by such instruments as God chose, and condescended to use. They who cannot rejoice in the conversion of sinners, because they have not been the means of it, or because such converts or their ministers have not precisely the same views of certain doctrines which they have themselves, show that they have little, if any thing, of the mind that was in Christ, in them. With purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord - These converts had begun well; they must continue and persevere: God gave them the grace, the principle of life and action; it was their business to use this. If they did not, the gift would be resumed. Barnabas well knew that they must have the grace of God in them to enable them to do any good; but he knew, also, that its being in them did not necessarily imply that it must continue there. God had taught him that if they were not workers together with that grace they would receive it in vain; i.e., the end for which it was given would not be answered. He therefore exhorted them, τῃ προθεσει της καρδιας, with determination of heart, with set, fixed purpose and resolution, that they would cleave unto the Lord, προσμενειν τῳ Κυριῳ, to remain with the Lord; to continue in union and fellowship with him; to be faithful in keeping his truth, and obedient in the practice of it. To be a Christian is to be united to Christ, to be of one spirit with him: to continue to be a Christian is to continue in that union. It is absurd to talk of being children of God, and of absolute, final perseverance, when the soul has lost its spiritual union. There is no perseverance but in cleaving to the Lord: he who in his works denies him does not cleave to him. Such a one is not of God; if he ever had the salvation of God, he has lost it; he is fallen from grace; nor is there a word in the book of God, fairly and honestly understood, that says such a person shall absolutely and unavoidably arise from his fall.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when he . . . had seen the grace of God--in the new converts. was glad--owned and rejoiced in it at once as divine, though they were uncircumcised. exhorted them all that with purpose of heart--as opposed to a hasty and fickle discipleship. they would cleave unto the Lord--the Lord Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he was a good man,.... He had the grace of God wrought in his soul, and did good works; he was very kind, and generous, and charitable; he sold what land he had, and gave the money to the apostles, for the use of the community, Act 4:37 and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith; he was full of the several graces of the Spirit, and particularly of faith; and he was full of the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, and of the faith of miracles; he was full of the doctrine of faith, and of spiritual gifts for the preaching of it: the same character is given of Stephen, Act 6:5 and much people was added unto the Lord; by the means of Barnabas, through his ministry, and the exercise of those gifts he was full of; so the Arabic version, "and he drew a large multitude to the Lord".