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David Platt
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Paris Reidhead
Zac Poonen
From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons
James K. BoswellSummary
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he was a good man - Here is a proper character of a minister of the Gospel. 1. He is a good man: his bad heart is changed; his evil dispositions rooted out; and the mind that was in Christ implanted in him. 2. He is full of the Holy Ghost. He is holy, because the Spirit of holiness dwells in him: he has not a few transient visitations or drawings from that Spirit; it is a resident in his soul, and it fills his heart. It is light in his understanding; it is discrimination in his judgment; it is fixed purpose and determination in righteousness in his will; it is purity, it is love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance, and fidelity in his affections and passions. In a word, it has sovereign sway in his heart; it governs all passions, and is the motive and principle of every righteous action. 3. He was full of faith. He implicitly credited his Lord; he knew that he could not lie - that his word could not fail; he expected, not only the fulfillment of all promises, but also every degree of help, light, life, and comfort, which God might at any time see necessary for his Church, he prayed for the Divine blessing, and he believed that he should not pray in vain. His faith never failed, because it laid hold on that God who could not change. Behold, ye preachers of the Gospel! an original minister of Christ. Emulate his piety, his faith, and his usefulness. Much people was added unto the Lord - No wonder, when they had such a minister, preaching by the power of the Holy Ghost, such a Gospel as that of Jesus Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For he was a good man--The sense of "good" here is plainly "large-hearted," "liberal-minded," rising above narrow Jewish sectarianism, and that because, as the historian adds, he was "full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." and much people were added unto the Lord--This proceeding of Barnabas, so full of wisdom, love, and zeal, was blessed to the great increase of the Christian community in that important city.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus,.... "In Cilicia" to seek Saul; who had been sent thither by the brethren that he might escape the rage of the Grecians, who sought to slay him, Act 9:29. . Acts 11:26 act 11:26 act 11:26 act 11:26And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch,.... That he might be useful in directing, and assisting in settling this new and numerous church; in the establishing the members of it, and in putting them into Gospel order, and in a method to secure and maintain peace, especially as they might consist both of Jews and Gentiles; and none so proper to be concerned in such a work as the apostle of the Gentiles. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church; preaching the Gospel, and administering the ordinances to them, during that time, at proper seasons. For here being a number of converts, they were embodied together in a church state, very probably by the direction and assistance of Barnabas, who was sent to them from the church at Jerusalem, and in which he might be assisted by Saul: the first bishop, or pastor of this church, was Evodius, as Ignatius observes unto them (k); Remember Evodius, your worthy and blessed pastor, who was first ordained over you by the apostles; and Ignatius himself was the next, of whom Origen speaking, says (l), that he was the second bishop of Antioch after Peter, who in persecution fought with beasts at Rome; next to him was Heron, after him Cornelius, then, Eros; to whom succeeded Theophilus, who wrote three books to Autolycus, in vindication of the Christian religion, which are now extant, in the times of the emperor Aurelius Verus, about the year of Christ 171. He was succeeded by Maximinus (m) about the year 179, under Marcus Antoninus; and after him was Serapion, about the tenth year of the emperor Commodus, and of Christ 192; and about the year 214, Asclepiades succeeded in his room; next to him was Philetus, in the year 220, and then Zebennus in the year 231; next succeeded Babylas, the famous martyr, who suffered under Decius, and then followed Demetrianus, or Demetrius, about the year 255; and after him was the famous heretic Samosatenus, who was excommunicated from this church for his blasphemy against the Son of God; and Domnus, the son of Demetriauus, was put into his room, about the year 270; after him was Timaeus, in the year 274; and then Cyrillus, about the year 283: and these were the bishops or pastors of this church in the three first centuries (n). And taught much people; besides the church, and with success, as to enlighten, convince, convert, comfort, and establish: and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch; before they were called among themselves, the disciples, brethren, believers, the church, &c. and by others the Nazarenes, and Galilaeans: whether this name of Christians, which comes from Christ, and signifies anointed ones, was given by their enemies, or their friends, by others, or themselves, is not certain, though it is most likely the latter; and it may be they hit upon this general appellation, upon the union of the Jews and Gentiles in one Gospel church state, and so happily buried the distinction of Jews and Gentiles, or those of the circumcision that believed, and those of the uncircumcision. Luke is particular in relating the affairs of this church, he being himself a native of this place. John of Antioch (o) gives an account of this matter in these words; "at the beginning of the reign of Claudius Caesar, ten years after Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, was ascended up into heaven, Evodus, the first after the Apostle Peter, being chosen bishop of Antioch, the great city of Syria, became a patriarch, and under him they were called Christians: for this same bishop, Evodus, conferring with them, put this name upon them, whereas before the Christians were called Nazarenes and Galilaeans.'' Epiphanius says (p), the disciples were called Jessaeans before they took the name of Christians first at Antioch: they were called Jessaeans, says he, I think, because of Jesse, seeing David was of Jesse, and Mary of David: and so the Scripture was fulfilled, in which the Lord says to David, of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne, &c.--Or else, they were called Jessaeans from the name of Jesus our Lord; and refers the reader to a book of Philo's, written by him, concerning the Jessaeans, whom Epiphanitius takes to be Christians; but those that Philo (q) treats of were not Jessaeans, but Essaeans, and seem to be the same with the Essenes, who were not Christians, but a sect of the Jews. Nor do we ever find that the Christians were called by this name. (k) Epist ad Antiochenos, p. 86. (l) Homil. 6. in Luc. fol. 96. 1. (m) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 4. c. 20, 24. (n) Ib. l. 5. c 22. & 1. 6. c. 39, 44, 46. & l. 7. c. 14, 27, 32. (o) Apud Gregory's Notes, &c. p. 155. (p) Contra Haeres. l. 1. Haeres. 29. (q) Quod omnis probus liber, p. 876. De vita contemplativa, p. 889.
The Church at 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.
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(Awake! Series): Two Kinds of Sleeping People
By A.W. Tozer11K29:01SleepinessPSA 51:5ISA 51:9ISA 52:1ACT 11:24ROM 3:10EPH 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being alert and responsive to the call of God. He compares it to a person who suddenly wakes up and reacts quickly when they see a train approaching. The preacher also addresses those who have grown up in Christian homes and have become desensitized to the teachings of Christianity. He warns against using God for personal gain instead of offering oneself to be used by God. The preacher urges Christians to be aware of what is happening in the world and to understand the deeper meaning behind current events.
Christ the Center
By David Platt3.3K43:34MAT 16:18MAT 16:24JHN 3:30JHN 6:37JHN 12:32ACT 2:36ACT 11:24ACT 13:48ACT 18:9HEB 13:13
This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ intimately, trusting Him completely, proclaiming Him boldly, and obeying Him sacrificially. It highlights that the church is built on the foundation of Christ and the proclamation of His glory. The call is to lay down our lives for His mission, leading to ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in Him.
The Holy Spirit
By Bob Bruton1.1K20:42Holy SpiritPSA 119:9PSA 119:11ACT 11:242TI 2:20HEB 12:111JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker begins by inviting God into every area of their life and asking for cleansing from sin. They emphasize the importance of studying the Bible and relying on the Holy Spirit for strength. The speaker mentions the concept of being a clean vessel that God can use for His work, using the example of Barnabas in the Bible. They also discuss the process of acknowledging, asking for forgiveness, accepting God's forgiveness, and acting upon it when we sin. The sermon concludes with the idea that if we continue to sin despite studying the Bible and inviting the Holy Spirit, God may discipline us until we stop our wrongdoing.
Disciples Called Christians
By Paris Reidhead1.0K26:33ChristiansACT 8:4ACT 8:12ACT 8:14ACT 8:26ACT 11:21ACT 11:24In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a missionary who spent four years teaching and tutoring a young Indian boy in Spanish. During this time, the boy learned to read and came across the Bible, which led him to realize his sins and the need for a Savior. The missionary then pointed him to Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes that wherever the gospel is preached, some people will turn to the Lord, and this is evidence of God's presence. The sermon also mentions the importance of being a witness for Jesus and highlights the faithful ministry of missionaries like Donald Ward in Jordan.
(Through the Bible) Acts - Part 2
By Zac Poonen52854:20ACT 10:34ACT 11:24ACT 13:2ACT 15:28ACT 18:26ACT 19:6ACT 20:28ACT 21:14ACT 24:16ACT 27:22ACT 28:30
This sermon delves into the Acts of the Apostles, highlighting the spread of the Word of God to the Gentiles, the importance of witnessing in various regions, the significance of prayer and devotion like Cornelius, the need for personal salvation experience to share the Gospel, the role of surrender and obedience in God's plan, the value of building the local church, the diverse ways the Holy Spirit works, the importance of humility and example in leadership, and the faithfulness and perseverance of a servant of God like Paul.
God Indwelling Us - Duncan Campbell
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons39957:53RadioEXO 40:2PSA 32:5ISA 55:7MAT 6:33ACT 11:241PE 2:91PE 2:12In this sermon, Duncan Campbell shares a story about a farmer who experienced a deep conviction of sin and cried out to God for mercy. After a week of fervent prayer, the farmer's prayers shifted from pleading for mercy to rejoicing and praising God for his forgiveness. Campbell uses this story to illustrate the concept of God becoming real in our lives, the invasion of the heavenly into the earthly. He then poses the question to the audience, particularly the young people, asking if God is truly real to them and if they have a genuine faith.
What Is a Christian 01 Who Is a Christian ?
By James K. Boswell38539:51JHN 1:11ACT 11:22ACT 11:241PE 4:121PE 4:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of trials and suffering for the name of Christ. He encourages the believers not to be surprised or discouraged by the trials they face, but rather to rejoice because they are partakers of Christ's suffering. The preacher emphasizes that if anyone suffers for being a Christian, they should not be ashamed but instead glorify God. He also shares a personal story about two Jewish children who lived with his family during the war, highlighting the importance of trust and confidence in relationships.
"Even Barnabas"
By T. Austin-Sparks1IntegrityCompromisePRO 29:25ACT 11:24ROM 12:21CO 15:332CO 5:10GAL 2:13GAL 2:20EPH 4:152TI 4:11JAS 1:8T. Austin-Sparks reflects on the troubling incident involving Barnabas in Galatians 2:13, where even a 'good man' succumbed to dissimulation and hypocrisy, leading to a painful separation from Paul. Sparks emphasizes the importance of standing firm on truth and principle, warning against the dangers of compromise for the sake of popularity or acceptance. He highlights Barnabas's sociable nature and the tragic consequences of allowing personal temperament to overshadow the commitment to the Gospel. The sermon serves as a reminder to be true, honest, and transparent in our walk with God, rather than seeking to please men. Ultimately, Sparks calls for vigilance in maintaining integrity amidst the pressures of tradition and societal expectations.
John Wesley
By Leonard Ravenhill1FaithfulnessSpiritual AwakeningMAT 5:14ACT 6:5ACT 11:24ROM 12:1GAL 5:221TH 5:192TI 4:2HEB 12:1JAS 1:221PE 2:9Leonard Ravenhill reflects on the life and impact of John Wesley, comparing the confusion surrounding Wesley's legacy to the blind Ethiopians' misunderstanding of an elephant. He highlights Wesley's dedication to God, his powerful preaching, and his ability to connect with the unchurched, emphasizing that Wesley's heart was 'strangely warmed' during his conversion, which ignited a movement of Biblical regeneration in England. Ravenhill notes Wesley's remarkable productivity and influence, asserting that he lived many lives in one, impacting countless souls through his sermons and writings. Despite lacking the oratory flair of contemporaries like Whitefield, Wesley's anointing and spiritual insight were undeniable, making him a pivotal figure in Christian history.
Holiness and Evangelism
By James Blaine Chapman0PRO 11:30MAT 5:13MRK 2:17ACT 11:24ROM 12:22CO 6:17EPH 5:8JAS 1:271PE 1:16REV 2:14James Blaine Chapman emphasizes the importance of holiness and separation from the world while still being actively engaged in evangelism. He warns against the dangers of mixing worldly practices with evangelism, as it can lead to the corruption of the Church. Chapman highlights the need for Christians to be insulated but not isolated, following Jesus' example of being holy yet engaging with sinners to bring healing and salvation. He stresses the necessity of maintaining purity and concentration in evangelism, focusing on influencing a few deeply rather than many superficially. Chapman underscores that a burden for the salvation of souls, rooted in personal holiness, is essential for effective soul winning.
The Qualities of a Successful Ministry
By Daniel Steele0PSA 23:5PSA 51:10JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ACT 11:24ROM 8:161CO 2:4EPH 5:181TH 1:51JN 2:27Daniel Steele preaches on the importance of the fullness of the Holy Spirit in the ministry, emphasizing the need for character, creed, and experience. He highlights Barnabas as an example of a successful evangelist, attributing his effectiveness to being a good man, full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost. Steele stresses the essential role of character in the Christian ministry, stating that purity of character is indispensable for success. He also underscores the significance of benevolent affections and transparent generosity in ministry, pointing out that a kind heart is crucial in winning souls to Christ.
Missionary Churches
By Keith Malcomson0ACT 1:8ACT 8:1ACT 11:21ACT 11:24ACT 11:26ACT 13:1ACT 14:26ROM 1:14Keith Malcomson preaches on the importance of a missionary-minded Church, using the example of the Church in Antioch from Acts 13:1-2. He emphasizes the need for local Churches to be prepared, trained, and led by the Holy Spirit to send out missionaries who are willing to sacrifice and minister to the Lord and the lost. The sermon highlights the characteristics of a pioneer, gifted, Christlike, ministering, sacrificial, supportive, and revived Church, drawing lessons from the early Church in Antioch and the missionary movements it birthed.
Section I.--Spiritual Effects.
By William Arthur0LUK 1:15ACT 2:4ACT 4:8ACT 6:3ACT 11:24William Arthur preaches about the transformative power of being filled with the Holy Ghost, as seen in the disciples after Pentecost. The Holy Spirit's work is not just about miraculous manifestations but also about moral and spiritual empowerment, enabling believers to boldly proclaim the word of God and confront challenges with strength and wisdom. The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to the apostolic age but extends to all believers, offering a deep, personal, and ongoing relationship with God. Being filled with the Holy Ghost results in a profound moral strength, boldness to confess Christ, and a deep communion with God, leading to a life that glorifies the Father.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he was a good man - Here is a proper character of a minister of the Gospel. 1. He is a good man: his bad heart is changed; his evil dispositions rooted out; and the mind that was in Christ implanted in him. 2. He is full of the Holy Ghost. He is holy, because the Spirit of holiness dwells in him: he has not a few transient visitations or drawings from that Spirit; it is a resident in his soul, and it fills his heart. It is light in his understanding; it is discrimination in his judgment; it is fixed purpose and determination in righteousness in his will; it is purity, it is love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance, and fidelity in his affections and passions. In a word, it has sovereign sway in his heart; it governs all passions, and is the motive and principle of every righteous action. 3. He was full of faith. He implicitly credited his Lord; he knew that he could not lie - that his word could not fail; he expected, not only the fulfillment of all promises, but also every degree of help, light, life, and comfort, which God might at any time see necessary for his Church, he prayed for the Divine blessing, and he believed that he should not pray in vain. His faith never failed, because it laid hold on that God who could not change. Behold, ye preachers of the Gospel! an original minister of Christ. Emulate his piety, his faith, and his usefulness. Much people was added unto the Lord - No wonder, when they had such a minister, preaching by the power of the Holy Ghost, such a Gospel as that of Jesus Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For he was a good man--The sense of "good" here is plainly "large-hearted," "liberal-minded," rising above narrow Jewish sectarianism, and that because, as the historian adds, he was "full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." and much people were added unto the Lord--This proceeding of Barnabas, so full of wisdom, love, and zeal, was blessed to the great increase of the Christian community in that important city.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus,.... "In Cilicia" to seek Saul; who had been sent thither by the brethren that he might escape the rage of the Grecians, who sought to slay him, Act 9:29. . Acts 11:26 act 11:26 act 11:26 act 11:26And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch,.... That he might be useful in directing, and assisting in settling this new and numerous church; in the establishing the members of it, and in putting them into Gospel order, and in a method to secure and maintain peace, especially as they might consist both of Jews and Gentiles; and none so proper to be concerned in such a work as the apostle of the Gentiles. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church; preaching the Gospel, and administering the ordinances to them, during that time, at proper seasons. For here being a number of converts, they were embodied together in a church state, very probably by the direction and assistance of Barnabas, who was sent to them from the church at Jerusalem, and in which he might be assisted by Saul: the first bishop, or pastor of this church, was Evodius, as Ignatius observes unto them (k); Remember Evodius, your worthy and blessed pastor, who was first ordained over you by the apostles; and Ignatius himself was the next, of whom Origen speaking, says (l), that he was the second bishop of Antioch after Peter, who in persecution fought with beasts at Rome; next to him was Heron, after him Cornelius, then, Eros; to whom succeeded Theophilus, who wrote three books to Autolycus, in vindication of the Christian religion, which are now extant, in the times of the emperor Aurelius Verus, about the year of Christ 171. He was succeeded by Maximinus (m) about the year 179, under Marcus Antoninus; and after him was Serapion, about the tenth year of the emperor Commodus, and of Christ 192; and about the year 214, Asclepiades succeeded in his room; next to him was Philetus, in the year 220, and then Zebennus in the year 231; next succeeded Babylas, the famous martyr, who suffered under Decius, and then followed Demetrianus, or Demetrius, about the year 255; and after him was the famous heretic Samosatenus, who was excommunicated from this church for his blasphemy against the Son of God; and Domnus, the son of Demetriauus, was put into his room, about the year 270; after him was Timaeus, in the year 274; and then Cyrillus, about the year 283: and these were the bishops or pastors of this church in the three first centuries (n). And taught much people; besides the church, and with success, as to enlighten, convince, convert, comfort, and establish: and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch; before they were called among themselves, the disciples, brethren, believers, the church, &c. and by others the Nazarenes, and Galilaeans: whether this name of Christians, which comes from Christ, and signifies anointed ones, was given by their enemies, or their friends, by others, or themselves, is not certain, though it is most likely the latter; and it may be they hit upon this general appellation, upon the union of the Jews and Gentiles in one Gospel church state, and so happily buried the distinction of Jews and Gentiles, or those of the circumcision that believed, and those of the uncircumcision. Luke is particular in relating the affairs of this church, he being himself a native of this place. John of Antioch (o) gives an account of this matter in these words; "at the beginning of the reign of Claudius Caesar, ten years after Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, was ascended up into heaven, Evodus, the first after the Apostle Peter, being chosen bishop of Antioch, the great city of Syria, became a patriarch, and under him they were called Christians: for this same bishop, Evodus, conferring with them, put this name upon them, whereas before the Christians were called Nazarenes and Galilaeans.'' Epiphanius says (p), the disciples were called Jessaeans before they took the name of Christians first at Antioch: they were called Jessaeans, says he, I think, because of Jesse, seeing David was of Jesse, and Mary of David: and so the Scripture was fulfilled, in which the Lord says to David, of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne, &c.--Or else, they were called Jessaeans from the name of Jesus our Lord; and refers the reader to a book of Philo's, written by him, concerning the Jessaeans, whom Epiphanitius takes to be Christians; but those that Philo (q) treats of were not Jessaeans, but Essaeans, and seem to be the same with the Essenes, who were not Christians, but a sect of the Jews. Nor do we ever find that the Christians were called by this name. (k) Epist ad Antiochenos, p. 86. (l) Homil. 6. in Luc. fol. 96. 1. (m) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 4. c. 20, 24. (n) Ib. l. 5. c 22. & 1. 6. c. 39, 44, 46. & l. 7. c. 14, 27, 32. (o) Apud Gregory's Notes, &c. p. 155. (p) Contra Haeres. l. 1. Haeres. 29. (q) Quod omnis probus liber, p. 876. De vita contemplativa, p. 889.