Acts 11

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

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

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

What does Acts 11:23 mean?

Explanation

Acts 11:23 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible that describes a visit by Barnabas to Antioch. Upon his arrival, Barnabas witnesses the early Christian community living in the grace of God.

The verse emphasizes his reaction of joy and his encouragement to the believers, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Lord.

Barnabas, known for being a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith (Acts 11:24), plays the role of an encourager.

The "grace of God" here refers to the evidence of God's favor and working in the lives of the Gentiles in Antioch who had turned to Christianity.

Barnabas's exhortation to "cleave unto the Lord" means to remain faithful, to be devoted, and to continue to rely on God's guidance and support.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, authored by Luke, captures the early history of the Christian church following the ascension of Jesus Christ.

Acts 11 recounts the spread of the Gospel to Gentiles (non-Jews) and the establishment of the church in Antioch.

At this time, the Christian movement began expanding beyond the boundaries of Judaism, reaching a wider audience.

This was a pivotal moment in early Christianity as it marked the recognition of Gentiles as part of the Christian community, challenging the prevailing Jewish-centric views of some believers.

Barnabas's visit not only confirms this spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles but also shows the apostles' and the early church's endorsement of this expansion.

Antioch itself was a cosmopolitan city, an important trade center, and a melting pot of various cultures and religions, making it fertile ground for the growth of Christianity.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 11:23 touches on several important concepts.

First, it speaks to the inclusivity of God's grace, a central theme in the New Testament.

The fact that Barnabas reacts positively to Gentiles receiving the grace of God indicates the breaking down of barriers that had separated Jews and Gentiles.

Secondly, the encouragement to cleave to the Lord suggests the importance of perseverance in faith. In the midst of the uncertainties and challenges faced by early Christians, especially from other religious sects and Roman authorities, remaining steadfast in faith was an essential exhortation.

Different denominations and theological perspectives might emphasize different aspects of this verse.

Some may highlight the ecumenical nature of God's grace, while others may focus on the personal call to commitment and faithfulness in one's relationship with God.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse offer several practical applications for daily life.

One key takeaway is the importance of embracing and celebrating the diversity of God's family and working towards inclusivity.

It can also serve as inspiration for individuals to stay committed to their beliefs and values, even when faced with opposition or adversity.

Moreover, the verse can be seen as a call to mentorship and encouragement within communities. Believers might find in Barnabas's example a model for providing support and exhortation to others, promoting spiritual growth and unity.

Cross-References

Acts 11:24 - "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."
Acts 13:43 - "Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God."
Romans 11:22 - "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."
Acts 14:22 - "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
Colossians 2:6-7 - "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."

Language Study

The Greek term for "cleave" in this verse is "prosmeno," which implies a steadfast, purposeful, and enduring commitment.

The word "grace" is translated from "charis," which indicates the unmerited favor and kindness of God toward humankind.

"Exhorted" comes from the Greek word "parakaleo," which means to call near, invite, invoke, beseech, or encourage. These word choices help to underscore the depth of Barnabas's encouragement to pursue a meaningful and committed relationship with God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Culturally and religiously, the idea of cleaving or staying steadfast to a deity or an ethos is not unique to Christianity.

In other ancient religions, there were also calls for devotion and allegiance to gods or principles.

For example, in Judaism, the concept of cleaving to God is also emphasized, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:20.

The difference in Christianity is the aspect of grace, which is uniquely emphasized as a gift freely given by God rather than something earned through ritual or adherence to law.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may not directly relate to the specific theological concepts in this verse, but the field of psychology does explore the impact of belief systems on human behavior and well-being.

Commitment to a purpose, community cohesion, and the positive effects of encouragement and mentorship are supported by psychological research as contributing factors to an individual's mental health and societal well-being.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries offer diverse insights into Acts 11:23.

For example, Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes Barnabas as a good man who was instrumental in the spread of the Gospel.

He highlights the grace of God as the foundation of the church in Antioch and the joy of Barnabas upon witnessing this.

John Calvin's commentary may examine the sovereignty of God in salvation, noting that the grace given to the Gentiles was part of God's divine plan.

Commentators generally agree on the significance of Barnabas's role as an encourager and the importance of steadfastness in faith as vital themes of this verse.

Acts 11

Acts 11

What does Acts 11:23 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 11:23 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?