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 11:24 mean?

Explanation

The verse 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.] is a character description of Barnabas, a leader in the early Christian church.

The literal meaning of this verse is clear: Barnabas was known to be virtuous ("a good man"), spiritually empowered ("full of the Holy Ghost"), and he had a strong belief in God and the message of Jesus Christ ("and of faith").

The deeper implication of this passage highlights the influence a single individual's goodness and faith can have on others, which in Barnabas's case, resulted in many people becoming followers of Jesus ("and much people was added unto the Lord").

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 11:24 is situated within the narrative of the early Christian community following the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. The Apostles and other believers were spreading Jesus' teachings throughout the Mediterranean region.

It was a time of growth for the early Church, but also a period marked by persecution from Jewish and Roman authorities.

Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus who played a significant role in the Church of Antioch, which was a central hub of early Christianity and a place where followers of Jesus were first called Christians.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 11:24 emphasizes several key Christian doctrines.

The reference to Barnabas as "full of the Holy Ghost" underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, as per Christian teaching.

Further, the mention of his faith aligns with the Christian understanding that salvation and the spreading of the gospel are fundamentally linked to faith in Jesus Christ.

It also subtly endorses the idea that a person's godly character can have a significant evangelistic impact, as evidenced by the increase in converts.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire believers to aspire to live with integrity, be led by the Spirit, and hold strong to their faith, as these attributes have the potential to draw others toward God. It teaches that personal witness, through one’s actions and virtues, can be a powerful tool for evangelism.

Moreover, Barnabas's example encourages believers to support and mentor one another, as he did with Paul, to foster growth within the Christian community.

Cross-References

Acts 4:36-37 (introduction of Barnabas, selling his land)
Acts 9:27 (Barnabas introduces Paul to the Apostles)
Galatians 2:9 (recognition of Barnabas and Paul's mission)
Acts 6:5 (full of faith and the Holy Spirit reference to Stephen)
Matthew 5:16 (letting your light shine before others)

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word used for "good" is ἀγαθός (agathos), which implies an intrinsic goodness or virtue.

"Full of the Holy Ghost" translates from πλήρης πνεύματος ἁγίου (plērēs pneumatos hagiou), indicating not just a presence, but a completeness or abundance of the Spirit's influence.

"Faith" is translated from πίστεως (pisteōs), which in this context suggests a firm conviction or belief in the truths of Christianity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, there were accounts of exemplary figures whose virtue and wisdom drew others to them.

For example, in Hellenistic traditions, philosophers such as Socrates were noted to have a similar magnetic virtue.

In religious contexts, figures like the Jewish patriarchs, especially Abraham, would be seen as parallels to Barnabas due to their strong faith and leadership in their communities, as noted in Hebrews 11.

Scientific Perspectives

Relating this verse to modern scientific understandings touches on the psychology of influence and leadership.

Research in social psychology might affirm the Biblical narrative that individuals who display certain traits, such as integrity, altruism, and confidence (parallels of goodness, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and faith), tend to attract followers and can instigate social movements or shifts in communal beliefs.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians have highlighted Barnabas's role as a model for Christian ministry.

John Stott speaks to Barnabas's character as being pivotal for the growth of the early church and his work with Paul.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the critical role of spiritual gifts, like that of Barnabas, in the edification and expansion of the church.

Meanwhile, William Barclay notes the simplicity and clarity of the description of Barnabas, which encapsulates the essentials of Christian life and leadership.

Acts 11

Acts 11

What does Acts 11:24 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 11:24 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?