Acts 11:23

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.

Who {G3739}, when he came {G3854}, and {G2532} had seen {G1492} the grace {G5485} of God {G2316}, was glad {G5463}, and {G2532} exhorted {G3870} them all {G3956}, that with purpose {G4286} of heart {G2588} they would cleave unto {G4357} the Lord {G2962}.

On arriving and seeing for himself the grace of God at work, he was glad; and he encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with their whole hearts;

When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.

who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord:

Acts 11:23 (KJV) describes Barnabas's arrival in Antioch and his reaction to the flourishing Christian community there. This verse highlights the joy of seeing God's work and the crucial need for believers to maintain steadfast devotion.

Context

Following the scattering of believers after Stephen's martyrdom, the Gospel spread beyond Jerusalem. In Antioch, a significant city, the Word was preached to Greeks (Gentiles) for the first time with great success (Acts 11:20). When news of this reached the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to investigate. Barnabas, known as the "Son of Consolation" or "Son of Encouragement", was a fitting choice to assess and nurture this burgeoning community of Gentile believers.

Key Themes

  • Divine Grace in Action: Barnabas's joy stemmed from seeing the tangible evidence of God's grace (charis tou theou) at work among the new Gentile converts. This was not merely human effort but a clear manifestation of divine favor and power transforming lives. It underscored that God's salvation was for all people, not just Jews.
  • The Call to Steadfast Commitment: The exhortation to "cleave unto the Lord" with "purpose of heart" emphasizes the necessity of unwavering, sincere devotion. Christian faith is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, intentional commitment to follow Christ continuously. This speaks to perseverance in the faith, a vital theme throughout Scripture.
  • The Ministry of Encouragement: Barnabas's immediate response was to encourage (parakaleo) the believers. His actions exemplify the essential role of spiritual leaders and fellow believers in affirming, supporting, and guiding others to remain faithful.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "grace of God" (Greek: charis tou theou) signifies God's unmerited favor and divine enablement, which was clearly evident in the lives and growth of the Antioch church members. The word "exhorted" comes from the Greek parakaleo, meaning to call alongside, to comfort, or to urge strongly. It implies a supportive yet firm appeal for action. "Cleave unto the Lord" translates prosmenein to kurio, which literally means "to continue steadfastly with the Lord" or "to remain devoted to the Lord." Coupled with "purpose of heart" (prothesis tes kardias), it highlights the internal, sincere resolve required for true discipleship.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today. We are called to:

  • Recognize and Celebrate God's Work: Just as Barnabas rejoiced, we should look for and celebrate the evidence of God's grace in our own lives and in the lives of fellow believers, acknowledging His transformative power.
  • Cultivate Intentional Devotion: The command to "cleave unto the Lord with purpose of heart" reminds us that our faith requires ongoing, deliberate commitment. It's an active choice to remain faithful and obedient to Christ, even amidst challenges, reflecting the call to continue in the faith.
  • Be Encouragers: Following Barnabas's example, we are challenged to be sources of encouragement and spiritual support within our communities, helping others to stand firm in their faith and grow in their relationship with God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58

    ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Acts 20:24

    But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • 1 John 2:28

    ¶ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

  • Colossians 1:6

    Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:

  • 2 Timothy 3:10

    ¶ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

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