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.

For {G3754} he was {G2258} a good {G18} man {G435}, and {G2532} full {G4134} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} and {G2532} of faith {G4102}: and {G2532} much {G2425} people {G3793} was added {G4369} unto the Lord {G2962}.

for he was a good man, full of the Ruach HaKodesh and trust.

Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

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

Context

Acts 11:24 provides a powerful commendation of Barnabas, a key figure in the early Christian church, particularly in the burgeoning Gentile mission. This verse comes after the establishment of a vibrant Christian community in Antioch, a significant city where the Gospel was spreading rapidly among non-Jews. Barnabas had been sent from Jerusalem to assess and encourage this new work, a testament to his trusted character. His arrival in Antioch marked a pivotal moment, as the church there would soon become a major hub for missionary activity, notably with the later involvement of Paul. The success and growth in Antioch, as described in this chapter, are directly linked to the spiritual qualities and effective ministry of leaders like Barnabas, who embraced the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith, following the precedent set by Peter's vision and encounter with Cornelius in Acts 10.

Key Themes

  • The Character of a Godly Leader: Barnabas is described with three essential qualities: "a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." This highlights that spiritual effectiveness is rooted in genuine character and divine empowerment, not just administrative skill. His goodness likely refers to his moral uprightness and benevolent nature, consistent with his nickname "Son of Consolation" (Acts 4:36).
  • Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Being "full of the Holy Ghost" signifies that Barnabas was not merely endowed with the Spirit, but continually led, controlled, and empowered by Him for ministry. This fullness enabled him to discern God's work, encourage believers, and effectively preach the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is the true engine of church growth and spiritual transformation.
  • The Power of Faith: His being "full of faith" indicates a deep trust and reliance on God, even in new and challenging circumstances like the Gentile mission. This unwavering conviction allowed him to embrace the expansion of the Gospel beyond traditional boundaries and to see God's hand at work. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the impossibility of pleasing God without faith.
  • Divine-Enabled Church Growth: The immediate result of Barnabas's Spirit-filled and faith-driven ministry was that "much people was added unto the Lord." This demonstrates that genuine spiritual qualities in leaders, empowered by the Holy Spirit, lead to authentic conversions and the numerical growth of the church. This echoes the growth seen in Jerusalem (Acts 2:47), now extending to the Gentile world.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "good" here is agathos (ἀγαθός), which denotes not just kindness but inherent moral excellence and beneficial quality. Barnabas was truly a virtuous and profitable individual in God's service. The phrase "full of the Holy Ghost" (πλήρης Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, plērēs Pneumatos Hagiou) implies a continual state of being controlled and directed by the Spirit, rather than just an initial experience. Similarly, "full of faith" (πλήρης πίστεως, plērēs pisteōs) indicates an abundant and unwavering trust in God and His promises.

Practical Application

Acts 11:24 offers a timeless model for Christian leadership and discipleship. It reminds us that:

  • Character Precedes Calling: True effectiveness in God's service flows from a foundation of genuine goodness, integrity, and a life surrendered to God.
  • Dependence on the Holy Spirit is Paramount: Ministry that truly impacts lives and expands God's kingdom is not achieved through human strength or cleverness, but through being continually filled and led by the Holy Spirit.
  • Faith Fuels Fruitfulness: An unwavering faith in God's power and promises enables believers to step out, overcome obstacles, and see God accomplish great things through them.
  • God Desires Growth: The addition of "much people" serves as a reminder that God desires the expansion of His kingdom through the salvation of souls. When His people are faithful and Spirit-filled, He brings the increase. This verse encourages believers to cultivate these qualities in their own lives and ministries, trusting God for the results.

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.

  • Acts 11:21

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

  • Acts 5:14

    And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

  • Acts 6:5

    And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

  • 2 Samuel 18:27

    And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He [is] a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

  • Acts 6:3

    Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

  • Acts 9:31

    Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

  • Psalms 112:5

    A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

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