Acts 11:23

Acts 11:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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:

Bible in Basic English BBE

Who, when he came and saw the grace of God, was glad; and he made clear to them the need of keeping near the Lord with all the strength of their hearts:

Free Bible Version FBV

When he arrived and saw for himself how God's grace was working, he was delighted. He encouraged all of them to completely dedicate themselves to God and to stay true.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Who when he was come and had seene the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted all, that with purpose of heart they would continue in the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

who, having come, and having seen the grace of God, was glad, and was exhorting all with purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord,

World English Bible WEB

who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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 to the Lord.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, rejoiced: and he exhorted them all with purpose of heart to continue in the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

When he got there, he realized that God had acted kindly toward the believers. So he was very happy, and he continually encouraged all of the believers to continue to trust completely in the Lord Jesus.

Plain English Version PEV

He got to Antioch, and he saw everything that was happening. Then he knew that God was very good to the people there, so he was very happy. He told those new Christians, “Stay strong for Jesus and keep on following him all the time.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 11:23

BAB

Word Study

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Acts 11:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ος παραγενομενος και ιδων την χαριν του θεου εχαρη και παρεκαλει παντας τη προθεσει της καρδιας προσμενειν τω κυριω

ος hos, hē G3739 which Rel-NSM

παραγενομενος paraginomai G3854 to come Verb-2ADP-NSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

ιδων horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAP-NSM

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

χαριν charis G5485 grace Noun-ASF

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

εχαρη chairō G5463 to rejoice Verb-2AOI-3S

και kai G2532 and Conj

παρεκαλει parakaleō G3870 to plead/comfort Verb-IAI-3S

παντας pas G3956 all Adj-APM

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

προθεσει prothesis G4286 purpose Noun-DSF

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

καρδιας kardia G2588 heart Noun-GSF

προσμενειν prosmenō G4357 to remain/persist Verb-PAN

τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM

κυριω kurios G2962 lord: God Noun-DSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 11:23

ος hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-NSM

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

παραγενομενος paraginomai G3854 "to come" Verb-2ADP-NSM

To come or arrive at a place, such as in Luke 14:21 and John 3:23. This word means to become near or appear publicly. It is used to describe people coming to Jesus or arriving at a location.

Definition: παρα-γίνομαι (Ion. and late for -γίγν-), [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא ;] __1. to be beside or at hand (Hom., Hdt., al.), hence, to stand by, support (Æsch., Thuc., al.) : with dative of person(s), 2Ti.4:16. __2. to come, come up, arrive (Hdt., Xen., al., and frequently in later writers; see MM, xviii; Thackeray, Gr., 267.2): absol., Luk.14:21 19:16, Jhn.3:23, Act.5:21-22, 25 9:39 10:32-33 11:23 14:27 17:10 18:27 21:18 23:16, 35 24:17, 24 25:7 28:21, 1Co.16:3; before εἰς, Jhn.8:2, Act.9:26 15:4; ἐπί, with accusative, Luk.22:52; πρός, with accusative, Luk.7:4, 20 8:19, Act.20:18; id. before ἐκ, Luk.11:6; παρά, with genitive, Mrk.14:43; ἀπὸ . . . εἰς, Mat.2:1, Act.13:14; ἀπὸ . . . ἐπὶ . . . πρός, Mat.3:13; of a teacher coming forward in public: Mat.3:1, Luk.12:51, Heb.9:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: come, go, be present See also: 1 Corinthians 16:3; Acts 24:17; Hebrews 9:11.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ιδων horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAP-NSM

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

χαριν charis G5485 "grace" Noun-ASF

Grace or graciousness, as in Colossians 4:6 and Luke 4:22. This word describes the divine influence on the heart and its reflection in life, including gratitude and favor.

Definition: χάρις, -ιτος, ἡ Abbott-Smith does not include the article here., accusative, χάριν (χάριτα in Act.24:27, Ju 4; see WH, App., 157), [in LXX chiefly for חֵן ;] __1. objectively, that which causes favourable regard, gracefulness, grace, loveliness of form, graciousness of speech (cl.; Ecc.10:12, Sir.21:16, al.): Col.4:6; λόγοι τ. χάριτος (genitive qual.), Luk.4:22. __2. Subjectively, __(a) on the part of the giver, grace, graciousness, kindness, goodwill, favour: Luk.2:52, Act.7:10, al.; esp. in NT of the divine favour, grace, with emphasis on its freeness and universality: Luk.1:30, Act.14:26, Rom.1:7, 1Co.1:3, al.; opposite to ὀφείλημα, Rom.4:4, 16; to ἔργα, Rom.11:6; __(b) on the part of the receiver, a sense of favour received, thanks, gratitude: Rom.6:17 7:25, al.; χ. ἔχειν, to be thankful, Luk.17:9, 1Ti.1:12, al. __3. Objectively, of the effect of grace, __(a) a state of grace: Rom.5:2, 2Ti.2:1, 1Pe.5:12, 2Pe.3:18; __(b) a proof or gift of grace (cl., a favour): Jhn.1:16, Act.6:8, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:10, 2Co.9:8, Gal.2:9, Eph.3:2, 1Pe.5:5, 10 al. (For fuller treatment of the NT usage, see AR, Eph., 221ff.; DB, ii, 254ff.; DCG, i, 686ff.; Cremer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 147 NT verses. KJV: acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 1:2.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

εχαρη chairō G5463 "to rejoice" Verb-2AOI-3S

To rejoice means to feel happy and glad, like the disciples in Mark 14:11. It can also be used as a greeting, wishing someone well and farewell.

Definition: χαίρω [in LXX for שָׂמַח (Gen.45:16, al.), גִּיל (Pro.2:14, al.), etc.; inf., as greeting (see infr.), Isa.48:22 57:21 שָׁלוֹם), 1Ma.10:18, 2Ma.1:1 and frequently in these books ;] __1. to rejoice, be glad: Mrk.14:11, Luk.15:5, 32 19:6, 37 22:5 23:8, Jhn.8:56 20:20, Act.5:41 8:39 11:23 13:48, 2Co.6:10 7:7 13:9, Php.2:17, 28, Col.2:5, 1Th.5:16, 1Pe.4:13, 3Jn.3; χ. καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθαι, Mat.5:12; κ. σκιρτᾶν, Luk.6:23; opposite to κλαίειν, Rom.12:15, 1Co.7:30; to κλαίειν κ. θρηνεῖν Jhn.16:20; to λύπην ἔχειν, Jhn.16:22; with cogn. accusative, χ. χαρὰν μεγάλην, Mat.2:10; χαρᾷ χ. (B1., § 38, 3; Dalman, Words, 34 f.), Jhn.3:29; ἡ χαρὰ ᾗ χαίρομεν, 1Th.3:9; with prep. (Bl., 38, 2), ἐπί, with dative (simple dative in cl.), Mat.18:13, Luk.1:14 13:17, Act.15:31, Rom.16:19, 1Co.13:6 16:17, 2Co.7:13, Rev.11:10; διά, Jhn.3:29 11:15, 1Th.3:9; ἐν, Php.1:18; ἀπό, 2Co.2:3; with accusative (Dem.), Php.2:18; before ὅτι, Jhn.14:28, 2Co.7:9 7:16, 2Jn.4; ἐν τούτῳ ὅτι, Luk.10:20; with dative, Rom.12:1; ἐν κυρίῳ, Php.4:10 __2. In salutations, imperat., χαῖρε, χαίρετε, __(a) at meeting, hail: Mat.26:49 27:29, Mrk.15:18, Luk.1:28, Jhn.19:3; pl., Mat.28:9; so χχαίρειν λέγω, to give greeting, II Jn 11; in letters, χαίρειν (sc. λέγει; 81, 1), greeting: Act.15:23 23:26 Jas.1:1; __(b) at parting, farewell: 2Co.13:11; __(with) on other occasions, be of good cheer: ἐν κυρίῳ, Php.3:1 4:4 (cf. συν-χαίρω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 68 NT verses. KJV: farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hall, joy(- fully), rejoice See also: 1 Corinthians 7:30; John 16:22; 1 Peter 4:13.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

παρεκαλει parakaleō G3870 "to plead/comfort" Verb-IAI-3S

To plead with or comfort someone, as Jesus did with his disciples in Matthew 26:53 when he told them to have faith. This word can also mean to invoke or call on someone for help or guidance.

Definition: παρακαλέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for נחם ni., pi. ;] __1. to call to one, call for, summon: Act.28:20 (R, mg.; R, txt., entreat); hence (of the gods: Dem., Xen., al.), to invoke, call on, beseech, entreat: τ. πατέρα μου, Mat.26:53; τ. κύριον, 2Co.12:8; in late writers (Polyb., Diod., al.; rarely in LXX; in π., see Deiss., LAE, 176.14), also of men: absol., Phm 9; with accusative, Mat.8:5, Mrk.1:40, Act.16:9, al.; with inf., Mrk.5:17, Luk.8:41, Act.8:31, al.; before ἵνα (see M, Pr., 205, 208), Mt 14"36, Mrk.5:18, Luk.8:31, al. __2. to admonish, exhort: absol., Luk.3:18, Rom.12:8, 2Ti.4:2, al.; with accusative, Act.15:32, 1Th.2:11, Heb.3:13, al.; id. before inf., Act.11:23, Rom.12:1, Php.4:2, 1Th.4:10, al.; before ἵνα (see M, Pr., l.with), 1Co.1:10, 2Co.8:6, 1Th.4:1, al. __3. to cheer, encourage, comfort (Plut., LXX: Jb 43, Isa.35:3, Sir.43:24, al.): with accusative, 2Co.1:6, Eph.6:22, Col.2:2, al.; id. before ἐν, 1Th.4:18; διά, 2Co.1:4; pass., Mat.5:4, Luk.16:25, Act.20:12. SYN.: παραμυθέω (cf. M, Th., 25). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 20:12; 1 Peter 2:11.

παντας pas G3956 "all" Adj-APM

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

προθεσει prothesis G4286 "purpose" Noun-DSF

Purpose refers to a plan or intention, as seen in Acts 11:23 and Romans 8:28. It can also describe the showbread in the Temple, which was set before God as an offering. This concept is significant in understanding God's plan and human intentions.

Definition: πρό-θεσις, -εως, ἡ [in LXX: Exo.40:4, 23 (עֵרֶךְ), 1Ch.9:32, al. (מַעֲרֶכֶת), 2Ch.4:19 (פָּנִים), 1Ma.1:22, 2Ma.3:8, al. ;] __1. a setting forth (Plat., Plut., al.): οἱ ἄρτοι τῆς π. (cf. LXX, ll. with, elsewhere ἄρτοι ἐνώπιοι, Exo.25:29; οἱ ἄ. τοῦ προσώπου, Neh.10:33), Mat.12:4, Mrk.2:26, Luk.6:4; ἡ π. τῶν ἄρτων, Heb.9:2. __2. a purpose (Mist., Polyb., al.; 2Mac, l.with): Act.11:23 27:13, Rom.8:28 9:11, Eph.1:11 3:11, 2Ti.1:9 3:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: purpose, shew(-bread) See also: 2 Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 9:2; Romans 8:28.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

καρδιας kardia G2588 "heart" Noun-GSF

The Greek word for heart refers to the seat of thoughts, feelings, and emotions, like in 2 Kings 18:14. It's where our moral and spiritual condition lies. The KJV translates it as heart or broken-hearted.

Definition: καρδία, -ας, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for לֵבָב ,לֵב ;] the heart, __1. the bodily organ which is regarded as the seat of life ( 2Ki.18:14, 4Ki.9:24, al.). __2. In a psychological sense, the seat of man's collective energies, the focus of personal life, the seat of the rational as well as the emotional and volitional elements in human life, hence that wherein lies the moral and religious condition of the man (DB, ii, 317f.; DGG, ii, 344a); __(a) of the seat of physical life ( Jdg.19:5, Psa.101 (102):5 103 (104):15): Act.14:17, Jas.5:5; __(b) of the seat of spiritual life: Mat.5:8, Mrk.7:19, Luk.1:51, Act.5:3, Rom.10:9, 10 Eph.6:5, al.; pl., Mat.9:4, Mrk.2:6, al.; opposite to στόμα, χείλεα, πρόσωπον, Mat.15:8, Mrk.7:6, Rom.10:8, 9 2Co.5:12; περιτομὴ καρδίας, Rom.2:29; ἐκ κ., Rom.6:17, 1Pe.1:22; ἀπὸ τῶν κ., Mat.18:35; ἐν ὅλῃ (ἐξ ὅλης), Mat.22:37, Mrk.12:30" (LXX) ; γινώσκειν (ἐρευνᾶν, δοκιμάζειν) τὰς κ., Luk.16:15, Rom.8:27, 1Th.2:4; to think, etc., ἐν τ. κ., Mat.9:4, Mrk.2:6, Luk.12:45, Rom.10:6; συνιέναι (νοεῖν) τῇ κ., Mat.13:15, Jhn.12:40; ἐπαχύνθη ἡ κ., Mat.13:15 (LXX); πωροῦν τὴν κ., Jhn.12:40; κ. εὐθεῖα, Act.8:21; πονηρά, Heb.3:12; ἀμετανόητος, Rom.2:5; εἶναι (ἔχειν) ἐν τῇ κ., 2Co.7:3, Php.1:7; ὀδύνη τῇ κ., Rom.9:2. __3. Of the central or innermost part of anything (of the pith of wood, Arist.): τ. γῆς, Mat.12:40 (Cremer, 343ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 151 NT verses. KJV: (+ broken-)heart(-ed) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; James 5:8; 1 Peter 1:22.

προσμενειν prosmenō G4357 "to remain/persist" Verb-PAN

To remain or persist means to stay in a place or with a person, like the disciples staying with Jesus in Matthew 15:32. It can also mean to persevere in something, such as abiding in God's love. This concept is seen in Acts 11:23 and 1 Timothy 1:3.

Definition: προσ-μένω [in LXX: Jdg.3:25 A (חוּל hi.), Tob.2:2 א, Wis.3:9, 3Ma.7:17 * ;] __1. to wait longer, continue, remain still: Act.18:18; before ἐν, 1Ti.1:3. __2. C. dative, to remain with: Mat.15:32, Mrk.8:32. Metaphorical, to remain attached to, cleave unto, abide in: τ. κυρίῳ, Act.11:23 (R, txt.; ἐν τ. κ., R, mg., see supr.); τ. χάριτι τ. θεοῦ, Act.13:43; τ. δεήσεσιν, 1Ti.5:5.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: abide still, be with, cleave unto, continue in (with) See also: 1 Timothy 1:3; Acts 18:18; Matthew 15:32.

τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

κυριω kurios G2962 "lord: God" Noun-DSM

The Greek word for lord or master, used to address God or a person in authority, showing respect and power. In the New Testament, it appears in Matthew 9:38 and Mark 12:9. It signifies a controller or ruler.

Definition: κύριος, -α, -ον (also -ος, -ον), [in LXX (subst.) chiefly for יהוה, also for בַּעַל ,אָדוֹן, etc. ;] having power (κῦρος) or authority; as subst., ὁ κ., lord, master; __1. in general: with genitive of thing(s), Mat.9:38 20:8, Mrk.12:9 13:35, Luk.19:33; τ. σαββάτου, Mat.12:8, Mrk.2:28, Luk.6:5; with genitive of person(s), δούλου, etc., Mat.10:24, Luk.14:21, Act.16:16, al.; absol, opposite to οἱ δοῦλοι, Eph.6:5, 9 al.; of the Emperor (Deiss., LAE, 161), Act.25:26; θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κ. πολλοί, 1Co.8:5; of a husband, 1Pe.3:6; in voc, as a title of respect to masters, teachers, magistrates, etc., Mat.13:27 16:22 27:63, Mrk.7:28, Luk.5:12, Jhn.4:11, Act.9:5, al. __2. As a divine title (frequently in π.; Deiss., LAE, 353 ff.); in NT, __(a) of God: ὁ κ., Mat.5:33, Mrk.5:19, Luk.1:6, Act.7:33, Heb.8:2, Jas.4:15, al.; anarth. (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.21:9, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:17, Heb.7:21, 1Pe.1:25, al.; κ. τ. οὐρανοῦ καὶ τ. γῆς, Mat.11:25; τ. κυριευόντων, 1Ti.6:15; κ. ὁ θεός, Mat.4:7, 10 al.; id. before παντοκράτωρ, Rev.4:8; κ. σαβαώθ, Rom.9:29; (ὁ) ἄγγελος κυρίου, Mat.1:20 2:13, Luk.1:11, al.; πνεῦμα κυρίου, Luk.4:18, Act.8:39; __(b) of the Christ: Mat.21:3, Mrk.11:3, Luk.1:43 20:44, al.; of Jesus after his resurrection (Dalman, Words, 330), Act.10:36, Rom.14:8, 1Co.7:22, Eph.4:5, al.; ὁ κ. μου, Jhn.20:28; ὁ κ. Ἰησοῦς, Act.1:21, 1Co.11:23, al.; id. before Χριστός, Eph.1:2, al.; ὁ κ. ἡμῶν, 1Ti.1:14, Heb.7:14, al.; id. before Ἰησοῦς, 1Th.3:11, Heb.13:20, al.; Χριστός, Rom.16:18; Ἰ Χ., 1Co.1:2, 1Th.1:3, al.; Ἰ. Χ. (Χ. Ἰ) ὁ κ. (ἡμῶν), Rom.1:4, Col.2:6, Eph.3:11, al.; ὁ κ. καὶ ὁ σωτὴρ, 2Pe.3:2; id. before Ἰ. Χ., ib. 18; anarth., 1Co.7:22, 25 Jas.5:4, al.; κ. κυρίων, Rev.19:16; with prep., ἀπὸ (κατὰ, πρὸς, σὺν, etc.) κ., Col.3:24, al. SYN: see: δεσπότης. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 686 NT verses. KJV: God, Lord, master, Sir See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — Acts 11:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 11:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 11:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 11:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 11:23
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 11:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 11:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 11:23
Cambridge Bible on Acts 11:23
Barnes' Notes on Acts 11:23
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 11:23
Sermons on Acts 11:23

Context — The Church at Antioch

21The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to 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. 25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 15:58	Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
2	Acts 14:22	strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
3	Acts 13:43	After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
4	2 Timothy 3:10	You, however, have observed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my perseverance,
5	1 John 2:28	And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
6	Colossians 1:6	that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.
7	Joshua 23:8	Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.
8	Deuteronomy 30:20	and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
9	Acts 20:24	But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
10	Deuteronomy 10:20	You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.

Acts 11:23 Summary

This verse is talking about a man named Barnabas who visited some believers in a city called Antioch. When he saw how God was working in their lives, he was very happy and encouraged them to keep trusting and following God with all their hearts. This means that they should love and obey God with every part of their being, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37. By doing so, they can experience the joy and peace that comes from being in a close relationship with God, as described in Psalm 16:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'see the grace of God' in Acts 11:23?

Seeing the grace of God in this context means recognizing and understanding the work of God in the lives of the believers in Antioch, similar to what is described in Acts 13:43, where many people were stirred to devotion to the Lord.

Why did Barnabas rejoice when he saw the grace of God?

Barnabas rejoiced because he saw the evidence of God's work in the lives of the people, which is a natural response to the grace of God, as seen in Acts 8:8, where there was great joy in the city of Samaria when the people believed in the Lord.

What does it mean to 'abide in the Lord with all their hearts'?

Abiding in the Lord with all their hearts means to remain faithful and committed to God, trusting in His love and care, as Jesus taught in John 15:4-7, where He encourages believers to remain in Him to bear much fruit.

How can we apply the example of Barnabas to our own lives?

We can apply the example of Barnabas by rejoicing in the work of God in the lives of others and encouraging them to remain faithful to God, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, where believers are encouraged to stir one another to love and good works.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can recognize the grace of God at work in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
How can I, like Barnabas, encourage others to abide in the Lord with all their hearts?
What are some things that can hinder my ability to abide in the Lord, and how can I overcome them?
In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to abiding in the Lord, and how can I trust in His love and care for me?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 11:23

Who when he came, and had seen the grace of God,.... The many instances of the powerful and efficacious grace of God in regeneration and conversion; the great goodness, love, and favour of God in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 11:23

The grace of God; which appeared in their conversion, being made manifest by their professions, and answered by their pious lives and conversations; for all which they might cry, Grace, grace. By the grace of God, is also to be understood the increasing of the church, and adding to it such as should be saved. Was glad; this is matter of joy in heaven, , and of all such as are learning their lesson, and preparing for that blissful place. With purpose of heart; firm and fixed resolution, that come what can come, tribulation or distress, life or death, they would keep close to the profession of the truth of Christ. This purpose of heart is the same with the whole heart elsewhere; which must cleave unto the Lord; be joined, or stick close, to God’ s truth and ways.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 11:23

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. Ver. 23. That with purpose of heart] As it is recorded of Caleb, that he "fulfilled after God," Numbers 14:24. Caleb implevit post me. It stands men upon to see that their work, though it be but mean, yet it may be clean; though not fine, yet not foul, soiled and slubbered with the slur of a rotten heart. Let them consent to take whole Christ in all his offices and efficacies, and that pro termino interminabili, never to part more.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 11:23

(23) And exhorted them all.—The tense implies continuous action; and the verb in the Greek is that from which Barnabas took his name as the “Son of Comfort” or “Counsel.” (See Note on Acts 4:36.) With purpose of heart.—The preacher had seen the grace of God, and had rejoiced at it; but he knew, as all true teachers know, that it is possible for man’s will to frustrate that grace, and that its co-operation, as manifested in deliberate and firm resolve, was necessary to carry on the good work to its completion. The word for “purpose” meets us again in Acts 27:13. They would cleave unto the Lord.—The noun is probably used in its dominant New Testament sense, as pointing to the Lord Jesus as the new object of the faith and love of those who had turned to Him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 11:23

Verse 23. Had seen the grace of God] That is, had seen the effects produced by the grace of God. By the grace of God, we are to understand: 1. His favour. 2. The manifestations of that favour in the communication of spiritual blessings. And, 3. Principles of light, life, holiness, c., producing effects demonstrative of the causes from which they sprung. Barnabas saw that these people were objects of the Divine approbation that they were abundantly blessed and edified together as a Christian Church; and that they had received especial influences from God, by his indwelling Spirit, which were to them incentives to faith, hope, and love, and also principles of conduct. Was glad,] Not envious because God had blessed the labours of others of his Master's servants, but rejoiced to find that the work of salvation was carried on by such instruments as God chose, and condescended to use. They who cannot rejoice in the conversion of sinners, because they have not been the means of it, or because such converts or their ministers have not precisely the same views of certain doctrines which they have themselves, show that they have little, if any thing, of the mind that was in Christ, in them. With purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.] These converts had begun well; they must continue and persevere: God gave them the grace, the principle of life and action; it was their business to use this. If they did not, the gift would be resumed. Barnabas well knew that they must have the grace of God in them to enable them to do any good; but he knew, also, that its being in them did not necessarily imply that it must continue there. God had taught him that if they were not workers together with that grace they would receive it in vain; i.e., the end for which it was given would not be answered. He therefore exhorted them, τηπροθεσειτηςκαρδιας, with determination of heart, with set, fixed purpose and resolution, that they would cleave unto the Lord, προσμενειντωκυριω, to remain with the Lord; to continue in union and fellowship with him; to be faithful in keeping his truth, and obedient in the practice of it. To be a Christian is to be united to Christ, to be of one spirit with him: to continue to be a Christian is to continue in that union. It is absurd to talk of being children of God, and of absolute, final perseverance, when the soul has lost its spiritual union. There is no perseverance but in cleaving to the Lord: he who in his works denies him does not cleave to him. Such a one is not of God; if he ever had the salvation of God, he has lost it; he is fallen from grace; nor is there a word in the book of God, fairly and honestly understood, that says such a person shall absolutely and unavoidably arise from his fall.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 11:23

23. and had seen the grace of God] exhibited in the faith, and consequent turning to Christ, of these Gentiles.was glad] He saw nothing in the new movement which could call for disapproval, and that more members should be added to the Church was a source of joy.and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart (in the purpose of their heart) they would cleave unto the Lord] Their determination was at present formed, and they had turned to the Lord; the purport of Barnabas’ exhortation was that continuing in the same determination they should hold fast their faith and allow nothing to shake their attachment to Christ. The heathen converts to Christianity had much to endure for Christ’s sake, and to the weak there were many temptations to relapse.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 11:23

Had seen the grace of God - The favor, or mercy of God, in converting sinners to himself.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 11:23

23. Came… seen… glad—Like Julius Cesar, He came, he saw, he triumphed; but triumphed in the conquests not of war, but of grace.

Sermons on Acts 11:23

	Sermon	Description
	Availability and Angels by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who had blood on his hands and darkness in his heart. He was told by a figure in white that someone with a face like his woul
	Comfort of the Spirit by Stephen Olford	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with truth, passion, and clarity. He believes that exhortation, which includes a compassionate p
	How God Prepares Us (Part 9) by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action and making sacrifices for others. He uses the example of Barnabas, who saw a need in the early church and so
	Progress of Redemption #12 by David Shirley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inseparable connection between the natural and spiritual realms. The central theme is the power and purpose of Jesus Christ, with the ke
	Beauty and Bonds by Dick Brogden	Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of having a generous heart that God blesses, contrasting it with a stingy heart that restricts ministry and seeks to minimize influence. He h
	The Living One by H.J. Vine	H.J. Vine preaches about the significance of believers having a living Saviour, a living Lord, and a living Head in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and holds all authority, build
	Remaining True to the Lord by William MacDonald	William MacDonald emphasizes the critical need for Christians to remain true to the Lord amidst a culture that often prioritizes intellectualism over faithfulness to Christ. He war