◄ Acts 11:23 ►
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.
Study Bible
When he arrived

This refers to Barnabas, who was sent by the church in Jerusalem to Antioch. Antioch was a significant city in early Christianity, being one of the first places where the followers of Jesus were called Christians. The journey from Jerusalem to Antioch would have been a significant undertaking, indicating the importance of the mission.

Act 14:27 When they arrived, they gathered the church together…
Act 15:4 On their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed…

and saw the grace of God,

Barnabas observed the evidence of God's grace in the lives of the believers in Antioch. This grace was manifested in their faith, unity, and the growth of the church. The grace of God is a recurring theme in the New Testament, emphasizing God's unmerited favor and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Act 4:33 With great power the apostles continued to give…
2Co 8:1 Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace…

he rejoiced

Barnabas's reaction of joy highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the work of God in the lives of others. His joy reflects the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and aligns with the biblical principle of rejoicing with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15).

Luk 10:21 At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit…
Php 1:18 What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way…

and encouraged them all

Barnabas, known as the "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36), fulfilled his role by strengthening the believers. Encouragement is a vital ministry in the church, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, where believers are urged to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Act 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples…
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called…
1Th 5:11 Therefore encourage and build one another up…

to abide in the Lord

Abiding in the Lord involves remaining steadfast in faith and maintaining a close relationship with Jesus. This concept is central to Jesus' teaching in John 15:4-5, where He describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches, emphasizing the necessity of remaining in Him to bear fruit.

Jhn 15:4-7 Remain in Me, and I will remain in you…
Col 2:6 Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord,…
1Jn 2:24 As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning…

with all their hearts.

This phrase underscores the call to wholehearted devotion to God, echoing the greatest commandment to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). It reflects the biblical theme of sincerity and total commitment in one's relationship with God.

Deu 6:5 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart…
2Ch 15:12 Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD,…
Jer 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Barnabas
A key figure in the early church, known for his encouragement and support of new believers. He was sent by the Jerusalem church to Antioch to assess the situation among the Gentile converts.

2. Antioch
A major city in ancient Syria, significant for being one of the first places where the followers of Jesus were called Christians. It was a hub for early Christian missionary activity.

3. The Grace of God
Refers to the unmerited favor and work of God among the Gentiles in Antioch, leading to their conversion and growth in faith.

4. The Early Church
The community of believers in Jesus Christ, expanding beyond Jewish boundaries to include Gentiles, reflecting the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

5. Encouragement
Barnabas's role in strengthening the believers, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to the Lord.
Teaching Points
The Role of Encouragement in the Church
Barnabas exemplifies the importance of encouragement in the faith community. Believers are called to support and uplift one another, especially in times of growth and challenge.

Recognizing the Grace of God
Just as Barnabas recognized God's grace at work in Antioch, Christians today should be attentive to God's work in their lives and communities, celebrating and fostering it.

Remaining True to the Lord
The call to remain true with all one's heart emphasizes wholehearted devotion and perseverance in faith, a vital aspect of Christian discipleship.

Cross-Cultural Ministry
The events in Antioch highlight the early church's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries, encouraging believers to embrace and engage in cross-cultural ministry today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we, like Barnabas, be encouragers in our own faith communities?

2. In what ways can we recognize and celebrate the grace of God in our lives and the lives of others?

3. What does it mean to remain true to the Lord with all our hearts, and how can we apply this in our daily walk with Christ?

4. How can the example of the early church in Antioch inspire us to engage in cross-cultural ministry and outreach?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Hebrews 10:23-25, reinforce the importance of encouragement and perseverance in the Christian faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 4:36-37
Introduces Barnabas as a "son of encouragement," highlighting his character and role in the early church.

Acts 13:43
Shows Barnabas and Paul encouraging new believers to continue in the grace of God, similar to his actions in Antioch.

Hebrews 10:23-25
Encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and to encourage one another, reflecting Barnabas's actions in Antioch.

Philippians 1:6
Speaks of God's faithfulness to complete the good work He begins in believers, aligning with the encouragement to remain true to the Lord.
Sermons
A Glorious Sight and a Good ManJohn Stokoe.Acts 11:23
Apostolic Generosity in Encouraging GoodnessSermons by Contributors to, Tracts for the TimesActs 11:23
BarnabasW. Jay.Acts 11:23
Cleaving to the LordR. Walker.Acts 11:23
Cleaving to the LordActs 11:23
Cleaving unto the LordActs 11:23
Converts ExhortedJ. Vaughan, M. A.Acts 11:23
Determined Purpose of HeartActs 11:23
New Disciples AdmonishedJ. W. Alexander, D. D.Acts 11:23
Religious PersistencyHomilistActs 11:23
Religious SteadfastnessJ. Liefchild, D. D.Acts 11:23
The Exhortation of BarnabasA. Maclaren, D. D.Acts 11:23
The Experience and Work of BarnabasJ. Parsons.Acts 11:23
The Experience and Work of BarnabasW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 11:23
The Grace of GodActs 11:23
The Grace of GodS. Barnard.Acts 11:23
The Subjects of Divine Grace Exhorted to Cleave unto TheActs 11:23
Visible GraceActs 11:23
A New Center of Evangelistic Work. AntiochR.A. Redford Acts 11:19-26
Founding of the Church At AntiochE. Johnson Acts 11:19-26
The Many Ways and the One Work of GodW. Clarkson Acts 11:19-26
A St. Barnabas the Need of the HourH. Scott Holland, M. A.Acts 11:22-26
Barnabas At AntiochC. Clayton, M. A.Acts 11:22-26
The Mission of BarnabasD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 11:22-26
The Surprises of the Grace of GodP.C. Barker Acts 11:23, 24
People
Agabus, Barnabas, Christians, Claudius, Cyprians, Cyrenians, Grecians, John, Peter, Saul, Simon, Stephen
Places
Caesarea, Cyprus, Cyrene, Jerusalem, Joppa, Judea, Phoenicia, Syrian Antioch, Tarsus
Topics
TRUE, Arrived, Bestowed, Clear, Cleave, Delighted, Encourage, Encouraged, Evidence, Exhorted, Exhorting, Faithful, Fixed, Getting, Glad, Grace, Heart, Hearts, Keeping, Purpose, Rejoiced, Resolute, Resolve, Seeing, Steadfast, Strength, Witnessed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 11:23

     1055   God, grace and mercy
     1462   truth, in NT
     3035   Holy Spirit, presence of
     5015   heart, and Holy Spirit
     5830   delight
     5874   happiness
     8418   endurance
     8459   perseverance

Acts 11:19-23

     7953   mission, of church

Acts 11:22-23

     6671   grace, and Christian life

Acts 11:23-24

     3020   Holy Spirit, joy of

Library
April 27 Evening
A new name.--REV. 2:17. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.--Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.--They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.--Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Exhortation of Barnabas
[Footnote: Preached before the Congregational Union of England and Wales.] '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.'--ACTS xi. 23. The first purely heathen converts had been brought into the Church by the nameless men of Cyprus and Cyrene, private persons with no office or commission to preach, who, in simple obedience to the instincts of a Christian heart, leaped the barrier which seemed impassable …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Nickname Accepted
'The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch' --ACTS xi. 26. Nations and parties, both political and religious, very often call themselves by one name, and are known to the outside world by another. These outside names are generally given in contempt; and yet they sometimes manage to hit the very centre of the characteristics of the people on whom they are bestowed, and so by degrees get to be adopted by them, and worn as an honour. So it has been with the name 'Christian.' It was given …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Peter's Apologia
'And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3. Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5. 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 …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Preaching at Antioch
'And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they ware come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.'--ACTS xi. 20, 21. Thus simply does the historian tell one of the greatest events in the history of the Church. How great it was will appear if we observe that the weight of authority among critics and commentators sees here an extension of the message of salvation …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Repentance unto Life
By "Repentance unto life," I think we are to understand that repentance which is accompanied by spiritual life in the soul, and ensures eternal life to every one who possesses it. "Repentance unto life," I say, brings with it spiritual life, or rather, is the first consequent thereof. There are repentances which are not signs of life, except of natural life, because they are only effected by the power of the conscience and the voice of nature speaking in men; but the repentance here spoken of is …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Completion Op the Fifth Continental Journey.
1849-50. The disorganized state of Germany presented a serious obstacle to John and Martha Yeardley's resuming their labors on the Continent. FROM JOHN YEARDLEY TO JOHN KITCHING. Scarborough, 6 mo. 23, 1849. We spent two days at Malton with our dear friends Ann and Esther Priestman, in their delightful new abode on the bank of the river: we were comforted in being at meeting with them on First-day. On Second-day we came to Scarborough, and soon procured two rooms near our own former residence. The …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
Acts Chs. 1-12. The Book of Acts. The book of Acts is the only purely historical book of the New Testament. It is as a continuation of the gospel of Luke. It follows the fortunes of the infant church and gives us all the light we have in regard to its further organization and development, but it does not claim to be a complete history of the work of the early church. As a history it is as remarkable for what it omits as for what it narrates. The central theme is the triumph and progress of the gospel …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Some Associated Questions
A BRIEF reference to some of the other difficulties, which have been found in Luke's references to matters of contemporary history, will form a fitting conclusion to this study. In some cases all that is wanted to solve the difficulty is proper understanding of Luke's words. That, for example, is the case with Acts 11:28, where the statement, that in the days of Claudius there was famine over all the world, has been misinterpreted to imply that harvests failed and a famine ensued in every part of …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

What God Hath Cleansed
'There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2. A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Breaking Out of Discord
'And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Rome Protects Paul
'And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the Temple, I was in a trance; 18. And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me. 19. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: 20. And when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Knowledge and Obedience.
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father."--COL. i. 9-12. The Epistles …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

Other New Testament Names for "Being Filled with the Spirit. "
That we may see how full the New Testament is of this blessing, and that we may the better understand what it is and how it is obtained, let us just glance at some other terms used by the Holy Ghost when speaking of it. 1. "Baptized with the Holy Ghost." "Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" (Acts i. 5). See also Acts xi. 16, Matt. iii. 11, Mark i. 8, Luke iii. 16, John i. 33. Now, though "baptized" and "filled" are sometimes convertible terms, it is instructive to note …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Luke.
Lucas, Evangelii el medicinae munera pandens; Artibus hinc, illinc religione, valet: Utilis ille labor, per quem vixere tot aegri; Utilior, per quem tot didicere mori!" Critical and Biographical Schleiermacher: Ueber die Schriften des Lukas. Berlin, 1817. Reprinted in the second vol. of his Sämmtliche Werke, Berlin, 1836 (pp. 1-220). Translated by Bishop Thirlwall, London, 1825. James Smith (of Jordanhill, d. 1867): Dissertation on the Life and Writings of St. Luke, prefixed to his Voyage and …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

For if they be Urged from the Gospel that they Should Put Nothing By...
31. For if they be urged from the Gospel that they should put nothing by for the morrow, they most rightly answer, "Why then had the Lord Himself a bag in which to put by the money which was collected? [2572] Why so long time beforehand, on occasion of impending famine, were supplies of corn sent to the holy fathers? [2573] Why did Apostles in such wise provide things necessary for the indigence of saints lest there should be lack thereafter, that most blessed Paul should thus write to the Corinthians …
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

As it Is, However, They, against the Apostle of Christ...
27. As it is, however, they, against the Apostle of Christ, recite a Gospel of Christ. For so marvellous are the works of the sluggards, hindered that they want to have that very thing by Gospel, which the Apostle enjoined and did on purpose that the Gospel itself should not be hindered. And yet, if from the very words of the Gospel we should compel them to live agreeably with their way of understanding it, they will be the first to endeavor to persuade us how they are not to be understood so as …
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Whether Chrism is a Fitting Matter for this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that chrism is not a fitting matter for this sacrament. For this sacrament, as stated above (A[1], ad 1), was instituted by Christ when He promised His disciples the Holy Ghost. But He sent them the Holy Ghost without their being anointed with chrism. Moreover, the apostles themselves bestowed this sacrament without chrism, by the mere imposition of hands: for it is written (Acts 8:17) that the apostles "laid their hands upon" those who were baptized, "and they received the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

How Does it Come?
How does the Filling of the Spirit come? "Does it come once for all? or is it always coming, as it were?" was a question addressed to me once by a young candidate for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many asking the same question. We have considered how the Fullness is obtained, but now we proceed to consider, How does the Fullness come? In speaking of the blessing of being filled with the Spirit, the New Testament writers use three tenses in the Greek--the Aorist, the Imperfect, and the …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

The Ministry of Angels.
1 High on a hill of dazzling light, The King of Glory spreads his seat, And troops of angels stretch'd for flight, Stand waiting round his awful feet. 2 "Go," saith the Lord, "my Gabriel go, "Salute the virgin's fruitful womb,[1] "Make haste, ye cherubs, down below, Sing and proclaim the Saviour come." 3 Here a bright squadron leaves the skies, And thick around Elisha stands;[2] Anon a heavenly soldier flies, And breaks the chains from Peter's hands.[3] 4 Thy winged troops, O God of hosts, Wait on …
Isaac Watts—Hymns and Spiritual Songs

As That, "Take no Thought for the Morrow...
29. As that, "Take no thought for the morrow," and, "Take therefore no thought what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or what ye shall put on." [2344] Now when we see that the Lord Himself had a bag in which was put what was given, [2345] that it might be kept for necessary uses as the time should require; and that the Apostles themselves made much provision for the indigence of the brethren, not only for the morrow, but even for the more protracted time of impending dearth, as we read in the …
St. Augustine—On Lying

Links
Acts 11:23 NIV
Acts 11:23 NLT
Acts 11:23 ESV
Acts 11:23 NASB
Acts 11:23 KJV

Acts 11:23 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Acts 11:22
Top of Page
Top of Page