Acts 11:23
What does Acts 11:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 11:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 11:23 means
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch and witnessed the undeniable evidence of God's grace among the believers, he rejoiced. He then exhorted them all to remain steadfast and cleave to the Lord with sincere purpose of heart. His encouragement affirmed the legitimacy of their faith and fostered spiritual maturity. Barnabas's response highlights the joy and confirmation felt when seeing God's work, and his exhortation emphasized the importance of enduring commitment in their new-found faith amidst a diverse cultural context.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who, 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:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who, 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who, 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:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who, 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:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who, having come, and having seen the grace of God, was glad, and was exhorting all with purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who, 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who, having arrived and seeing the grace ofGod, rejoiced, and exhorted all with purpose of heart to abide with the Lord;
Context
This verse depicts Barnabas's positive and affirming response upon seeing the manifestation of God's grace in Antioch. His gladness and exhortation reinforce the legitimacy of the Gentile conversions and provide pastoral guidance. This sets the stage for his effective ministry in Antioch, demonstrating the Jerusalem church's wise decision to send him and leading directly into the description of his character and further growth of the church, as given in verse 24.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Joshua 23:8
but cleave unto Jehovah your God, as ye have done unto this day.
- Mark 2:5
And Jesus seeing their faith saith unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins are forgiven.
- 2 Corinthians 1:17
When I therefore was thus minded, did I show fickleness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the yea yea and the nay nay?
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.
- Proverbs 23:15
My son, if thy heart be wise, My heart will be glad, even mine:
- Acts 20:24
But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
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