Acts 11:24
What does Acts 11:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 11:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 11:24 means
Barnabas is described as "a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." This character commendation explains why he was so effective in Antioch and why the Lord used him to evangelize. His goodness and spiritual fullness allowed him to discern God's work and encourage the believers with integrity. As a result, "much people was added unto the Lord," signifying continued growth and confirming God's blessing on his ministry. His character enabled him to be an instrument through which God drew many to Himself.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For he was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and a great number were joined to the Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith, and a great multitude was added to the Lord.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for he was a good man and full of [the] Holy Spirit and of faith; and a large crowd [of people] were added to the Lord.
Context
This verse directly builds upon Barnabas's actions in the previous verse by offering a concise yet profound description of his character and its impact. His spiritual qualities explain his effectiveness in ministry, connecting his personal virtues to the numerical growth of the church. This description sets up his next important action: seeking out Saul to join him in the ministry, thereby assembling a powerful team for the developing church.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 19:17
And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments.
- Acts 24:16
Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
- Acts 9:31
So the church throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.
- Acts 6:8
And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people.
- Acts 6:5
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaüs a proselyte of Antioch;
- Proverbs 12:2
A good man shall obtain favor of Jehovah; But a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
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