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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Barnabas arrives in Antioch after the Jerusalem church sends him to investigate the new Gentile believers. He addresses the community to assess their spiritual condition and issue direct instruction.

The words — παραγενόμενος (paragenomenos) means "having come," and χάριν (charin) translates literally to "grace." These terms anchor the narrative in Barnabas's physical arrival and his direct observation of God's unmerited favor among the believers.

The thread — The exhortation to steadfast commitment appears in Acts 14:22, where disciples are strengthened to continue in the faith, and 1 Corinthians 15:58, which commands believers to remain immovable in the Lord's work. Acts 13:43 similarly records apostolic urging to continue in God's grace after synagogue dismissal.

Why it lands — The text commands a deliberate, whole-hearted commitment to the Lord, modeled by Barnabas's response to witnessing God's grace. It requires readers to align their conduct with observed spiritual reality through active perseverance rather than passive acknowledgment.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Joshua 23:8 Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.
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.
2 Timothy 3:10 You, however, have observed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my perseverance,
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.
John 8:31 So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.