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.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Who
G3739
ὃς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παραγενόμενος
when he came
G3854
παραγενόμενος
when he came
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
2 of 19
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδὼν
had seen
G1492
ἰδὼν
had seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριν
the grace
G5485
χάριν
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
6 of 19
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐχάρη
was glad
G5463
ἐχάρη
was glad
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
9 of 19
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρεκάλει
exhorted
G3870
παρεκάλει
exhorted
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
11 of 19
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προθέσει
that with purpose
G4286
προθέσει
that with purpose
Strong's:
G4286
Word #:
14 of 19
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας
of heart
G2588
καρδίας
of heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
16 of 19
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
προσμένειν
they would cleave unto
G4357
προσμένειν
they would cleave unto
Strong's:
G4357
Word #:
17 of 19
to stay further, i.e., remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in
Cross References
Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.Colossians 1:6Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.Acts 13:43Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.Acts 14:26And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.2 Timothy 3:10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,Matthew 16:24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.John 15:4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Historical Context
Barnabas's encouragement circa AD 41-42 nurtured the Antioch church's growth. His affirmation of God's grace among Gentiles without requiring Jewish proselyte status was crucial for this predominantly Gentile congregation's development.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we recognize and affirm God's grace at work in others?
- What does it mean to 'cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart'?
- How does perseverance in faith demonstrate genuine conversion?
Analysis & Commentary
When Barnabas saw 'the grace of God' in Antioch, 'he was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.' Barnabas recognized God's grace at work and responded with joy and encouragement. His exhortation - to 'cleave unto the Lord' with 'purpose of heart' - emphasizes perseverance in faith. The Greek prothesis tes kardias (purpose of heart) suggests deliberate, wholehearted commitment. Reformed theology affirms perseverance of the saints - those truly saved will endure through determined adherence to Christ, enabled by God's preserving grace.