Acts 11:24
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 16
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἁγίου
of the Holy
G40
ἁγίου
of the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
8 of 16
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πίστεως
of faith
G4102
πίστεως
of faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
10 of 16
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσετέθη
was added
G4369
προσετέθη
was added
Strong's:
G4369
Word #:
12 of 16
to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat
ὄχλος
people
G3793
ὄχλος
people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
13 of 16
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἱκανὸς
much
G2425
ἱκανὸς
much
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
14 of 16
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
Cross References
Acts 11:21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.Acts 5:14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)Acts 6:5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:Acts 6:8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.Psalms 112:5A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.2 Samuel 18:27And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.
Historical Context
Barnabas's ministry in Antioch circa AD 41-43 prepared the ground for Paul's later extensive work there. His character made him an ideal bridge between the Jerusalem church and the emerging Gentile mission. The 'much people' added continued Antioch's growth into a major Christian center.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Barnabas's character teach about qualifications for effective ministry?
- How does being 'full of the Holy Ghost and faith' produce ministry fruit?
- Why does godly character in leaders matter for church growth and health?
Analysis & Commentary
Luke describes Barnabas: 'he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.' This three-fold commendation - goodness, Spirit-fullness, and faith - marks exemplary Christian character. 'Goodness' (Greek agathos) indicates moral excellence; Spirit-fullness empowers ministry; faith maintains confidence in God's promises. The result: 'much people was added unto the Lord.' Reformed theology sees that godly character in leaders produces fruitful ministry - not through human manipulation but through the Spirit working through sanctified vessels. Leaders' holiness matters for effective ministry.