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Acts 11:23

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 11:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “who, 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:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

who, 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:
Acts 11:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number that believed turned unto the Lord.
22And the report concerning them came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas as far as Antioch:
23who, 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:
24for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul;
26and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
← Acts 11:22Acts 11:24 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who when he came, and had seen the grace of God, etc.] The many instances of the powerful and efficacious grace of God in regeneration and conversion; the great goodness, love, and favour of God in enlightening, quickening, and converting so many souls; and the wonderful gifts of the Spirit bestowed upon many of them, fitting them for public use and service: was glad; rejoiced at heart, and gave glory to God, as every good man will, at the success of the gospel in the conversion of sinners, let it be by what instrument or means it will, and at the gifts and grace bestowed on them: and exhorted them all; in whom he saw the grace of God implanted, who had received the doctrine of the grace of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“when he . . . had seen the grace of God--in the new converts. was glad--owned and rejoiced in it at once as divine, though they were uncircumcised. exhorted them all that with purpose of heart--as opposed to a hasty and fickle discipleship. they would cleave unto the Lord--the Lord Jesus.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Had seen the grace of God - The favor, or mercy of God, in converting sinners to himself. Was glad - Approved of what had been done in preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, and rejoiced that God had poured down his Spirit on them. The effect of a revival is to produce joy in the hearts of all those who love the Saviour. And exhorted them all - Entreated them. They would be exposed to many trials and temptations, and he sought to secure their firm adherence to the cause of religion. That with purpose of heart - With a firm mind; with a fixed, settled resolution that they would make this their settled plan of life, their main object. A purpose, πρόθεσις prothesis, is a resolution of the mind,…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“seen: Mar 2:5; Col 1:6; Th1 1:3, Th1 1:4; Ti2 1:4, Ti2 1:5; Pe2 1:4-9; Jo3 1:4 and exhorted: Act 13:43, Act 14:22; Joh 8:31, Joh 8:32, Joh 15:4; Th1 3:2-5; Heb 10:19-26, Heb 10:32-39; Pe2 3:17, Pe2 3:18; Jo1 2:28 purpose: Psa 17:3; Pro 23:15, Pro 23:28; Dan 1:8; Co2 1:17; Ti2 3:10 cleave: Deu 10:20, Deu 30:20; Jos 22:5, Jos 23:8; Mat 16:24; Co1 15:58 Acts 11:24”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification