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Acts 11:24

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 11:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Acts 11:24 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
27Now in these days there came down prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
← Acts 11:23Acts 11:25 →
← Full Chapter 11 Acts Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For he was a good man, etc.] He had the grace of God wrought in his soul, and did good works; he was very kind, and generous, and charitable; he sold what land he had, and gave the money to the apostles, for the use of the community, (<440437>Acts 4:37) and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith; he was full of the several graces of the Spirit, and particularly of faith; and he was full of the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, and of the faith of miracles; he was full of the doctrine of faith, and of spiritual gifts for the preaching of it: the same character is given of Stephen, (<440605>Acts 6:5) and much people was added unto the Lord; by the means of Barnabas, through his ministry, and…”
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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
“For he was a good man--The sense of "good" here is plainly "large-hearted," "liberal-minded," rising above narrow Jewish sectarianism, and that because, as the historian adds, he was "full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." and much people were added unto the Lord--This proceeding of Barnabas, so full of wisdom, love, and zeal, was blessed to the great increase of the Christian community in that important city.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For he was a good man - This is given as a reason why he was so eminently successful. It is not said that he was a man of distinguished talents or learning; that he was a splendid or an imposing preacher; but simply that he was a man of an amiable, kind, and benevolent disposition - a pious, humble man of God. We should not undervalue talent, eloquence, or learning in the ministry, but we may remark that humble piety will often do more in the conversion of souls than the most splendid talents. No endowments can be a substitute for this. The real power of a minister is concentrated in this, and without this his ministry will be barrenness and a curse. There is nothing on the earth so mighty…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he was: Act 24:16; Sa2 18:27; Psa 37:23, Psa 112:5; Pro 12:2, Pro 13:22, Pro 14:14; Mat 12:35; Mat 19:17; Luk 23:50; Joh 7:12; Rom 5:7 full: Act 6:3, Act 6:5, Act 6:8; Rom 15:15 and much: Act 11:21, Act 5:14, Act 9:31 Acts 11:25”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification