acts-11:19-24,2-timothy-4:6-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:23-24

The surprises of the grace of God. Some six or seven years had passed since the martyrdom of Stephen, and "the persecution that arose about Stephen." The winds of persecution had now borne far and wide the seeds of Christian truth and faith. In the "ground" of Jewish hearts alone, however, for the greater part of this time had the seed "fallen," so far as men's intentions and purposes had scattered it. In individual cases, however, it had inevitably fallen elsewhere; and besides, as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:24

A good man . The predominant idea in ἀγαθός is simply "goodness," moral excellence. So in Matthew 19:16 , "Good Master." To which our Lord answers, "There is none good but One." In Luke 23:50 Joseph of Arimathaea is ἀνὴρ ἀγαθὸς καὶ δίκαιος , "a good man and a righteous." In Matthew 5:45 πονηροὶ καὶ ἀγαθοί , "the evil and the good," are contrasted. In classical Greek the common phrase, καλὸς κἀγαθός , describes an honorable and good man. It is pleasing to read... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:24

Good Barnabas. We have had this man introduced to us before, but his character is most fully described in this passage. It may reasonably be asked why St. Luke, in writing the Book of the Acts, should take this opportunity of recording the received opinion about Barnabas. The most simple answer is that he had subsequently to record the dispute between St. Paul and St. Barnabas over Mark, and he was therefore anxious to ensure that his readers did not get a wrong impression, from that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:19

Now they ... - This verse introduces a new train of historical remark; and from this point the course of the history of the Acts of the Apostles takes a new direction. Thus far, the history had recorded chiefly the preaching of the gospel to the Jews. From this point the history records the efforts made to convert the Gentiles. It begins with the labors put forth in the important city of Antioch (Acts 11:19-20); and as, during the work of grace that occurred in that city, the labors of the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:20

Were men of Cyprus and Cyrene - Were natives of Cyprus and Cyrene. Cyrene was a province and city of Libya in Africa. It is at present called Cairoan, and is situated in the kingdom of Barca. In Cyprus the Greek language was spoken; and from the vicinity of Cyrene to Alexandria, it is probable that the Greek language was spoken there also. From this circumstance it might have happened that they were led more particularly to address the Grecians who were in Antioch. It is possible, however, that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:21

And the hand of the Lord - See the notes on Luke 1:66. Compare Psalms 80:17. The meaning is, that God showed them favor, and evinced his power in the conversion of their hearers. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:22

Then tidings ... - The church at Jerusalem heard of this. It was natural that so remarkable an occurrence as the conversion of the Gentiles, and the extraordinary success of the gospel in a splendid and mighty city, should be reported at Jerusalem, and excite deep interest there.And they sent forth - To aid the disciples there, and to give them their sanction. They had done a similar thing in the revival which occurred in Samaria. See the notes on Acts 8:14.Barnabas - See Acts 4:36-37. He was a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:23

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... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:24

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.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 11:19-21

Acts 11:19-21. Now they which were scattered abroad Luke here resumes the thread of his narration in the very words wherewith he broke it off, chap. Acts 8:4; travelled as far as Phenice To the north; Cyprus To the west; and Antioch To the east; preaching the word to none but the Jews only Not being at all apprehensive that the Gentiles were to share the blessings of it. And some of them Who bore a part in this work; were men of Cyprus The island so called; and of the province... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:23-24

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:24

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:19

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:20

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:22

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:24

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 11:19-21

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