Acts 11:24 - Exposition

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 this testimony from Luke, Paul's companion and friend, Full of the Holy Ghost and of faith . So Stephen is described ( Acts 6:5 ) as "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is spoken of in both places as a Spirit of power and demonstration in preaching the Word. No reason is apparent why the R.T., having altered Ghost to Spirit in Acts 6:5 , retains Ghost here. Much people , etc.; the direct consequence of the energy of the Holy Ghost in Barnabas's ministry.