Acts 11:23
New International Version
When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

New Living Translation
When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.

English Standard Version
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,

Berean Standard Bible
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.

Berean Literal Bible
who having come and having seen the grace of God, rejoiced and was exhorting all to abide in the Lord with resolute purpose of heart.

King James Bible
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

New King James Version
When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

New American Standard Bible
Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;

NASB 1995
Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;

NASB 1977
Then when he had come and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;

Legacy Standard Bible
who, when he arrived and saw the grace of God, rejoiced and began to encourage them all with a purposeful heart to remain true to the Lord;

Amplified Bible
When he arrived and saw the grace of God [that was bestowed on them], he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with an unwavering heart to stay true and devoted to the Lord.

Christian Standard Bible
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart,

American Standard Version
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:

Contemporary English Version
When Barnabas got there and saw how God had blessed them with undeserved grace, he was very glad. So he begged them to remain faithful to the Lord with all their hearts.

English Revised Version
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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he arrived there, he was pleased to see what God had done for them out of kindness. So he encouraged all the people to remain solidly committed to the Lord.

Good News Translation
When he arrived and saw how God had blessed the people, he was glad and urged them all to be faithful and true to the Lord with all their hearts.

International Standard Version
When he arrived, he rejoiced to see what the grace of God had done, and with hearty determination he kept encouraging all of them to remain faithful to the Lord,

Majority Standard Bible
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.

NET Bible
When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts,

New Heart English Bible
who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain true to the Lord.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Lord.

Weymouth New Testament
On getting there he was delighted to see the grace which God had bestowed; and he encouraged them all to remain, with fixed resolve, faithful to the Lord.

World English Bible
who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who, having come, and having seen the grace of God, was glad, and was exhorting all with purpose of heart to cleave to the LORD,

Berean Literal Bible
who having come and having seen the grace of God, rejoiced and was exhorting all to abide in the Lord with resolute purpose of heart.

Young's Literal Translation
who, having come, and having seen the grace of God, was glad, and was exhorting all with purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord,

Smith's Literal Translation
Who, having been present, and seen the grace of God, rejoiced, and besought them all, with purpose of heart, to remain to the Lord.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, rejoiced: and he exhorted them all with purpose of heart to continue in the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had arrived there and had seen the grace of God, he was gladdened. And he exhorted them all to continue in the Lord with a resolute heart.

New American Bible
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,

New Revised Standard Version
When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When he came there and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he pleaded with them that they should follow our LORD with all their hearts.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he had come there and had seen the grace of God, he rejoiced and he was exhorting them that with all their heart they would cleave to Our Lord.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
When he had come, and had seen the grace of God, he rejoiced; and he exhorted them all to remain, with purpose of heart, faithful to the Lord.

Godbey New Testament
Who, coming, and seeing the grace of God, rejoiced, and continued to exhort all, with purpose of heart to abide with the Lord:

Haweis New Testament
Who, when he arrived there, and beheld the grace of God, rejoiced, and exhorted them all, with full purpose of heart to adhere to the Lord.

Mace New Testament
who upon his arrival there, was glad to see such effects of the divine grace, and exhorted them all to remain firmly attach'd to the christian profession:

Weymouth New Testament
On getting there he was delighted to see the grace which God had bestowed; and he encouraged them all to remain, with fixed resolve, faithful to the Lord.

Worrell New Testament
who, having come, and having seen the grace of God, rejoiced, and was exhorting all that, with purpose of heart, they should cleave to the Lord;

Worsley New Testament
Who, when he was come, and saw the grace of God, rejoiced, and exhorted them all with steadiness of heart to adhere to the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Church at Antioch
22When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. 24Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.…

Cross References
Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Acts 13:43
After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

Colossians 1:23
if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.

Philippians 1:27
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,

1 Peter 5:12
Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

Romans 12:8
if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 3:17
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,

John 15:4-5
Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. / I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.

Joshua 23:8
Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.

Deuteronomy 10:20
You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.


Treasury of Scripture

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would hold to the Lord.

seen.

Mark 2:5
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

Colossians 1:6
Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

1 Thessalonians 1:3,4
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; …

and exhorted.

Acts 13:43
Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Acts 14:22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

John 8:31,32
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; …

purpose.

Psalm 17:3
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Proverbs 23:15,28
My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine…

Daniel 1:8
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

cleave.

Deuteronomy 10:20
Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

Deuteronomy 30:20
That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Joshua 22:5
But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

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Arrived Bestowed Clear Cleave Delighted Encourage Encouraged Evidence Exhorted Faithful Fixed Getting Glad Grace Heart Hearts Keeping Need Purpose Rejoiced Resolute Resolve Strength True. Witnessed
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Arrived Bestowed Clear Cleave Delighted Encourage Encouraged Evidence Exhorted Faithful Fixed Getting Glad Grace Heart Hearts Keeping Need Purpose Rejoiced Resolute Resolve Strength True. Witnessed
Acts 11
1. Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,
5. makes his defense;
18. which is accepted.
19. The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
22. Barnabas is sent to confirm them.
26. The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch.
27. They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine.














When he arrived
This phrase refers to Barnabas, who was sent by the church in Jerusalem to Antioch. The Greek word for "arrived" is "παραγίνομαι" (paraginomai), which means to come or to be present. This indicates Barnabas's intentional journey to witness firsthand the work of God among the Gentiles. Historically, Antioch was a significant city, a hub of commerce and culture, making it a strategic location for the spread of the Gospel.

and saw the grace of God
The "grace of God" here is the unmerited favor and divine influence upon the heart, evident in the lives of the new believers. The Greek word for "grace" is "χάρις" (charis), which encompasses kindness, favor, and blessing. Barnabas observed the transformative power of God's grace in the lives of the Gentiles, a testament to the inclusivity of the Gospel message. This grace was not just a theological concept but a visible reality in the community's life.

he rejoiced
Barnabas's reaction was one of joy, a natural response to witnessing God's work. The Greek word "χαίρω" (chairo) means to be glad or to rejoice. His joy reflects the heart of a true believer who delights in the expansion of God's kingdom. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit, as noted in Galatians 5:22, and is a mark of spiritual maturity and alignment with God's purposes.

and encouraged them all
The word "encouraged" comes from the Greek "παρακαλέω" (parakaleo), meaning to call to one's side, to comfort, or to exhort. Barnabas, known as the "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36), fulfilled his role by strengthening the believers. Encouragement is a vital ministry within the church, fostering growth and perseverance among believers.

to remain true to the Lord
This phrase emphasizes steadfastness and faithfulness. The Greek word "προσμένω" (prosmeno) means to continue steadfastly or to persevere. Barnabas urged the believers to maintain their commitment to Jesus, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the Christian faith. Remaining true involves both belief and action, a consistent walk with the Lord.

with all their hearts
The phrase "with all their hearts" underscores the depth of commitment required. The heart, "καρδία" (kardia) in Greek, represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. This call to wholehearted devotion reflects the greatest commandment to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). It is a call to undivided loyalty and passion for God.

(23) And exhorted them all.--The tense implies continuous action; and the verb in the Greek is that from which Barnabas took his name as the "Son of Comfort" or "Counsel." (See Note on Acts 4:36.)

With purpose of heart.--The preacher had seen the grace of God, and had rejoiced at it; but he knew, as all true teachers know, that it is possible for man's will to frustrate that grace, and that its co-operation, as manifested in deliberate and firm resolve, was necessary to carry on the good work to its completion. The word for "purpose" meets us again in Acts 27:13.

They would cleave unto the Lord.--The noun is probably used in its dominant New Testament sense, as pointing to the Lord Jesus as the new object of the faith and love of those who had turned to Him.

Verse 23. - Was come for came, A.V.; he exhorted for exhorted., A.V. Had seen the grace of God; i.e. had seen the number and the truth of the conversions of Gentiles effected by God's grace. He exhorted them all (παρεκάλει πάντας); thus showing himself a true υἱὸς παρακλήσεως, son of exhortation (see Acts 4:36, note). Cleave unto the Lord; προσμένειν, to abide, continue, persevere in (comp. Acts 13:43; 1 Timothy 5:5). In 2 Timothy 3:14 it is simply μένε. The frequent exhortations to perseverance and steadfastness should warn us of the great danger of falling away from the faith, under the pressure of temptation.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[When] he
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

arrived
παραγενόμενος (paragenomenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3854: From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

saw
ἰδὼν (idōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

grace
χάριν (charin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

of
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

God,
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

he rejoiced
ἐχάρη (echarē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

encouraged
παρεκάλει (parekalei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3870: From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.

them all
πάντας (pantas)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

to abide
προσμένειν (prosmenein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4357: From pros and meno; to stay further, i.e. Remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

with
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

all their
προθέσει (prothesei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4286: From protithemai; a setting forth, i.e. proposal; specially, the show-bread as exposed before God.

hearts.
καρδίας (kardias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.


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NT Apostles: Acts 11:23 Who when he had come and had (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 11:22
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