Acts 11:24
New International Version
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

New Living Translation
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

English Standard Version
for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Berean Literal Bible
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large crowd was added to the Lord.

King James Bible
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

New King James Version
For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

New American Standard Bible
for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And considerable numbers were added to the Lord.

NASB 1995
for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

NASB 1977
for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

Legacy Standard Bible
for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a considerable crowd was brought to the Lord.

Amplified Bible
For Barnabas was a good man [privately and publicly—his godly character benefited both himself and others] and he was full of the Holy Spirit and full of faith [in Jesus the Messiah, through whom believers have everlasting life]. And a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Christian Standard Bible
for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord.

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

Contemporary English Version
Barnabas was a good man of great faith, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Many more people turned to the Lord.

English Revised Version
for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Barnabas was a dependable man, and he was full of the Holy Spirit and faith. A large crowd believed in the Lord.

Good News Translation
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and many people were brought to the Lord.

International Standard Version
because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And so a large number of people was brought to the Lord.

Majority Standard Bible
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

NET Bible
because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and a significant number of people were brought to the Lord.

New Heart English Bible
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith: and many people were added to the Lord.

Weymouth New Testament
For he was a good man, and was full of the Holy Spirit and of faith; and the number of believers in the Lord greatly increased.

World English Bible
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith, and a great multitude was added to the LORD.

Berean Literal Bible
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large crowd was added to the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation
because he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith, and a great multitude was added to the Lord.

Smith's Literal Translation
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and a crowd sufficient were added to the Lord.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For he was a good man, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

New American Bible
for he was a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord.

New Revised Standard Version
for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and many people were added to our LORD.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For he was a good man, and he was filled with The Spirit of Holiness and with faith, and many people were added to Our Lord.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

Godbey New Testament
because he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

Haweis New Testament
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and a great multitude was added to the Lord.

Mace New Testament
for he was a good man, and full of the holy spirit and of faith: so that many converts were added to the church.

Weymouth New Testament
For he was a good man, and was full of the Holy Spirit and of faith; and the number of believers in the Lord greatly increased.

Worrell New Testament
because he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith; and a great multitude was added to the Lord.

Worsley New Testament
For he was a good man, and full of the holy Spirit, and of faith: and many were added unto the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Church at 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. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,…

Cross References
Acts 6:5
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Acts 4:36-37
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), / sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 9:27
Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.

Acts 13:1-3
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 14:22-23
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. / Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

Acts 15:12
The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.

Acts 15:25-26
So we all agreed to choose men to send to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, / men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 15:35
But Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, along with many others, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.

Acts 15:39
Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,

Acts 16:5
So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Acts 18:27
When Apollos resolved to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On his arrival, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.

Acts 19:20
So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail.

Acts 20:32
And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

Acts 21:20
When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


Treasury of Scripture

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added to the Lord.

he was.

Acts 24:16
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

2 Samuel 18:27
And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

full.

Acts 6:3,5,8
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business…

Romans 15:15
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

and much.

Acts 11:21
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Acts 5:14
And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Acts 9:31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Jump to Previous
Added Believers Company Considerable Faith Full Ghost Good Great Greatly Holy Increased Joined Large Multitude Numbers Spirit
Jump to Next
Added Believers Company Considerable Faith Full Ghost Good Great Greatly Holy Increased Joined Large Multitude Numbers Spirit
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.














He was a good man
The phrase "He was a good man" refers to Barnabas, a key figure in the early Christian church. The Greek word for "good" here is "ἀγαθός" (agathos), which implies moral excellence and uprightness. In the context of the early church, being a "good man" was not merely about personal virtue but also about being a trustworthy and effective leader. Barnabas's goodness is demonstrated through his actions and his ability to encourage and support others, as seen in his role in the church at Antioch.

full of the Holy Spirit
The phrase "full of the Holy Spirit" indicates that Barnabas was completely under the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "πλήρης" (plērēs) means "full" or "complete," suggesting that Barnabas's life and ministry were characterized by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This fullness is essential for effective ministry and is a recurring theme in Acts, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness and perform acts of service.

and faith
The word "faith" in this context is translated from the Greek "πίστις" (pistis), which denotes trust, belief, and confidence in God. Barnabas's faith was not just intellectual assent but a deep, abiding trust in God's promises and power. His faith was evident in his actions and decisions, as he took risks for the sake of the Gospel and supported the fledgling church in Antioch. This faith, combined with the Holy Spirit's presence, enabled Barnabas to be an effective leader and encourager.

And a great number of people
The phrase "a great number of people" highlights the impact of Barnabas's ministry. The Greek word "πλῆθος" (plēthos) means a multitude or large group, indicating that Barnabas's influence was significant. His character and spiritual fullness attracted many to the faith, demonstrating the power of a life lived in alignment with God's purposes.

were brought to the Lord
The phrase "were brought to the Lord" signifies the ultimate goal of Barnabas's ministry: leading people to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The Greek verb "προστρέφω" (prostrephō) means to turn towards or convert, emphasizing the transformative nature of coming to the Lord. This phrase underscores the evangelistic success of Barnabas's work and the growth of the early church as people turned from their previous ways to embrace the Gospel.

(24) For he was a good man.--Words of praise of this kind are comparatively rare in this history, and we may, perhaps, think of them here as expressing St. Luke's personal estimate of the character of the preacher, which he was all the more anxious to place on record because he had to narrate before long the sad contention which separated him from his friend and fellow-worker (Acts 15:39). The word "good" is probably to be taken as presenting the more winning and persuasive form of holiness, as contrasted with the severer forms of simple justice. (Comp. Romans 5:7.)

Full of the Holy Ghost.--This was implied in his very name as "the Son of Prophecy" (see Note on Acts 4:31); but it is interesting to note that the words are identical with those in which the historian had previously described Stephen (Acts 6:5). Barnabas appeared to him to reproduce the mind and character of the martyr.

Much people.--Literally, a great multitude, implying a large increase upon the work related in Acts 11:21. . . .

Verse 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 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Barnabas] was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a good
ἀγαθὸς (agathos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

man,
ἀνὴρ (anēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

full
πλήρης (plērēs)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4134: Full, abounding in, complete, completely occupied with. From pletho; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete.

of [the] Holy
Ἁγίου (Hagiou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

Spirit
Πνεύματος (Pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

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

faith,
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

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

a great
ἱκανὸς (hikanos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.

[number of people]
ὄχλος (ochlos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

were brought
προσετέθη (prosetethē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4369: To place (put) to, add; I do again. From pros and tithemi; to place additionally, i.e. Lay beside, annex, repeat.

to 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.


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