How does Acts 11:24 define a "good man" in a biblical context? Text of Acts 11:24 “for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” Immediate Narrative Setting Barnabas has been dispatched from Jerusalem to investigate the surprising conversion of Gentiles in Antioch (Acts 11:19-23). Luke pauses the storyline to give a Spirit-inspired character assessment: Barnabas is “a good man.” The phrase is not a casual compliment; it is a theological assertion explaining why his ministry proved so fruitful (“a great number … were brought to the Lord”). Theological Foundation: God Alone as Original Good Jesus asserts, “No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18). Scripture therefore views human goodness as derivative—imparted by God’s grace, not innate (Psalm 16:2; Romans 3:10-12). Luke signals that Barnabas’s goodness is Spirit-formed, not self-generated. Goodness reflects the imago Dei restored through redemption (Ephesians 4:24). Indicators of a “Good Man” in Acts 11:24 1. Fullness of the Holy Spirit Barnabas’s goodness is immediately qualified: “full of the Holy Spirit.” Luke repeatedly links Spirit-fullness with empowered witness (Acts 2:4; 4:31; 13:9). The Spirit regenerates (John 3:5-6), sanctifies (Galatians 5:22-23), endows gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7), and guides mission (Acts 13:2). Therefore, a “good man” is Spirit-indwelt and Spirit-controlled; moral excellence flows from divine presence (Galatians 5:16-18). 2. Fullness of Faith Pistis (faith) signifies trust in Christ and fidelity to His covenant (Hebrews 11:1,6). Barnabas models faith that acts—traveling to Antioch, encouraging new believers, and partnering with Saul (Acts 11:25-26). Goodness is inseparable from living, obedient faith (James 2:17). 3. Fruitful Influence “As a result … a great number … were brought to the Lord.” In biblical evaluation, goodness is authenticated by fruit (Matthew 7:17-20). Barnabas’s life promotes salvation in others, echoing Proverbs 11:30, “He who wins souls is wise.” Character Traits Elsewhere in Scripture • Generosity—Barnabas sells property for the needy (Acts 4:36-37). • Encouragement—his name means “Son of Encouragement”; he advocates for Saul (Acts 9:27) and John Mark (15:37-39). • Integrity—contrasted with Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit (Acts 5). • Humility—he seeks Saul’s help rather than monopolizing influence (11:25-26). These traits embody Micah 6:8: “to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Old Testament Antecedents Noah is called “a righteous man, blameless …” (Genesis 6:9). Job is “blameless and upright” (Job 1:1). The Psalmist describes the “good man” whose “steps are established by the LORD” (Psalm 37:23). Each case attributes goodness to reverent relationship with Yahweh, anticipating Spirit renewal promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27. New Testament Parallels Joseph of Arimathea, “a good and righteous man” (Luke 23:50), risks reputation to bury Jesus. Dorcas “was always doing good” (Acts 9:36). Both are Spirit-empowered believers demonstrating agathos through tangible acts. Christological Fulfillment Jesus is the perfect “good man,” the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), who lays down His life and rises again (1 Corinthians 15:4). Human goodness is possible only as believers are united to Christ’s resurrection life (Romans 6:4-11). Barnabas’s goodness, therefore, is evidence of union with the risen Lord. Practical Application Believers seeking to be “good” must: • Pursue constant filling of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). • Cultivate robust, obedient faith (Hebrews 12:2). • Engage in discipleship that multiplies believers (Matthew 28:19-20). • Exhibit generosity, encouragement, integrity, and humility in concrete ways. Conclusion Acts 11:24 defines a “good man” not by cultural virtue signaling or innate moral aptitude but by Spirit-produced character, active faith in Christ, and demonstrable fruit that leads others to salvation. Barnabas embodies the restoration of God’s declared “good” in creation, fulfilled through the risen Jesus and replicated by the Holy Spirit in every believer who lives to glorify God. |
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