Acts 11:23 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Barnabas arrives, sees the grace of God, rejoices, and urges them all to cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart.
What Does Acts 11:23 Mean?
Barnabas comes and sees the grace of God — grace made visible in changed lives and new worship, Jew and Greek together. True to his name he is glad, not guarded, and his one exhortation is to continue: with purpose of heart, cleave unto the Lord.
Beginnings are God's gift; continuing is the disciple's calling. Barnabas asks for resolved hearts — a devotion that has decided in advance to stay with Jesus through whatever comes. Conversion is to a Person, so perseverance is personal too: not the gritting of teeth, but remaining near the Lord Himself. The best encouragement a believer can receive is still this: you began in grace — now stay close to Christ, on purpose.
Acts 11:23 in the Original Language
prosmeno (προσμένω), 'cleave' -- to remain with, to stay devoted to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 11:23
What does Acts 11:23 mean?
Barnabas arrives, sees the grace of God, rejoices, and urges them all to cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart.