Acts 11:23

Acts 11:23. Who, when he came and had seen the grace of God, was glad. Somewhat of surprise is indicated in this language. However this may be, we see in this rejoicing, and in his attributing all this blessing to the free goodness of God, the marks of a true Christian heart. There was no grudging of the freedom of the grace, and no doubting of the reality of the Divine work which he saw. Barnabas was clearly the right man to have sent to Antioch; and all generations of Christians since have had in his mission grounds for praise and for ‘glorifying God in him.'

He exhorted them all. The Greek word is παρεκα ́ λει. He did at Antioch exactly that which at Jerusalem (Acts 4:36) had led to his receiving the title of υι ̔ ο ̀ ς παρακλη ́ σεως. The word ‘all,' too, in this passage is not without its significance. It communicates to the narrative an impression of diligent work, large sympathy, and copious success.

That with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. He has no new doctrine to communicate. They were already in the right way. He approved of that which he saw. His exhortation was simply to perseverance, heartiness, consistency, and progress.