Acts 11:24
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Acts 11:24
Verse 24 describes Barnabas as “a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith,” and notes that many people were added to the Lord. This is a portrait of a faithful leader whose character and dependence on the Spirit produce fruit. The description situates Barnabas as an exemplary steward of God’s grace, highlighting key marks of effective ministry: integrity, spiritual fullness, and faithful preaching. The growth of the church in Antioch through Barnabas’s ministry underscores the Spirit’s work to empower believers for mission, and the role of godly leadership in nurturing growth.
Theologically, this verse presents a model of spiritual maturity: a life saturated with the Spirit, marked by faith and generosity toward God’s purposes. It emphasizes leadership that fosters community transformation and the expansion of God’s kingdom. The phrase “full of the Holy Ghost and of faith” signals the inner life that sustains outward fruitfulness—evidence that true spiritual vitality flows from dependence on God.
Today, this verse encourages Christians to pursue a life characterized by integrity, reliance on the Spirit, and trustworthy leadership. Practical steps include ongoing personal spiritual disciplines (prayer, Scripture, obedience), mentoring relationships, and leadership development that prioritizes character as much as competence. Churches can emulate Barnabas by recognizing and supporting spiritual leaders who exhibit humility, moral integrity, and a passion for inviting others into faith.
Cross-References: Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9