Understanding Acts 11:21

Acts 11:21 states, "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." This verse reflects a significant moment in Early Christianity where divine influence led to the conversion of many individuals. The shared insights from respected public domain commentaries shed light on the multifaceted meaning of this verse.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of God's hand being "with them," suggesting that the success of their mission was not merely due to human effort but was heavily reliant on divine intervention. He notes that this "great number" who believed signifies the spread of the Gospel and foreshadows the acceptance of Christianity across various cultures.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes highlights that the phrase "a great number believed" points to the effectiveness of the preaching done by the apostles and early Christians. He stresses that conversion is a supernatural act orchestrated by God, making it clear that the hand of the Lord indicates His favor and presence among believers.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke elaborates on the transformation denoted by "turned unto the Lord," suggesting a complete reorientation of life and purpose towards God. He also notes that the phrase implies repentance and a conscious decision to follow Christ, crucial steps in the journey of faith.

Thematic Connections and Cross-References

This verse connects deeply with several other scriptures, revealing a broader narrative within the Bible. Below are notable cross-references that illustrate its themes:

• Acts 2:41: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - This illustrates the powerful conversion experience similar to what occurred in Acts 11:21.
• Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..." - Reinforces the idea of the Gospel's power in bringing people to faith.
• 1 Corinthians 3:6: "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." - Highlights that it is ultimately God's hand that brings growth and belief.
• Matthew 9:37-38: "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." - Parallels the abundant harvest of believers mentioned in Acts 11:21.
• John 12:32: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." - Points to the divine drawing of people towards Jesus, akin to the conversions in Acts 11:21.
• Acts 4:33: "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." - Reflects the power of the apostles’ witness that led to many believing, as seen in Acts 11:21.
• Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." - Shows God’s active role in the lives of believers, resonating with the theme of divine empowerment in faith.
• John 6:44: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him..." - Emphasizes divine initiative in people's turning towards God.
• Acts 15:14: "Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name." - Connects with the theme of God's outreach to the Gentiles resulting in belief and devotion to the Lord.
• Colossians 1:13: "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." - Highlights the transformational nature of conversion discussed in Acts 11:21.

Exploring Cross-Referencing Bible Study

Understanding the connections between Bible verses enhances our spiritual insights. Here are some beneficial tools and methods for effective Bible cross-referencing:

• Bible Concordance: A comprehensive index of words found in the Bible that helps locate verses related to specific themes or ideas.
• Bible Cross-reference Guide: Resources that provide links between verses sharing similar themes or messages.
• Cross-reference Bible Study: A method that involves investigating verses in relation to one another to deepen understanding.
• Bible Chain References: A sequence of related verses that allow for exploring themes in depth.
• Bible Reference Resources: Texts that provide context and interpretive insights on selected verses.
• How to Use Bible Cross-references: Tips for identifying relevant connections across both the Old and New Testaments.
• Identifying Connections Between Old and New Testament: The process of exploring themes that appear in both Testaments, revealing the cohesive story of Scripture.

Conclusion

Acts 11:21 is a powerful testament to the work of God in bringing people to faith. The insights shared from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke illuminate the transformative nature of belief and underscore the divine influence in conversion. By exploring the cross-references and thematic connections presented, believers can gain a deeper understanding of Scripture and the interconnectedness of biblical themes. This exploration not only enriches one's personal faith journey but also equips individuals for more effective Bible study, sermon preparation, and sharing the Gospel.