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Exhortation to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose…

Posted by on Feb 2, 2007 in scripture | 4 comments

In Acts 11:19 and following, something amazing happens in the city of Antioch. Some of the persecuted believers from Jerusalem make their way north to Antioch where they begin to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to Jews and Gentiles. When the church in Jerusalem hears about this, they send Barnabas to Antioch to find out what is happening there. Consider this passage concerning Barnabas’ trip to Antioch:

The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. (Acts 11:22-24 ESV)

According to this passage, after Barnabas arrived in Antioch and witnessed for himself the grace of God poured out on the non-Jewish believers, he was (literally) caused to have joy. Then he began to encourage all of them to remain faithful to (or to continue with) the Lord. He encouraged them to do this “with steadfast purpose”.

A few days ago, my friend Leah suggested this phrase in order to help define the church (See her comment on the post “What is a Christian?“). In other words, the church should be known as those who “remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.”

I looked through a couple of commentaries, and they both jumped over this phrase in verse 23 in order to discuss verse 24. So, I thought I would dig into this verse and this phrase myself.

Reviewing other translations, the phrase “with steadfast purpose” is also rendered “with purpose of heart” (NKJV), “with resolute heart” (NASB), “with a firm resolve of the heart” (HCSB), “with all their hearts” (NIV), “with devoted hearts” (NET), “with a hearty determination” (ISV).

Also, there is disagreement on where this phrase should be placed. There are two possibilites. First, the phrase may describe how the Christians in Antioch were to remain faithful to the Lord: “He [Barnabas] exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose” (ESV, see also NKJV, HCSB, NIV, NET, NJB). Second, the phrase may describe how Barnabas encouraged the Antioch Christians: “With a hearty determination he [Barnabas] continuously encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord” (ISV, see also NASB).

So, as you can see, this phrase has raised more questions for me. I will continue studying this as I can, but I’m wondering if others out there may be able to shed more light on this passage.

What does it mean to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose? Is that what Acts 11:23 says? Does the passage say that Barnabas encouraged them with resolute/determined heart? How does the church do this? What does this mean for the church today?

Related posts:

  1. Colossians 1:21-23 – Stable and Steadfast?
  2. Church Meetings in Acts – Acts 11:26
  3. The church with identity and purpose in Christ
  4. Jesus is Lord

4 Comments

Comments are closed. If you would like to discuss this post, send an email to alan [at] alanknox [dot] net.

  1. 2-2-2007
    Heather says:

    Alan –

    I like to look up words in the dictionary to see exactly what their meaning and etymology is. Not for fun, just when I am trying to figure something out (LOL).

    To remain faithful to the Lord with a steadfast purpose … hmmm …

    Steadfast means – “firmly fixed in place”, immovable is a synonym. It also means “not subject to change”. Another definition is “firm in belief, determiniation or adherence”. A good synonym for steadfast is “faithful”. A stead is “a place or position” and relates to the word “stand”. Fast is from O.E. and means “firmly fixed”.

    So, in my estimation it would mean being immovable in my devotion to the Lord. Can’t address the 2nd question …. gotta run ’cause the baby is dying to get out of her bed!

    Blessings!

  2. 2-2-2007
    Alan Knox says:

    Heather,

    Thank you for looking this up. We should certainly be “immovable in our devotion to the Lord”.

    -Alan

  3. 2-2-2007
    Geoff Baggett says:

    Alan,

    The recurring and constant theme that keeps coming up in Paul’s letters is that of perseverance … true believers are the ones who persevere to the end.

    I think that helps me understand this statement from Barnabas. Perhaps we should have this same emphasis upon faithful perseverance.

    Geoff

  4. 2-2-2007
    Alan Knox says:

    Geoff,

    Thanks for the comment. I think you are probably write. But, does this verse say that Barnabas was persevering to the end, or that he encouraged the believers in Antioch to persevere to the end?

    -Alan