Bible Verse Meanings

• Divine Intervention: Matthew Henry notes that the "hand of the Lord" signifies God's active presence and support in the mission of the apostles. This divine engagement was crucial for the success of their ministry.
• Impact of Faith: Albert Barnes emphasizes that the belief and conversion of a "great number" underlines the effectiveness of the gospel message when accompanied by God's power.
• Changing Lives: Adam Clarke points out that "turned unto the Lord" indicates a significant transformation in the lives of the believers, signifying repentance and a new direction towards faith in Christ.

Bible Verse Interpretations

• Community Response: The reference to a "great number" suggests that the message of salvation was not only powerful but also resonated with diverse groups, leading to a communal movement towards faith.
• Role of the Holy Spirit: The effectiveness attributed to the "hand of the Lord" indicates the active role of the Holy Spirit in convicting hearts and guiding believers during the early days of the church.
• Encouragement for Evangelism: This scripture illustrates a model for evangelism, where reliance on God's guidance leads to fruitful outcomes, providing encouragement for modern-day believers and missions.

Bible Verse Understanding

The context surrounding Acts 11:21 is essential for interpretation. This passage follows the events of Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, marking the widening of the gospel's reach to Gentiles. Thus, this verse not only emphasizes God's hand in the burgeoning church but also signifies a monumental shift in the inclusivity of the gospel message.

Bible Verse Explanations

• Historical Context: This scripture occurs during a pivotal time when the early church was transitioning from a primarily Jewish movement to one open to Gentiles, reflecting the universal call of the gospel.
• Scripture Analysis: The phrase "belief and turned unto the Lord" underscores the core of the Christian faith—faith leading to repentance, fundamentally changing one’s entire life direction.
• Modern Application: In today's context, believers are encouraged to recognize God's sovereignty in their lives and to participate in sharing their faith with confidence in His power.

Biblical Exegesis

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that ministry is not merely the result of human effort but is dependent on God’s active involvement. Acts 11:21 reassures contemporary readers that God continues to work through His people to bring about spiritual transformation.

In-Depth Bible Verse Analysis

Delving deeper, we see that Acts 11:21 functions as a narrative pivot showcasing the apostles' obedience and God's consequent blessings. The text serves to inspire faith-based activities, directing readers on how to approach their personal ministry endeavors.

This passage invites believers to reflect on their own faith journeys. Just as early followers turned towards the Lord, individuals today are encouraged to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, fostering a community of believers exemplifying faith and transformation.

Bible Study Insights

This verse offers several insights suitable for Bible study groups or personal reflection. Group discussions can center around the nature of God's hand in contemporary life and how believers can remain attuned to His guidance.

Cross References

• Acts 2:47 - The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
• Acts 4:33 - With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
• Luke 10:1-2 - The Lord appointed seventy others and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.