Homilist Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all… Barnabas was the Son of Consolation." But exhortation is as needful as consolation, and he could stir up as well as comfort. He knew that it was not sufficient to begin well; it is the end that proves and crowns the whole. I. THE AIM OF THE EXHORTATION. Barnabas urges his hearers to cleave unto the Lord. The exhortation is urgently needed — 1. Because there is a natural tendency in the human heart to cleave to inferior things. 2. Because He is the only one worthy of our regard. He is the only Teacher, Saviour, Helper, Protector. The only Comforter, for He is the God of all comfort. II. THE CHARACTER OF THE DUTY. "With full purpose of heart." This implies thoroughness and persistency. 1. Without the heart religion is a poor business. So in anything else. Unless the affections and purpose are enlisted a man enters upon his business concerns with listlessness and apathy. 2. Without the heart nothing else can be given. It is principle God looks at. Outward actions weigh but little with Him. But it is here "full purpose of heart." The whole soul is thrown into the work. It is not a divided heart. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. |
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