Acts 11:22-26 · Bible study

Acts 11:22-26 Commentary: Barnabas at Antioch

Greek · 11 what the commentators say

Meaning in one sentence

Why the Jerusalem church sent Barnabas to Antioch, how he responded to God's grace among Gentiles, and the birth of the name 'Christian'.

Research Summary

Meaning: The Jerusalem church's pastoral response to Gentile conversions, Barnabas' example of joyful encouragement, and the birth of the name 'Christian' in Antioch.
Key words: Grace (χάριν), purpose (προθέσει), abide (προσμένειν), Christians (Χριστιανούς).
Main debate: Whether 'Christian' was a name given by outsiders as a label, chosen by believers, or originated through divine direction (χρηματίσαι often implies a divine communication).
Theological theme: The inclusion of Gentiles, the role of spiritual character in church growth, and partnership in gospel ministry.
Best use: Teaching on church unity across cultures, Barnabas as a model of encouragement and humble leadership, the significance of Christian identity.

Translation Comparison

BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020

²²When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

²³When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.

²⁴Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

²⁵Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,

²⁶and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

WEB World English Bible 2000

²²The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,

²³who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.

²⁴For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.

²⁵Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.

²⁶When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

KJV King James Version 1769

²²Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

²³Who, 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.

²⁴For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

²⁵Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

²⁶And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

ASV American Standard Version 1901

²²And the report concerning them came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas as far as Antioch:

²³who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord:

²⁴for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

²⁵And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul;

²⁶and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people; and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898

²²And the account was heard in the ears of the assembly that is in Jerusalem concerning them, and they sent forth Barnabas to go through unto Antioch,

²³who, having come, and having seen the grace of God, was glad, and was exhorting all with purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord,

²⁴because he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith, and a great multitude was added to the Lord.

²⁵And Barnabas went forth to Tarsus, to seek for Saul,

²⁶and having found him, he brought him to Antioch, and it came to pass that they a whole year did assemble together in the assembly, and taught a great multitude, the disciples also were divinely called first in Antioch Christians.

Darby Darby Bible 1890

²²And the report concerning them reached the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go through as far as Antioch:

²³who, having arrived and seeing the grace of God, rejoiced, and exhorted all with purpose of heart to abide with the Lord;

²⁴for he was a good man and full of [the] Holy Spirit and of faith; and a large crowd [of people] were added to the Lord.

²⁵And he went away to Tarsus to seek out Saul.

²⁶And having found [him], he brought him to Antioch. And so it was with them that for a whole year they were gathered together in the assembly and taught a large crowd: and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899

²²And the tidings came to the ears of the church that was at Jerusalem, touching these things: and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch.

²³Who, when he was come and had seen the grace of God, rejoiced. And he exhorted them all with purpose of heart to continue in the Lord.

²⁴For he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

²⁵And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul: whom, when he had found, he brought to Antioch.

²⁶And they conversed there in the church a whole year: and they taught a great multitude, so that at Antioch the disciples were first named Christians.

Verse in Context

20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,

23 who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.

25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.

26 When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

27 Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

28 One of them named Agabus stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius.

Original Language (Koine Greek)

New Testament · Koine Greek · Acts 11:22

ἠκούσθη ēkousthē G0191 Was heard

δὲ de G1161 now

ὁ ho G3588 the

λόγος logos G3056 report

εἰς eis G1519 in

τὰ ta G3588 the

ὦτα ōta G3775 ears

τῆς tēs G3588 of the

ἐκκλησίας ekklēsias G1577 church

τῆς tēs G3588 which

οὔσης ousēs G1510 is being

ἐν en G1722 in

Ἰερουσαλὴμ Ierousalēm G2419 Jerusalem

περὶ peri G4012 concerning

αὐτῶν autōn G0846 them

καὶ kai G2532 and

ἐξαπέστειλαν exapesteilan G1821 they sent forth

Βαρναβᾶν Barnaban G0921 Barnabas

διελθεῖν dielthein G1330 to go

ἕως he'ōs G2193 as far as

Ἀντιοχείας· Antiocheias G0490 Antioch;

Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.

Scholars' Consensus

Commentators agree that the Jerusalem church's decision to send Barnabas to Antioch was a pastoral and diplomatic move. As Barnes notes, the church in Jerusalem heard the news and sent Barnabas to aid and sanction the new believers. Calvin emphasizes that Barnabas saw the grace of God, the evident effects of divine favor in conversions, and rejoiced, demonstrating sincere godliness. Vincent adds that the verb 'exhorted' (παρεκάλει) implies ongoing encouragement, not a single command. The description of Barnabas as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, is, according to Barnes, given as the reason for his success. Gill adds that he was full of the doctrine of faith. The decision to fetch Saul from Tarsus, Calvin argues, shows Barnabas' humility, choosing to bring one who would be chief. Finally, on the naming 'Christians,' Wesley observes that disciples were formerly called Nazarenes, and Vincent traces the verb χρηματίσαι to its root meaning of receiving a divine communication, suggesting the name may have originated from divine providence.

How settled is the interpretation?

Interpretive difficulty: Medium

Main views:

Outsider-label view: The name 'Christian' may have been coined by pagans or Roman authorities, as becomes common later in Pliny's letters.
Divine-designation view: The verb χρηματίσαι often carries a sense of divine communication (cf. Matthew 2:12, Hebrews 11:7), suggesting the name came from God.
Self-designation view: The church may have adopted the name to define themselves distinct from both Jews and pagans in the cosmopolitan city of Antioch.

What is clear: Barnabas' joyful response to the Gentile conversions, his exemplary character, and his partnership with Saul are universally recognized as the central narrative of this passage.

What Scholars Agree and Debate

Topic	Agreed	Debated
The sending of Barnabas	Jerusalem sent Barnabas as a delegate to the new church in Antioch, showing their pastoral concern.	Christians disagree over whether the sending was primarily investigative (to check the orthodoxy of the Gentile mission) or purely supportive. Barnes emphasizes investigation; Calvin sees it as a continuation of their already willing acceptance.
The meaning of 'grace of God'	All agree that Barnabas saw evidence of God's work in the conversions at Antioch.	Some commentators (like Clarke) describe it as the visible effects of God's favor and spiritual gifts. Others (like Barnes) focus more on the mercy shown in converting sinners. The phrase is broad enough to include both.
The character of Barnabas	He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, which directly contributed to church growth.	There is a nuance: some see 'good' as general uprightness (Barnes), while others (Poole) connect it to his specific generosity (selling land in Acts 4). The degree to which his goodness is moral vs. sacrificial is a point of varied emphasis.
The origin of the name 'Christian'	The term was first used in Antioch for the followers of Christ.	Some hold it was coined by pagans as a label (perhaps in mockery). Others note that the verb χρηματίσαι often means 'to receive a divine warning or name,' suggesting the name was given by God or had a sacred origin (Vincent). Still others see it as a self-designation by the church.

Historical & Cultural Context

Antioch on the Orontes was the third city of the Roman empire, after Rome and Alexandria. It was a wealthy, cosmopolitan center where Greek language and culture dominated, and it had a substantial Jewish population. The gospel came to Antioch through scattered believers from Cyprus and Cyrene (Acts 11:19-20). The Jerusalem church, as the mother congregation, sent Barnabas to investigate, a natural step given the geographical and ethnic boundaries being crossed (Barnes). Barnabas was well chosen. A Hellenist from Cyprus (Acts 4:36), he could relate to the Greek-speaking converts. His surname 'Son of Encouragement' (υἱὸς παρακλήσεως) prefigured his response: he saw the grace of God, not a controversial novelty but evidence of the Lord's work, and rejoiced (Calvin). His exhortation to 'abide in the Lord with purpose of heart' (τῇ προθέσει τῆς καρδίας, v.23) uses the word πρόθεσις, often rendered 'purpose,' signaling a settled, deliberate commitment (Vincent). The phrase 'full of the Holy Spirit and faith' echoes the description of Stephen (Acts 6:5) and distinguishes Barnabas as spiritually capacitated for this mission (Cambridge). Seeking Saul in Tarsus (where he had been sent for safety, Acts 9:30) was a strategic decision: Barnabas knew Saul's gifts and his calling to the Gentiles. Their year of teaching together in Antioch created a stable center for missionary expansion (Matthew Henry).

Textual Notes

The consulted sources note two minor textual variants in this passage. In verse 25, the oldest Greek manuscripts omit the name 'Barnabas,' reading simply 'And he went forth to Tarsus.' The name is supplied in later manuscripts for clarity. In verse 26, some manuscripts read πρῶτον ('first') instead of πρώτως ('originally,' 'firstly'), though the meaning is not substantially affected. No other significant variants are noted by the supplied commentators.

Reception History

Early church writers saw Antioch as the birthplace of a distinctive Christian identity. Calvin called the honor of being named 'Christians' a crowning blessing from God on the church at Antioch. Wesley noted that before this, disciples were known as Nazarenes or Galilaeans, and the new name signaled a broader, more public identity. The passage has been used throughout church history to illustrate how spiritual character (Barnabas as 'Son of Encouragement') enables healthy church growth. Matthew Henry treated Antioch as the model of a multicultural congregation. The name 'Christian' itself became the universal title for believers, and this passage is often cited in discussions of how that name should be lived out.

Preaching This Verse

Three-point outline

The Emissary of Grace (vv.22-23). The Jerusalem church sent Barnabas to evaluate the new work. He 'saw the grace of God' and rejoiced. His response models how to recognize genuine spiritual fruit without prejudice.
The Character That Builds the Church (v.24). Barnabas was 'a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.' His personal character, not just his office, made him effective. Growth followed naturally: 'much people was added unto the Lord.'
The Partnership That Spreads the Gospel (vv.25-26). Barnabas did not work alone. He sought Saul, submitted to shared leadership, and together they taught for a full year. The result: the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Five-point outline

The church at Jerusalem hears and responds (v.22).
Barnabas sees grace and rejoices (v.23).
He exhorts the believers to persevere with purpose (v.23).
His character opens the door for multiplied growth (v.24).
The partnership of Barnabas and Saul produces lasting fruit and a new identity (vv.25-26).

Illustration hooks

A new neighbor from a different culture moves onto your street. Before assuming things, you visit. You see their kindness and welcome them, even when it is unfamiliar. Barnabas did that for Antioch.
A colleague at work is doing excellent things, but your team has never worked with their department. Instead of staying territorial, a manager sends a supportive liaison. Barnabas was that liaison.
A coach recruiting a star player who might outshine them. It takes humility to bring in someone more gifted. Barnabas recruited Saul, knowing his future prominence.

Questions your congregation is asking

Why did the Jerusalem church need to send anyone? Could not the Antioch church manage on its own?
Is 'Christian' a title we give ourselves, or one given to us, and does it matter?
How do we 'see the grace of God' in others without envy or suspicion?

Leading a Discussion

This passage records a pivotal moment when the early church responded to a new work of God among Gentiles. Barnabas serves as a model of discernment, humility, and partnership.

Discussion questions

What about the news from Antioch prompted the Jerusalem church to send Barnabas? (Observation)
How does Barnabas’ immediate joy at seeing 'the grace of God' challenge our own responses to unexpected conversions? (Interpretation)
What does it mean to 'abide in the Lord with purpose of heart'? (Interpretation)
Why is Barnabas described as 'a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith'? What does this tell us about the qualities needed for ministry? (Interpretation)
Barnabas brought Saul from Tarsus. What does this reveal about his leadership and his view of teamwork? (Interpretation/Application)
In what ways can we, as a group, 'see the grace of God' in our community and respond with support rather than suspicion? (Application)
The name 'Christian' began at Antioch. What responsibilities come with bearing that name in your daily context? (Application)

What the Commentators Say

9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832

Barnes argues that the name "Christian" was likely first used by Gentiles in Antioch as a simple label, not a term of mockery. He stresses that this title, far from being dishonorable, became the most noble appellation a believer can bear, uniting all followers of Christ above every earthly distinction.

Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564

Barnabas stands out for his complete lack of ambition; he joyfully acknowledged God's grace in others' work and willingly fetched Paul, knowing Paul would outshine him. Calvin also emphasizes that Antioch received the singular honor of having believers first called Christians, a title that glorified Christ alone.

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880

The commentary observes that the Jerusalem church sent Barnabas not because of controversy over Gentile inclusion, as with Peter's visit to Cornelius, but to affirm the work at Antioch. It highlights Barnabas's character, full of the Holy Spirit and faith like Stephen, and notes that the name Christian was likely a mocking label given by the heathen in Antioch.

Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599

The Geneva Notes highlight Barnabas’s joyful recognition of God’s grace at work in Antioch. His character—good, full of the Holy Spirit and faith—spurred new believers to persevere. The note also marks the historic moment when disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748

Gill notes that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch, likely adopting the name themselves after Jewish and Gentile believers were united in one church. This general title helped bury the old distinction between circumcised and uncircumcised believers under a common identity in Christ.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871

JFB highlights Barnabas's distinctive "large-heartedness" as the key to his ministry. He was the first to see Paul's potential, seeking him out in Tarsus and bringing him to Antioch. The name "Christians" originated not with believers or their Jewish opponents, but with the Romans in Antioch, a testimony to how central Christ was to this community.

Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857

Lange notes that the Jerusalem church, not the apostles alone, sends Barnabas to Antioch, showing the apostles willingly receding behind the congregation. He also argues that pagans, not Jews or believers, coined the name Christians, treating it as a political party label. This name proves the church had grown distinct from Judaism and entered public history.

Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887

Vincent traces the name "Christian" to its Greek root meaning a name used in everyday business dealings, not a title the disciples chose for themselves. He argues the name was likely given by Gentiles in Antioch, not by Jews who called believers Nazarenes, and may have simply identified followers of Christ without being originally intended as mockery.

Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754

Wesley notes that Antioch was where believers first received the name "Christian" as their permanent, public title. Before that they were known by other labels such as Nazarenes and Galileans. This simply records the origin of the familiar designation we use today.

Word Study

The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.

ἀκούω akouō to hear G0191 · Greek → Ἀντιόχεια Antiocheia Antioch G0490 · Greek → αὐτός autos it/s/he G0846 · Greek → Βαρνάβας Barnabas Barnabas G0921 · Greek → δέ de then G1161 · Greek → διέρχομαι dierchomai to pass through G1330 · Greek → εἰμί eimi to be G1510 · Greek → εἰς eis toward G1519 · Greek → ἐκκλησία ekklēsia assembly G1577 · Greek → ἐν en in/on/among G1722 · Greek → ἐξαποστέλλω exapostellō to send out/away G1821 · Greek → ἕως heōs until G2193 · Greek → Ἱερουσαλήμ Hierousalēm Jerusalem G2419 · Greek → καί kai and G2532 · Greek → λόγος logos word G3056 · Greek → ὁ ho the/this/who G3588 · Greek → οὖς ous ear G3775 · Greek → περί peri about G4012 · Greek →

Cross-References

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)

Acts 4:36	Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,
Acts 4:37	having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 8:14	Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
Acts 9:27	But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Acts 11:1	Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
Acts 13:1	Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Acts 13:3	Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Acts 15:2	Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul, Barnabas, and some others of them to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.

Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.

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