What is the meaning of Acts 11:25? Then Acts 11:19-24 has just described the gospel’s explosive growth in Antioch. News of this reaches Jerusalem, and the church sends Barnabas. He witnesses “the grace of God,” rejoices, and urges the believers “to remain true to the Lord with steadfast resolve” (Acts 11:23). Only after fulfilling that immediate assignment does he take the next step. • “Then” locks the timeline in place: first encouragement, then strategic action. • God often moves in clear, purposeful sequence—see Acts 8:14 (“When the apostles … heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them”). • The verse reminds us that ministry opportunities unfold one faithful decision at a time. Barnabas Acts 4:36 calls him “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement).” • His character: generous (Acts 4:37), Spirit-filled (Acts 11:24), bridge-builder (Acts 9:27). • His example shows how God uses encouragers as kingdom catalysts. • Like Numbers 13:30’s Caleb, Barnabas sees potential where others see problems. went Obedient movement marks early church leaders. • Acts 13:4, “Sent forth by the Holy Spirit, they went…”; Acts 16:10, “immediately we sought to leave for Macedonia.” • Barnabas doesn’t delegate; he goes himself. James 1:22 calls us to be “doers of the word.” • Faith acts; it does not wait for perfect conditions (Ecclesiastes 11:4). to Tarsus Tarsus in Cilicia is Saul’s hometown (Acts 9:11; 22:3). • Years earlier believers had escorted Saul there for safety (Acts 9:30). • Galatians 1:21 shows Saul ministering quietly in “the regions of Syria and Cilicia.” • Barnabas travels roughly 100 miles from Antioch—costly in time and effort—to retrieve an indispensable coworker. to look for The Greek narrative implies diligent search. • Echoes Luke 15:4-6 where the shepherd “goes after the one that is lost until he finds it.” • Barnabas values people over convenience. Proverbs 27:17—“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” • He anticipates Antioch’s need for sound teaching; Acts 11:26 records a full year of joint instruction that follows. Saul God already declared Saul “a chosen vessel… to carry My name before Gentiles” (Acts 9:15). • Barnabas recalls that calling and makes room for it. • Acts 13:2-3 will later show the Spirit setting apart “Barnabas and Saul” for missionary work. • Saul’s life testifies that God redeems and repurposes former enemies (1 Timothy 1:15-16). summary Acts 11:25 captures a pivotal hinge in God’s unfolding plan: after affirming new believers, Barnabas actively seeks the right partner for further discipleship. Each phrase reveals faithful sequence, selfless character, decisive action, strategic location, persistent pursuit, and Spirit-chosen personnel. The verse invites us to follow Barnabas’s pattern—encourage others, obey promptly, go the distance, value relationships, and recognize God’s chosen instruments for the work ahead. |
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