What is the meaning of Acts 11:26? He Found Him Barnabas “went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him…” (Acts 11:25–26). • Barnabas had already vouched for Saul in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27) and recognized God’s calling on him (Acts 13:2). • His deliberate search underscores the value of seeking out fellow believers whose gifts can bless the church (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10; 2 Timothy 2:2). • It also illustrates God’s sovereign orchestration of relationships to advance the gospel, just as He paired Philip with the Ethiopian (Acts 8:29–31). He Brought Him Back to Antioch “…he brought him back to Antioch.” • Antioch, a diverse trade center, would become the base for Paul’s missionary journeys (Acts 13:1–3; 14:26). • By relocating Saul, Barnabas positioned the church for multi-ethnic expansion, fulfilling Jesus’ mandate to reach “all nations” (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8). • Their partnership models intentional teamwork in ministry (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). For a Full Year They Met Together with the Church “So for a full year they met together with the church…” • Consistent gathering echoes the early believers’ steadfast devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25). • A year of shared life allowed deep discipleship, not merely event-based ministry (Acts 19:9-10). • This season prepared Antioch to become a sending church (Acts 13:1-3). Taught Large Numbers of People “…and taught large numbers of people.” • The Word of God multiplied (Acts 6:7; 12:24), evidencing that solid teaching fuels growth. • Their focus was Scripture-centered instruction, just as Paul later declared “I did not hesitate to proclaim to you the whole will of God” (Acts 20:20-27). • Teaching balanced evangelism, producing both converts and mature disciples (Colossians 1:28). The Disciples Were First Called Christians at Antioch “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.” • The name “Christian” (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16) identified believers with Christ rather than any ethnic or cultural label, fulfilling Galatians 3:28. • Likely coined by outsiders, the term acknowledged that Jesus was the defining center of their lives (John 13:35). • Embracing the name publicly aligned them with the crucified and risen Lord, a badge of honor despite potential ridicule (Matthew 5:11-12). Summary Acts 11:26 shows Barnabas intentionally retrieving Saul, God placing them in Antioch, a year of committed, Word-based community life, the teaching of many, and the birth of the name “Christian.” The verse highlights purposeful relationships, steadfast discipleship, fruitful instruction, and a new Christ-centered identity—all evidence of the Spirit guiding the church’s expansion and calling believers today to the same gospel-driven priorities. |
    |