Why did Barnabas seek Saul in Acts 11:25, and what can we learn? Setting the scene in Antioch Acts 11:25: “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.” The church in Antioch was exploding with new Gentile believers (Acts 11:21-24). Barnabas had been sent to shepherd this young congregation, but he quickly realized the work was bigger than one man. Why Barnabas went after Saul • Barnabas remembered Saul’s calling. After Saul’s conversion, the Lord said, “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15). Antioch was now the first large Gentile church—exactly Saul’s assignment. • He valued complementary gifting. Barnabas, nicknamed “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36), excelled at comforting and stabilizing. Saul, a trained rabbi, excelled at teaching and defending the faith (Galatians 1:14; Acts 9:22). Antioch needed both. • He trusted proven character. Barnabas had already vouched for Saul in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27). He knew Saul’s transformation was genuine and that persecution in Tarsus had refined him (Acts 9:29-30; Galatians 1:21). • He prioritized discipleship over personal spotlight. Rather than guarding “his” ministry, Barnabas invited someone who might soon surpass him (Acts 13:2 ff). That humility preserved unity and multiplied impact. What we can learn • Look for God-given callings in others and help them find the right field. • Pair differing gifts; ministry flourishes when encouragers and teachers serve side-by-side (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Invest in people even when it means sharing influence; kingdom work is not a competition (Philippians 2:3-4). • Actively pursue partners, don’t wait for them to volunteer. Barnabas traveled 100+ miles to Tarsus—initiative matters. • Trust Scripture’s pattern: God often prepares workers in hidden seasons (Tarsus) before public usefulness (Antioch). Fruit that followed • A year of solid teaching produced a grounded church: “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). • Antioch became a missionary hub; the Spirit launched the first intentional overseas mission from this partnership (Acts 13:1-3). • The gospel advanced through shared leadership models that still guide local churches today (Ephesians 4:11-13). • Saul, later Paul, wrote epistles that shape doctrine for all generations—fruit that traces back to Barnabas’ decision to seek him out. Barnabas’ short trip to Tarsus changed church history. Seeking the right co-laborer at the right time remains one of God’s favorite ways to expand His kingdom. |
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