Acts 11:25

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

Then {G1161} departed {G1831} Barnabas {G921} to {G1519} Tarsus {G5019}, for to seek {G327} Saul {G4569}:

Then Bar-Nabba went off to Tarsus to look for Shaโ€™ul;

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,

And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul;

Commentary

Acts 11:25 describes a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion, highlighting the foresight and collaborative spirit of Barnabas, often called the "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). This verse sets the stage for Saul's (later known as Paul) re-entry into active, prominent ministry, marking a significant turning point in the spread of the Gospel.

Context

The preceding verses (Acts 11:19-24) detail the remarkable growth of the Christian community in Antioch, a major city in Syria. Following persecution in Jerusalem, believers scattered and, for the first time, began boldly proclaiming the Gospel to Gentiles. The "hand of the Lord was with them," and a "great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." When the news reached the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to investigate and encourage. Upon witnessing God's grace, Barnabas rejoiced and exhorted the new converts to remain faithful. Recognizing the immense spiritual hunger and the need for robust teaching in Antioch, he realized the task was too great for one person.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Collaboration: This verse beautifully illustrates how God orchestrates events and brings individuals together for His purposes. Barnabas, discerning the need for strong theological leadership, specifically sought out Saul. This partnership was divinely appointed and crucial for the burgeoning Gentile mission.
  • Barnabas's Discernment and Selflessness: Barnabas demonstrated remarkable spiritual insight in recognizing Saul's unique gifts and potential for ministry, especially to Gentiles. His willingness to seek out and elevate another, rather than clinging to his own prominence, underscores his selfless character and commitment to the Gospel's advancement.
  • Saul's Preparation: Saul had spent a period in Tarsus, his hometown, after his conversion and initial ministry in Damascus and Jerusalem (Acts 9:30). This time was likely one of quiet preparation, study, and spiritual growth, equipping him for the monumental work he was about to undertake alongside Barnabas.
  • Growth of the Early Church: The rapid expansion of the church in Antioch necessitated more teachers and leaders. Barnabas's action ensured that the new believers received solid instruction, laying a foundation for future stability and outreach.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "for to seek Saul" emphasizes the deliberate and purposeful nature of Barnabas's journey. The Greek verb for "seek" (anazฤ“teล) implies a thorough and earnest search, not a casual encounter. Barnabas knew Saul's general whereabouts and made the specific effort to locate him, underscoring the importance he placed on securing Saul's assistance for the Antioch ministry.

Practical Application

Acts 11:25 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Recognizing and Utilizing Gifts: Like Barnabas, we should be discerning in recognizing the gifts and potential in others, actively seeking out and inviting those who can contribute to God's work.
  • The Power of Partnership: Ministry is often more effective when done in collaboration. This verse highlights the profound impact that can be achieved when gifted individuals work together for a common spiritual goal.
  • Willingness to Go the Extra Mile: Barnabas's journey to Tarsus demonstrates a commitment to the needs of the church, even if it requires significant effort and personal inconvenience.
  • God's Preparation for Service: Just as Saul was prepared in Tarsus, God often uses periods of quiet or obscurity to equip individuals for future, significant roles in His kingdom.

The successful partnership forged here would lead to the disciples being first called "Christians" in Antioch (Acts 11:26) and pave the way for their first missionary journey.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 9:11

    And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

  • Acts 9:30

    [Which] when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

  • Acts 9:27

    But Barnabas took him, and brought [him] to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

  • Acts 21:39

    But Paul said, I am a man [which am] a Jew of Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
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