Acts 11:25

KJV

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Bar-Nabba went off to Tarsus to look for Sha’ul;

Berean Standard Bible

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,

American Standard Version

And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 11:25 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion, depicting Barnabas's intentional journey from Antioch to Tarsus to locate Saul. This strategic decision by Barnabas, driven by the burgeoning Christian community in Antioch and the need for robust leadership and teaching, initiated the formation of a divinely orchestrated partnership that would profoundly shape the future of the Gentile mission and the spread of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of remarkable growth for the Christian community in Antioch. [Acts 11:19-24](/acts/11-19-24 "The Gospel Spreads to Antioch") describes how believers, scattered by persecution in Jerusalem, began proclaiming the Gospel to Gentiles in Antioch, leading to a "great number" believing. The Jerusalem church, upon hearing this news, sent Barnabas to investigate and encourage. Barnabas, witnessing God's grace, rejoiced and exhorted the new converts to remain faithful. Recognizing the immense spiritual hunger and the overwhelming need for sustained, deep teaching in this large, diverse city, Barnabas understood the task was too great for him alone. His subsequent action in [Acts 11:25](/acts/11-25 "Barnabas Seeks Saul in Tarsus") flows directly from this recognition, highlighting his discernment and commitment to the long-term spiritual health of the Antioch church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Antioch, a major city in Syria, was a vibrant cosmopolitan center, strategically important and a melting pot of cultures, making it an ideal hub for the burgeoning Gentile mission. Tarsus, Saul's hometown in Cilicia, was a significant intellectual and commercial city known for its university and Hellenistic culture. Saul had retreated to Tarsus after his initial, tumultuous attempts at ministry in Jerusalem, where his life was threatened ([Acts 9:29-30](/acts/9-29-30 "Saul Sent to Tarsus")). This period in Tarsus, which likely lasted several years, was a time of quiet preparation, theological reflection, and spiritual growth for Saul, equipping him for the monumental work he was about to undertake. Barnabas's journey from Antioch to Tarsus underscores the geographical scope of early Christian activity and the necessity of travel for fostering connections and expanding ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Acts. It exemplifies **Divine Providence and Collaboration**, showing how God orchestrates events and brings individuals together for His purposes, particularly in the formation of the crucial Barnabas-Saul partnership. It highlights **Barnabas's Discernment and Selflessness**, as he recognized Saul's unique gifts and potential for ministry, especially to Gentiles, and was willing to seek him out and elevate another, rather than clinging to his own prominence. The theme of **Saul's Preparation** is also evident, as his time in Tarsus, following his conversion and initial ministry, served as a period of equipping for the monumental work ahead. Finally, it underscores the **Growth of the Early Church** and the subsequent need for more teachers and leaders to nurture and guide new believers, laying a foundation for future stability and outreach, as seen in [Acts 11:26](/acts/11-26 "Disciples First Called Christians in Antioch").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **departed (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This verb signifies a purposeful exit or journey, emphasizing Barnabas's deliberate action in leaving Antioch to undertake this specific mission. It's not a casual stroll but a directed movement, highlighting the urgency and intentionality behind his decision.
* **to (Greek, _eis'_):** This primary preposition indicates direction, purpose, and the point reached. Here, it highlights Tarsus as the specific destination and the objective of Barnabas's journey, underlining the focused nature of his quest.
* **seek (Greek, _anazētéō'_):** This term denotes a thorough, earnest, and diligent search. It implies that Barnabas was not merely hoping to stumble upon Saul but actively and intentionally went to find him, underscoring the importance he placed on securing Saul's assistance for the Antioch ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then departed Barnabas":** This phrase signals a new phase of action, with Barnabas taking initiative. His departure from Antioch, where he had been ministering effectively and joyfully, highlights his selflessness and commitment to the broader needs of the burgeoning church, demonstrating a willingness to go beyond his immediate responsibilities for the greater good of the Gospel.
* **"to Tarsus":** Tarsus was Saul's hometown, a significant intellectual and commercial city in Cilicia. This detail informs us of Saul's whereabouts during a period of relative obscurity following his initial conversion and brief ministry in Damascus and Jerusalem. It suggests a time of quiet preparation, study, and spiritual growth, equipping him for the monumental work he was about to undertake.
* **"for to seek Saul":** This concluding clause explicitly states the purpose of Barnabas's journey. It underscores his remarkable spiritual discernment in recognizing Saul's unique gifts and potential for ministry, particularly to Gentiles. Barnabas's conviction that Saul was the right person to assist in the demanding ministry at Antioch led him to undertake a significant journey to locate and recruit him.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 11:25 employs several literary devices. **Characterization** is prominent, further developing Barnabas as a discerning, selfless, and encouraging leader, living up to his "Son of Encouragement" moniker by actively seeking out and empowering another for ministry. There is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as this seemingly simple act of seeking Saul sets the stage for the monumental missionary journeys of Paul, which will dominate the latter half of the book of Acts. The narrative also subtly suggests **Divine Orchestration**, implying that God is providentially bringing these two key figures together for His larger redemptive purposes, even through Barnabas's human initiative. The deliberate and purposeful language of "departed... for to seek" emphasizes the **Intentionality** of Barnabas's actions, highlighting his strategic thinking in expanding the reach of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the principle of spiritual discernment and the importance of collaborative ministry within the body of Christ. Barnabas, a man "full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" ([Acts 11:24](/acts/11-24 "Barnabas, a Good Man Full of the Holy Spirit")), recognized not only the immense need in Antioch but also the specific gifts of Saul that would best meet that need. His willingness to humble himself and seek out another, rather than attempting to shoulder the burden alone, speaks volumes about his focus on God's kingdom rather than personal prominence. This partnership, forged out of necessity and divine guidance, became a paradigm for effective Gospel proclamation, demonstrating that God often uses the complementary gifts of diverse individuals to accomplish His purposes.

* [Proverbs 27:17](/proverbs/27-17 "Iron Sharpens Iron")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Gifts for the Equipping of the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 11:25 offers profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the importance of discernment, collaboration, and proactive service in God's kingdom. Like Barnabas, we are called to be attentive to the needs of our communities and churches, recognizing where gaps exist and where specific gifts might be best utilized. This often requires looking beyond ourselves and actively seeking out others who possess the skills, wisdom, or spiritual gifting necessary for a particular task. It challenges us to embrace a spirit of partnership, understanding that ministry is rarely a solo endeavor but thrives when individuals with complementary strengths work together for a common purpose. Furthermore, Barnabas's willingness to undertake a significant journey for the sake of the Gospel reminds us that advancing God's work may require personal sacrifice, inconvenience, and a proactive pursuit of divine opportunities. Just as Saul's time in Tarsus prepared him for a greater calling, we should trust that God uses all seasons of our lives—even periods of quiet or obscurity—to equip us for future service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry am I being called to discern needs and actively seek out others to collaborate with?**
* **How can I cultivate a more selfless spirit like Barnabas, willing to elevate others and seek their unique contributions to God's work?**
* **Am I willing to "go the extra mile," like Barnabas traveling to Tarsus, to meet the needs of the church or advance the Gospel?**
* **How do I view periods of "waiting" or "preparation" in my own life? Do I trust that God is equipping me for future service, even when it's not immediately apparent?**

### FAQ

**Why did Barnabas go to Tarsus specifically to find Saul?**
Answer: Barnabas likely knew that Tarsus was Saul's hometown and where he had retreated after earlier tensions and threats to his life in Jerusalem ([Acts 9:29-30](/acts/9-29-30 "Saul Sent to Tarsus")). Barnabas, having previously vouched for Saul to the apostles in Jerusalem ([Acts 9:27](/acts/9-27 "Barnabas Vouching for Saul")), was uniquely positioned to understand Saul's gifts and potential. He discerned that Saul, with his rigorous theological training and unique calling to the Gentiles, was precisely the leader needed to help manage the rapid growth and teach the diverse new believers in Antioch. His journey was a deliberate, Spirit-led recruitment effort.

**What was Saul doing in Tarsus during this time?**
Answer: After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and initial, tumultuous attempts at ministry in Damascus and Jerusalem, Saul had been sent away to Tarsus for his safety ([Acts 9:29-30](/acts/9-29-30 "Saul Sent to Tarsus")). This period, which likely lasted several years, was a time of quiet preparation, theological reflection, and spiritual growth. It allowed Saul to deepen his understanding of the Gospel, process his radical conversion, and perhaps refine his approach to ministry, equipping him for the monumental work he would soon undertake alongside Barnabas. It was a crucial season of divine equipping before his public ministry exploded.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 11:25, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly points to the Christ-centered mission of the church. Barnabas's diligent search for Saul mirrors the active, seeking love of Christ, who came "to seek and to save that which was lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Jesus Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")). Just as Barnabas discerned Saul's unique gifting for a specific purpose, Christ, as the head of the church, gifts and calls individuals into His service, equipping them for the building up of His body ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Gifts for the Equipping of the Saints")). The subsequent partnership between Barnabas and Saul, a collaboration essential for the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles, foreshadows the unity and diversity of the church, where believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, work together to fulfill the Great Commission given by Christ ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")). Ultimately, this verse highlights how Christ orchestrates human relationships and journeys to advance His redemptive plan, ensuring that His kingdom continues to expand until "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea" ([Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of the Lord's Glory")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.