TRV
John Chrysostom
Nicene & Post-Nicene · AD 325–500 · 7,356 passages across 56 books
Commentary
Acts 11:20
And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
"But there were in Antioch certain men of Cyprus and Cyrene:" these, of all others, least cared for the Jews: "who spake unto the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus." Probably it was because of their not knowing Hebrew, that they called them Greeks. And they did not say, "What, we, Cyrenians and Cyprians, to attack this splendid and great city!" but trusting in the grace of God, they applied themselves to the work of teaching, nor did these Gentiles themselves think scorn to learn anything of them.
Acts 11:21
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
"And the hand of the Lord," it says, "was with them," that is, they wrought miracles; "and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." Do you mark why now also there was need of miracles, namely, that they might believe?
Acts 11:22
· 2 passages
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
"Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch." What may be the reason that, when such a city received the word, they did not come themselves? Because of the Jews. But they send Barnabas. However, it is no small part of the providential management even so that Paul comes to be there. It is both natural, and it is wisely ordered, that they are averse to him, and so that Voice of the Gospel, that Trumpet of heaven, is not shut up in Jerusalem.
Mark how by small means all is brought about: mark the preaching how it spreads: mark those in Jerusalem, having like care for all, holding the whole world as one house. "They heard that Samaria had received the word, and" to Samaria they send the Apostles: they heard what had befallen at Antioch, and to Antioch they send Barnabas: they also send again, and these prophets. For the distance was great, and it was not meet the Apostles at present should separate from thence, that they might not be thought to be fugitives, and to have fled from their own people.
Acts 11:23-24
· 3 passages
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
And "when" Barnabas, it says, "came and had seen the grace of God," - not the diligence of men - "he exhorted them to cleave unto the Lord": and by this he converted more. "And much people was added unto the Lord." Why do they not write to Paul, but send Barnabas? They did not yet know the virtue of the man: but it is providentially ordered that Barnabas should come. As there was a multitude, and none to hinder, well might the faith grow, and above all because they had no trials to undergo.
"And he exhorted them to cleave unto the Lord, for he was a good man." By "good man," I take it, he means one that is kind, sincere, exceedingly desirous of the salvation of his neighbors - "for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. To cleave unto the Lord with purpose of heart" this is said with encomium and praise. "And much people was added unto the Lord:" for like rich land this city received the word, and brought forth much fruit.
But observe this holy man - Barnabas, I mean - how he looked not to his own interests, but hasted to Tarsus. "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart, they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." He was a very kind man, and single-hearted, and considerate.
Acts 11:25
· 2 passages
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
"Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus," etc. But why did he take him off from Tarsus and bring him here? Not without good reason; for here were both good hopes, and a greater city, and a great body of people. See how grace works all, not Paul: by small means the affair was taking its commencement. When it is become difficult the Apostles take it up. Why did they not before this send Barnabas? Because they had enough to do with Jerusalem.
"Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul." He came to the athletic wrestler, the general fit to lead armies, the champion of single combat, the lion - I am at a loss for words, say what I will - the hunting-dog, killer of lions, bull of strength, lamp of brightness, mouth sufficing for a world.
Acts 11:26
· 3 passages
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
"And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch." Verily this is the reason why it was there they were appointed to be called Christians, because Paul there spent so long time! "And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the Church, and taught much people. And the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch." No small matter of praise to that city! This is enough to make it a match for all, that for so long a time it had the benefit of that mouth, it first, and before all others: wherefore also it was there in the first place that men were accounted worthy of that name.
Do you observe the benefit resulting to that city from Paul, to what a height that name, like a standard, exalted it? Where three thousand, where five thousand, believed, where so great a multitude, nothing of the sort took place, but they were called "they of the way:" here they were called Christians.
Paul also preaches, and is no longer compelled to flee. And it is well ordered, that not they speak of the famine, but the prophets. The men of Antioch also did not take it amiss that they sent not the Apostles, but were content with their teachers: so fervent were they all for the word.
Acts 11:27
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
"And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch." It was need that the fruit of alms should also be planted there. And see how of necessity none of the men of note becomes their teacher. They got for their teachers, men of Cyprus, and Cyrene, and Paul - though he indeed surpassed the Apostles themselves - since Paul also had for teachers Ananias and Barnabas.
Acts 11:28
· 2 passages
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
"And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there would be great dearth throughout the world, which also came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar." "By the Spirit," it says: for, that they may not imagine that this was the reason why the famine came, namely, because Christianity was come in, because the demons were departed, the Holy Ghost foretells it: this, however, was nothing wonderful, for in fact Christ predicted it. Not this was the reason, else this must have been the case from the beginning: but it was because of the evils done to the Apostles - and God had borne long with them; but, when they pressed upon them, a great famine ensues, betokening to the Jews the coming woes.
But it is predicted, that they might be prepared beforehand for almsgiving. "Unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea;" for they were enduring great hardships, but before this, they were not suffering from famine.
Acts 11:29
· 3 passages
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
They did not wait for the famine to come, but before this they sent: "according as each had the ability." And observe, among the Apostles, others are put in charge with this trust, but here Paul and Barnabas. For this was no small order of Providence. Besides, it was the beginning, and it was not fit they should be offended.
"Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea." Mark how the famine becomes to them the means of salvation, an occasion of alms-giving, a harbinger of many blessings. And so it might have been to you, one may say, if you were so minded, but ye would not.
"As each had the ability, they sent." But now, none does this, although there is a famine more grievous than that. For the cases are not alike, for all to bear the calamity in common, and, while all the rest abound, for the poorer to be famishing. And the expression shows that the givers also were poor, for, it says, "as each of them had the means." A twofold famine, even as the abundance is twofold: a severe famine, a famine not of hearing the word of the Lord, but of being nourished by alms. Then, both the poor in Judea enjoyed the benefit, and so did those in Antioch who gave their money; yea, these more than those.
Acts 11:30
· 2 passages
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Again they justified themselves to the Jews, that the Gentiles were receiving the word, even without enjoying so great attention. There is about to be a questioning: therefore the affair of Cornelius forestalled it. Then indeed they say, "That we to the Gentiles, and they to the Circumcision." Observe, henceforth the very stress of the famine introduces the fellowship on the part of the Gentiles, namely, from the alms. For they receive the offerings sent from them.
"Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul." Do you mark them, that no sooner do they believe than they bring forth fruit, not only for their own but for those afar off? And Barnabas is sent and Saul, to minister the same. Of this occasion he says to the Galatians, "And James, Cephas, and John gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, only that we should remember the poor."