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Paul had fled Jerusalem and gone to Tarsus (Acts 9:28-30). Later (Acts 11:22-26):
News of this [Jews and Gentiles following Jesus in Antioch] reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Do we know why Barnabas brought Paul to Antioch?
My theory that I want to test here is: Barnabas saw this as an opportunity for both Paul and the church in Antioch to grow. Consider:
- Barnabas was known for encouraging Acts 4:36-37 which meant that he was able to recognise Paul’s gifts.
- Being in Antioch was clearly a pivotal experience for Barnabas and Paul (see eg Acts 13:2 and 14:26).
- Paul (and Barnabas) went on to spread the Gospel all over the known world.
Did then Barnabas deliberately invite Paul to Antioch to help him to grow? If so, in which gifts? Teaching? (See Acts 13:1) Leadership?
Troy Day
tell US all @highlight Isara Mo Rasiah Thomas Wangure’s Reflections if yall even now what this is all about
Rasiah Thomas
Troy Day The following Words of God is self-explanatory as the Jerusalem Church only sent Br. Barnaba to Antioch: “19. Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
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.
21. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul.” (Acts 11).
Isara Mo
There were hardcore unbelievers in Antioch just like they are in America
Troy Day
Isara Mo Barnabas brought Paul to Antioch for reasons far deeper than a simple ministry partnership. Antioch had become the first major Jewish–Gentile church, and the revival happening there needed someone uniquely called to reach the Gentiles. Barnabas had already recognized Paul’s calling years earlier, even defending him in Jerusalem, and he knew Paul was the right person for this moment. At the time, Paul had been back in Tarsus for several years—essentially sidelined—so Barnabas intentionally sought him out and reactivated his ministry. The two taught together in Antioch for a full year, shaping the identity of the early church, and it was there that believers were first called “Christians.” In many ways, Barnabas acted as a bridge‑builder: connecting Jerusalem to Antioch, Jews to Gentiles, and the established apostles to the rising apostle Paul. This decision became one of the most important turning points in Paul’s entire ministry.
Troy Day
to see HOW Philip Williams has found NO Noah there?