Chapter 11:19 begins the narration of the new order of things by which the
ministry of Paul is distinguished. Among those who were scattered abroad on
the occasion of Stephen's death, and who went as far even as Antioch
preaching the Lord Jesus, there were some who, being men of Cyprus and
Cyrene, were more habitually connected with Greeks. They addressed the
Greeks therefore in this ancient capital of the Seleucidae, and many
received their word and turned to the Lord. The assembly at Jerusalem,
already prepared through the conversion of Cornelius, by which God had
shewn them the entering in of the Gentiles, accept this event also and send
Barnabas-himself a man of Cyprus-to Antioch. A good man and filled with the
Holy Ghost, his heart is full of joy on seeing this work of the grace of
God; and much people is added unto the Lord.
As yet all is linked with the work at Jerusalem, although extending now to
the Gentiles. Barnabas, apparently no longer sufficient for the work and at
all events led of God, departs in search of Saul, who had gone to Tarsus,
when they sought to kill him at Jerusalem. And these two meet with the
assembly at Antioch, teaching much people. Still everything takes place in
connection with Jerusalem, whence some prophets come down and announce a
famine. The links between the flock and Jerusalem as a centre are shewn and
strengthened, by the sending of relief to that religious metropolis of
Judaism, and of Christianity looked at as having its commencement in the
Jewish remnant who believed in Jesus as the Christ.
Barnabas and Saul are themselves charged with this service, and go up to
Jerusalem to accomplish it. This circumstance carries us back to Jerusalem,
where the Spirit has still something to shew us of the ways of God.
