This chapter is based on Acts 11:19-26; 13:1-3.
After persecution had driven the disciples from Jerusalem, the gospel message spread rapidly. Many small gatherings of believers formed in important centers. Some disciples “traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word,” usually just to the Hebrew and Greek Jews found in nearly all the cities of the world. 4TC 80.1
In Antioch, the major city of Syria, the people received the gospel gladly. Extensive commerce brought many people of various nationalities to the city. People thought well of Antioch be cause of its healthful location, beautiful surroundings, wealth, culture, and refinement. It had become a city of luxury and vice. 4TC 80.2
In Antioch disciples from Cyprus and Cyrene taught the gospel publicly. Their earnest labors bore fruit. “A great number believed and turned to the Lord.” 4TC 81.1
News of this came to the church in Jerusalem, and “they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.” Barnabas saw the work that had already been accomplished, and he “was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Many were added to the believers there. As the work developed, Barnabas felt the need of help. He went to Tarsus to seek for Paul, who had been working in “the regions of Syria and Cilicia,” preaching “the faith which he once tried to destroy” (Galatians 1:21, 23). Barnabas persuaded him to return with him. 4TC 81.2
In the populous city of Antioch, Paul’s learning and zeal exerted a powerful influence, and he proved to be just the help that Barnabas needed. For a year the two worked together, bringing a knowledge of the world’s Redeemer to many people. 4TC 81.3
The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. People called them that because Christ was the theme of their preaching and their conversation. They never stopped telling people about His teachings and miracles of healing. With quivering lips and tearful eyes they spoke of His betrayal, trial, and execution, the torture His enemies inflicted on Him, and the Godlike pity with which He prayed for those who persecuted Him. His resurrection, ascension, and work as Mediator for fallen humanity were topics on which they loved to dwell. Well might the heathen call them Christians! 4TC 81.4