Acts 11 22

Acts 11:22 kjv

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.

Acts 11:22 nkjv

Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.

Acts 11:22 niv

News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Acts 11:22 esv

The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Acts 11:22 nlt

When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Acts 11 verses

Acts 11 22 Meaning

Acts chapter 11 verse 22 records the critical response of the Jerusalem church upon hearing reports of significant spiritual revival among Gentiles in Antioch. The news of many converting to faith through the preaching of scattered Hellenistic Jewish believers prompted the mother church, centered in Jerusalem, to dispatch Barnabas, a respected leader known for his encouragement and spiritual discernment, to go and assess the situation in Antioch. This verse signifies Jerusalem's acknowledgment of the burgeoning Gentile mission and their practical step in providing oversight and support, bridging the gap between traditional Jewish Christianity and the new influx of non-Jewish believers.

Acts 11 22 Context

This verse is situated at a crucial juncture in the Book of Acts, bridging the initial phase of the Gospel's spread primarily among Jewish communities to its definitive expansion among Gentiles. Chapters 10 and 11, preceding this verse, recount Peter's vision and the conversion of Cornelius and his household, establishing a theological precedent for Gentile inclusion. However, the events of Acts 11:19-21 represent a distinct, organic outreach. Disciples scattered by persecution following Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 8:1-4) began preaching the Gospel not only to Jews but also to Gentiles (Greeks) in Antioch, leading to many conversions. This grassroots revival, particularly among non-Jews, created a new reality for the nascent church. Acts 11:22 highlights the Jerusalem church's measured and Spirit-led response to this unexpected but divine movement.

Historically and culturally, the Jewish church in Jerusalem served as the authoritative hub for early Christian growth. It was primarily Jewish in composition and largely maintained practices aligned with Judaism, though distinct in its belief in Jesus as the Messiah. The idea of mass Gentile conversion, without requiring adherence to Mosaic Law, presented significant theological and practical challenges to this community. Antioch, on the other hand, was a bustling, diverse Hellenistic metropolis, an ideal environment for the Gospel to spread beyond Jewish boundaries. The decision to send Barnabas indicates wisdom and discernment by the Jerusalem leaders, recognizing the Holy Spirit's work while seeking to integrate new believers into the wider fellowship of the Church. This set the stage for later debates and the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), formalizing the acceptance of Gentile converts.

Acts 11 22 Word analysis

• Then news (λόγος, logos): The Greek logos here refers to a "report" or "message." It signifies information about a specific development rather than a general word. Its reception underscores the importance of communication and accountability within the early church.
• of these things: Refers directly to the conversions of a "great number" of Greeks (Gentiles) to the Lord in Antioch (Acts 11:21). This specifies the radical nature of the news for the Jewish-centric Jerusalem church.
• came to the ears (ἠκούσθη, ēkousthē): Lit. "was heard." It implies that the report was given proper attention and consideration by the leadership and members of the Jerusalem church, not just overheard incidentally. This suggests a formal or significant relay of information.
• of the church (ἐκκλησίας, ekklēsias): The Greek ekklesia denotes an "assembly" or "congregation." Here it refers to the gathered body of believers in Jerusalem, recognized as the foundational and perhaps most authoritative early Christian community. The unity of the body, despite geographic distance, is implied.
• which was in Jerusalem: Emphasizes the established, foundational nature of this particular church, seen as the spiritual 'mother' church from which the Gospel initially spread (Acts 1:8). Its actions set precedents.
• and they sent out (ἐξαπέστειλαν, exapesteilan): The Greek verb exapostellō means "to send forth" or "dispatch." It implies a formal commission, authority, and intentional purpose in sending an envoy, more potent than just a casual sending.
• Barnabas (Βαρνάβας, Barnabas): His name, meaning "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36), perfectly suits his role. He was a Levite from Cyprus, a highly respected and Spirit-filled leader within the Jerusalem church (Acts 11:24). His choice signals wisdom on the part of the Jerusalem apostles and elders, knowing he possessed the character to assess and nurture this new work among Gentiles.
• to go as far as Antioch: Indicates the specific destination and the scope of his mission. Antioch was a major city and a significant pagan hub, marking a new frontier for Christian evangelism, becoming the springboard for missionary journeys (Acts 13:1-3). The mission was proactive, not merely reactive.

Words-group analysis:

• "news...came to the ears of the church...in Jerusalem": This phrase highlights the importance of communication and accountability within the early Christian community. Information about the growth of the church was shared, allowing leaders to oversee and guide. It demonstrates a functioning, interconnected body, even across geographical distance, essential for doctrinal purity and unity.
• "they sent out Barnabas": This is a crucial act of leadership and discernment. Rather than immediately imposing strict Jewish-Christian practices or outright rejecting the new movement, the Jerusalem church chose to send a trusted and Spirit-filled representative. This demonstrates a willingness to investigate and embrace the Holy Spirit's work, even when it diverged from established patterns. It also reflects Barnabas's standing and character, making him the ideal choice for such a delicate mission.
• "as far as Antioch": The destination is significant. Antioch was a major Roman city with a diverse population, becoming a key center for Gentile Christianity and a launching point for future missions. Sending Barnabas there demonstrated a strategic focus on confirming and nurturing this Gentile church, signifying the beginning of the shift of the church's center from Jerusalem to Antioch in terms of missionary activity.

Acts 11 22 Bonus section

The choice of Barnabas for this critical mission reveals several important aspects of early Christian leadership and God's wisdom in preparing His servants. His previous actions—vouching for Paul (Acts 9:27) when others were suspicious, selling his property for the church (Acts 4:36-37)—had already established him as a man of integrity, generosity, and compassion. His anointing with the Holy Spirit and full faith equipped him not just to report facts but to discern God's active hand among the Gentiles, seeing "the grace of God" (Acts 11:23) rather than mere human effort. This selection was providential, paving the way for Barnabas to recognize and eventually recruit Saul (Paul) to join him in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26), a partnership that would revolutionize Christian missions to the Gentile world. Thus, Acts 11:22 is not just a logistical note but a demonstration of the early church's mature, Spirit-led leadership crucial for the burgeoning mission to "the end of the earth."

Acts 11 22 Commentary

Acts 11:22 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the early Church. The news of widespread Gentile conversions in Antioch presented the Jerusalem church, predominantly Jewish-Christian, with a theological and practical dilemma. Their response was critical: instead of rejection or immediate imposition of Jewish legal requirements, they sent Barnabas, an action indicative of discernment and faith. Barnabas's character, known as the "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36) and described as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" (Acts 11:24), made him uniquely qualified for this delicate task. His mission was not merely investigative but pastoral—to confirm the work of the Spirit, encourage the new believers, and integrate them into the larger Christian fellowship. This sending was crucial for validating Gentile conversions, affirming that God's grace extended beyond Jewish ethnicity. It prefigures the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where the issue of Gentile inclusion was formally resolved, greatly influenced by the experiences of Antioch reported by Barnabas and Paul. This demonstrates early church leadership's wisdom in seeking verification and providing guidance for new, burgeoning centers of faith, laying the groundwork for the global spread of the Gospel.

• Practical Usage Example: When new, unconventional forms of ministry or unexpected spiritual movements arise, established church leadership should follow Jerusalem's example by prayerfully discerning, investigating with trusted individuals, and offering pastoral support rather than immediate dismissal or condemnation. This encourages growth while maintaining theological integrity.