Acts 11:25 kjv
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
Acts 11:25 nkjv
Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.
Acts 11:25 niv
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
Acts 11:25 esv
So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
Acts 11:25 nlt
Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul.
Acts 11 25 Cross References
| Verse | Text (Shortened) | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 4:36-37 | "Joseph, who by the apostles was called Barnabas...sold a field and brought the money..." | Barnabas's character as encourager and generous. |
| Acts 9:15 | "He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles..." | God's prior calling of Saul for Gentile ministry. |
| Acts 9:27 | "Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles..." | Barnabas vouching for Saul early on. |
| Acts 9:30 | "the brothers sent him off to Tarsus." | Saul's departure to Tarsus before this event. |
| Acts 11:22-24 | "They sent Barnabas to Antioch...He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit..." | Context: Barnabas's positive assessment of Antioch's church. |
| Gal 1:17-18 | "I did not immediately consult with anyone...returned to Damascus...Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem..." | Saul's time in Arabia/Cilicia prior to public ministry. |
| Eccl 4:9-10 | "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil." | Value of partnership in ministry. |
| Prov 16:9 | "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." | God's sovereign direction in ministry strategy. |
| Matt 28:19-20 | "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...teaching them..." | The Great Commission, needing gifted teachers. |
| Eph 3:8 | "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles..." | Paul's specific calling to the Gentiles. |
| Rom 15:20 | "making it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named..." | Paul's passion for pioneer evangelism, anticipated here. |
| 1 Cor 3:6 | "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." | Different roles in ministry for growth. |
| Phil 1:5 | "because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." | Partnership in gospel work. |
| Col 1:28-29 | "Him we proclaim, warning every person and teaching every person with all wisdom..." | The importance of teaching in discipling. |
| 2 Tim 2:2 | "and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful people, who will be able to teach others also." | Importance of equipping future teachers. |
| Psa 37:23 | "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way..." | God guides faithful servants. |
| Jer 29:11 | "For I know the plans I have for you...plans for welfare and not for evil..." | God's sovereign plans for individuals. |
| Rom 8:28 | "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good..." | God's working through all circumstances. |
| Acts 13:2-3 | "While they were worshiping the Lord... 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work..." | Confirmation of Barnabas and Saul's missionary calling. |
| Acts 18:1-3 | "After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth...and since he was of the same trade..." | Paul's readiness to serve and work to support ministry. |
| 1 Cor 9:19-23 | "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them." | Paul's adaptable evangelism approach. |
Acts 11 verses
Acts 11 25 Meaning
Acts 11:25 describes Barnabas's purposeful journey from Antioch to Tarsus to find Saul. After witnessing the powerful work of God among the Gentiles in Antioch and the rapidly growing church there, Barnabas recognized the need for additional leadership and teaching. Driven by discernment and wisdom, he specifically sought out Saul, anticipating his unique contributions to this burgeoning ministry, especially among Gentiles.
Acts 11 25 Context
The broader context of Acts 11 revolves around the significant expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Following Peter's report in Jerusalem regarding the conversion of Cornelius, a crucial shift occurs. Believers, scattered due to persecution after Stephen's martyrdom, preached the word beyond the Jews to Gentiles in Antioch, and many came to faith in the Lord. This new wave of conversion among non-Jews prompted the church in Jerusalem to send Barnabas, a respected and Spirit-filled leader, to Antioch. Upon arriving, Barnabas saw God's grace, rejoiced, and encouraged the growing Gentile congregation, resulting in even more additions to the Lord. It was at this juncture, witnessing the powerful move of God and anticipating the immense work ahead in nurturing this large, new body of believers, that Barnabas understood the need for a uniquely gifted individual. Knowing Saul's prior calling to the Gentiles and his extensive training, Barnabas took the proactive step to seek him out. This decision set the stage for Antioch becoming a major missionary hub for the nascent church, impacting the global spread of the Gospel. Historically, Tarsus was Saul's highly educated hometown, to which he had been sent for his safety by the Jerusalem believers (Acts 9:30), where he had likely been waiting for divine direction or an opportunity for years.
Word Analysis
- Then (δὲ - de): This particle serves as a connective, signifying a transition or a slight shift in focus from the general flourishing of the church in Antioch under Barnabas's care (described in the previous verse) to Barnabas's specific and proactive response to the growing needs. It implies a subsequent, intentional action.
- (Barnabas - inferred from preceding verses): The subject "he" (Barnabas) is implied. His consistent portrayal in Acts (4:36-37; 9:27; 11:22-24) as an encourager, a discerning leader, and one who validates others, especially those with challenging pasts, is crucial here. He took the initiative to bridge a perceived gap.
- went to (εἰς - eis): A preposition indicating motion toward a specific destination, emphasizing the directness of the journey.
- Tarsus (Ταρσὸν - Tarson): Saul's hometown in Cilicia (Acts 9:11, 21:39, 22:3). This detail confirms Barnabas knew or accurately surmised Saul's whereabouts after his earlier departure from Jerusalem (Acts 9:30). Tarsus was a major city, culturally and intellectually significant.
- to look for (ἀναζητῆσαι - anazētēsai): This is the aorist active infinitive of anazēteō, a strong verb meaning "to search for thoroughly," "to seek diligently," or "to hunt up." The prefix ana- intensifies the verb zēteō (to seek), suggesting an earnest, persistent search rather than a casual inquiry. Barnabas had a clear objective and exerted significant effort to find Saul.
- Saul (Σαῦλον - Saulon): The one who would become Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. This verse marks a pivotal moment for Saul's return to active, public ministry after a period of relative obscurity, potentially years spent in preparation and deeper reflection in his hometown, as suggested by Gal 1:17-18.
Words-Group Analysis
- "Barnabas went to Tarsus": This phrase highlights Barnabas's intentional and costly journey. Traveling from Antioch to Tarsus (approx. 100-150 miles) was not trivial in the ancient world, demonstrating Barnabas's dedication and recognition of the critical need for assistance in Antioch. It speaks to proactive leadership and foresight.
- "to look for Saul": This clearly states the purpose of Barnabas's arduous journey. He was not on a general recruiting trip; he specifically sought out Saul. This implies a recognition of Saul's unique qualifications, his background, his calling to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15), and the specific anointing upon his life for teaching and apostleship that Barnabas had already witnessed and affirmed (Acts 9:27). This act demonstrates discerning leadership and partnership in ministry.
Acts 11 25 Bonus section
- God's Preparation in Obscurity: Saul's time in Tarsus (potentially several years, consistent with Gal 1:17-18) serves as a profound example of God preparing His servants in relative obscurity. Similar to Moses in Midian or David in the fields, this period was not wasted time but essential for deeper theological reflection, spiritual growth, and preparation for future apostolic ministry.
- The Discernment of Barnabas: Barnabas is an unsung hero. His willingness to validate Saul (Acts 9:27) and then proactively seek him out here speaks volumes about his character, lack of personal ambition, and keen spiritual insight. He correctly identified the right person at the right time for a burgeoning, groundbreaking ministry need.
- Strategic Alliance for Gospel Advancement: This meeting and subsequent partnership between Barnabas and Saul in Antioch laid the groundwork for the future missionary journeys described in Acts. Antioch became the key launching pad for the Gentile mission, fulfilling God's universal plan for salvation.
Acts 11 25 Commentary
Acts 11:25 signifies a crucial juncture in the early church's mission. Barnabas's act of going to Tarsus to search out Saul showcases his spiritual discernment and selfless leadership. He didn't seek to hoard influence but recognized the greater need and the unique gifts Saul possessed, especially for teaching Gentiles in the rapidly expanding Antioch church. This initiative activated Saul's call to wider public ministry after a period of relative quiet and preparation, effectively transitioning him from personal conviction to being a pivotal apostolic figure. This was God's perfect timing, preparing Saul for his foundational work among the Gentiles, directly fulfilling the prophecies spoken concerning him (Acts 9:15). It models collaborative ministry and the humility to bring in highly gifted individuals for the kingdom's greater good.