Acts 11:26 - When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
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What does "Acts 11:26" mean?
Acts 11:26 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church. Let's break it down:
"When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch...": "He" refers to Barnabas. In the previous verses, Barnabas was sent from the church in Jerusalem to Antioch because many people there were converting to Christianity. Recognizing the growing need, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Paul (formerly Saul), who had previously persecuted Christians but had since become a believer himself. Barnabas recognized Paul's gifts and potential for ministry. This highlights the importance of mentorship and partnership in spreading the Gospel.
"...For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly...": Barnabas and Paul spent a year ministering in Antioch, working closely with the existing community of believers. This suggests consistent, sustained teaching and fellowship. It underscores the importance of community building and consistent discipleship.
"...and taught many people.": The purpose of their time in Antioch was to instruct and nurture the growing number of believers. This emphasizes the central role of teaching in the early church, focusing on the teachings of Jesus and the interpretation of the scriptures.
"The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.": This is arguably the most significant part of the verse. Before this, followers of Jesus were referred to by various terms like "disciples," "believers," or "those of the Way." Antioch is where they were first called "Christians." This likely happened because Antioch was a diverse and cosmopolitan city, and the label "Christian" (meaning "follower of Christ" or "belonging to Christ") provided a clear and distinct identifier for this new religious group. It suggests the church had grown large enough and distinct enough to warrant its own unique label.
In summary, the verse signifies:
Strategic partnership: Barnabas recognizing and bringing Paul to Antioch to help with ministry.
Consistent Discipleship: A year-long commitment to teaching and fellowship.
Church Growth: The conversion of "many people" and the expanding influence of the Gospel.
A distinct identity: The formal emergence of "Christian" as the name for followers of Jesus, marking a significant step in the development of Christianity as a separate religion from Judaism.
Acts 11:26 - When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
What does "Acts 11:26" mean?
Acts 11:26 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church. Let's break it down:
"When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch...": "He" refers to Barnabas. In the previous verses, Barnabas was sent from the church in Jerusalem to Antioch because many people there were converting to Christianity. Recognizing the growing need, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Paul (formerly Saul), who had previously persecuted Christians but had since become a believer himself. Barnabas recognized Paul's gifts and potential for ministry. This highlights the importance of mentorship and partnership in spreading the Gospel.
"...For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly...": Barnabas and Paul spent a year ministering in Antioch, working closely with the existing community of believers. This suggests consistent, sustained teaching and fellowship. It underscores the importance of community building and consistent discipleship.
"...and taught many people.": The purpose of their time in Antioch was to instruct and nurture the growing number of believers. This emphasizes the central role of teaching in the early church, focusing on the teachings of Jesus and the interpretation of the scriptures.
"The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.": This is arguably the most significant part of the verse. Before this, followers of Jesus were referred to by various terms like "disciples," "believers," or "those of the Way." Antioch is where they were first called "Christians." This likely happened because Antioch was a diverse and cosmopolitan city, and the label "Christian" (meaning "follower of Christ" or "belonging to Christ") provided a clear and distinct identifier for this new religious group. It suggests the church had grown large enough and distinct enough to warrant its own unique label.
In summary, the verse signifies:
Strategic partnership: Barnabas recognizing and bringing Paul to Antioch to help with ministry.
Consistent Discipleship: A year-long commitment to teaching and fellowship.
Church Growth: The conversion of "many people" and the expanding influence of the Gospel.
A distinct identity: The formal emergence of "Christian" as the name for followers of Jesus, marking a significant step in the development of Christianity as a separate religion from Judaism.