Then Barnabas went to TarsusBarnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," was a key figure in the early church, known for his role in supporting and mentoring new believers. His journey to Tarsus indicates a proactive approach in seeking out Saul, who would later be known as Paul. Tarsus was a significant city in Cilicia, a region in modern-day Turkey. It was a center of learning and culture, known for its university, which rivaled those in Athens and Alexandria. This background highlights the strategic importance of Saul's education and upbringing in Tarsus, preparing him for his future role as a missionary and theologian.
to look for Saul
Saul, who had previously been a zealous persecutor of Christians, experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). After his conversion, Saul spent time in Arabia and then returned to Damascus before eventually going to Jerusalem (Galatians 1:17-18). His return to Tarsus likely involved a period of preparation and growth in his understanding of the Gospel. Barnabas's decision to seek out Saul underscores the importance of mentorship and community in the early church. This act of seeking Saul also reflects the fulfillment of God's plan, as Saul was chosen to be a "chosen instrument" to carry the name of Jesus to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). Barnabas's role in bringing Saul to Antioch (Acts 11:26) would be pivotal in the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities, marking a significant shift in the early church's mission.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
BarnabasKnown as the "Son of Encouragement," Barnabas was a key figure in the early church, recognized for his generosity and support of new believers. He played a crucial role in the acceptance of Saul (Paul) by the apostles in Jerusalem.
2.
Saul (Paul)Originally a persecutor of Christians, Saul experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He later became known as Paul, one of the most influential apostles and a prolific writer of the New Testament.
3.
TarsusA city in Cilicia, Tarsus was the birthplace of Saul. It was a significant cultural and educational center in the Roman Empire, which may have influenced Saul's background and education.
4.
AntiochAlthough not mentioned directly in this verse, Antioch is the context for Barnabas's mission. It was a major center for early Christianity and the place where believers were first called "Christians."
5.
The Early ChurchThis event is part of the broader account of the early church's expansion and the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith, marking a pivotal moment in Christian history.
Teaching Points
The Importance of EncouragementBarnabas's actions remind us of the power of encouragement and support in the growth of others. We should seek to be encouragers in our communities, helping others to find their place and purpose in God's work.
Recognizing PotentialBarnabas saw potential in Saul that others might have overlooked due to his past. We should strive to see beyond people's pasts and recognize the potential God has placed in them.
Obedience to God's LeadingBarnabas's decision to seek Saul was likely prompted by the Holy Spirit. We should be attentive to God's leading in our lives, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones.
The Role of Community in MinistryThe early church's growth was a collective effort. We should value and invest in our church communities, understanding that ministry is not a solo endeavor.
God's Sovereign PlanThis verse is a reminder of God's sovereignty in orchestrating events and relationships for His purposes. Trusting in God's plan can bring peace and assurance in our own lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 11:25?
2.Why did Barnabas seek Saul in Acts 11:25, and what can we learn?
3.How does Acts 11:25 demonstrate the importance of mentorship in Christian growth?
4.What other scriptures highlight the significance of seeking out fellow believers for support?
5.How can we apply Barnabas's example in Acts 11:25 to our church community?
6.In what ways can we actively seek and support new believers like Barnabas did?
7.Why did Barnabas seek Saul in Acts 11:25, and what does this reveal about leadership?
8.How does Acts 11:25 illustrate the importance of mentorship in early Christianity?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 11:25?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 11?
11.What are Barnabas's key traits and life lessons?
12.What is Antioch's biblical significance?
13.What was the significance of the Church at Antioch?
14.What was the significance of the Church at Antioch?What Does Acts 11:25 Mean
ThenActs 11:19-24 has just described the gospel’s explosive growth in Antioch. News of this reaches Jerusalem, and the church sends Barnabas. He witnesses “the grace of God,” rejoices, and urges the believers “to remain true to the Lord with steadfast resolve” (Acts 11:23). Only after fulfilling that immediate assignment does he take the next step.
• “Then” locks the timeline in place: first encouragement, then strategic action.
• God often moves in clear, purposeful sequence—seeActs 8:14 (“When the apostles … heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them”).
• The verse reminds us that ministry opportunities unfold one faithful decision at a time.
BarnabasActs 4:36 calls him “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement).”
• His character: generous (Acts 4:37), Spirit-filled (Acts 11:24), bridge-builder (Acts 9:27).
• His example shows how God uses encouragers as kingdom catalysts.
• LikeNumbers 13:30’s Caleb, Barnabas sees potential where others see problems.
wentObedient movement marks early church leaders.
•Acts 13:4, “Sent forth by the Holy Spirit, they went…”;Acts 16:10, “immediately we sought to leave for Macedonia.”
• Barnabas doesn’t delegate; he goes himself.James 1:22 calls us to be “doers of the word.”
• Faith acts; it does not wait for perfect conditions (Ecclesiastes 11:4).
to TarsusTarsus in Cilicia is Saul’s hometown (Acts 9:11; 22:3).
• Years earlier believers had escorted Saul there for safety (Acts 9:30).
•Galatians 1:21 shows Saul ministering quietly in “the regions of Syria and Cilicia.”
• Barnabas travels roughly 100 miles from Antioch—costly in time and effort—to retrieve an indispensable coworker.
to look forThe Greek narrative implies diligent search.
• EchoesLuke 15:4-6 where the shepherd “goes after the one that is lost until he finds it.”
• Barnabas values people over convenience.Proverbs 27:17—“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
• He anticipates Antioch’s need for sound teaching;Acts 11:26 records a full year of joint instruction that follows.
SaulGod already declared Saul “a chosen vessel… to carry My name before Gentiles” (Acts 9:15).
• Barnabas recalls that calling and makes room for it.
•Acts 13:2-3 will later show the Spirit setting apart “Barnabas and Saul” for missionary work.
• Saul’s life testifies that God redeems and repurposes former enemies (1 Timothy 1:15-16).
summaryActs 11:25 captures a pivotal hinge in God’s unfolding plan: after affirming new believers, Barnabas actively seeks the right partner for further discipleship. Each phrase reveals faithful sequence, selfless character, decisive action, strategic location, persistent pursuit, and Spirit-chosen personnel. The verse invites us to follow Barnabas’s pattern—encourage others, obey promptly, go the distance, value relationships, and recognize God’s chosen instruments for the work ahead.
(25)
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus.--The act is every way significant. It indicates the assurance that Saul would approve of the work which had been going on at Antioch, and the confident belief that he was the right person to direct and organise it. It probably implies also some intercourse with the Apostle, by letter or message, since his departure from Jerusalem. In the absence of any direct record, we can only infer that Saul had remained at Tarsus, carrying on his occupation as a tent-maker (
Acts 18:3), and preaching the gospel there and in the neighbouring cities of Cilicia (see Note on
Acts 15:41) "to the Jew first and also to the Gentile." It is clear that he must have heard of the grace of God that had been manifested at Antioch with great joy, and accepted the invitation to join in the work there with a ready gladness.
Verse 25.- And he went forth for
then departed Barnabas, A.V. and T.R.;
to seek for, for
for to seek, A.V. Observe the remarkable providence which had made use of the violence of the Hellenist Jews at Jerusalem to drive Saul to Tarsus, where he would be close at hand to take up the work so unexpectedly prepared for him at Antioch. "It was in the spring of the year A.D. , or just ten years after the Crucifixion, that Barnabas proceeded to Tarsus, found Saul, and brought him to Antioch" (Lewin, 1:96). From Seleucia to the port of Tarsus would be about a twelve hours' sail; or, by land, a journey of about eighty miles would bring him to Tarsus from Antioch.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Thenδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[Barnabas] wentἘξῆλθεν(Exēlthen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.TarsusΤαρσὸν(Tarson)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5019:Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province Cilicia. Perhaps the same as tarsos; Tarsus, a place in Asia Minor.to look forἀναζητῆσαι(anazētēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 327:To seek out, search for (implying the difficulty of the task). From ana and zeteo; to search out.Saul,Σαῦλον(Saulon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4569:Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul.
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NT Apostles: Acts 11:25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
