Acts 11:25 – “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes a key moment in the growth of the early church. Barnabas, a respected leader, took the initiative to seek out Saul (later called Paul) in Tarsus. He didn’t wait for Saul to come to him—he actively went looking for him. This action shows Barnabas’ discernment and leadership.

At this point, Saul had already encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and had begun preaching. However, after facing opposition, he had returned to his hometown of Tarsus. Barnabas must have believed that Saul’s gifts were needed in Antioch, where many Gentiles were coming to faith.

By bringing Saul into the ministry at Antioch, Barnabas played a crucial role in preparing him for the mission work that would eventually take the gospel to the Gentile world. This small act of seeking out Saul helped shape the course of Christian history.

Historical Context

1. The Growth of the Church in Antioch – Acts 11 describes how the message of Jesus had spread beyond Jerusalem, reaching Greeks in Antioch. This was a major turning point because it showed that the gospel wasn’t just for Jews but for all people.
2. Saul’s Background – Saul had been a fierce persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion (Acts 9:1-19). After preaching in Damascus and Jerusalem, he had to flee due to threats on his life (Acts 9:29-30). He went to Tarsus, where he likely continued growing in his faith.
3. Barnabas’ Role – Barnabas had already shown himself to be an encourager. He had vouched for Saul when others were skeptical (Acts 9:26-27). Now, once again, he sought him out, recognizing his potential.

Theological Implications

1. God Uses People to Encourage and Guide Others – Barnabas didn’t just focus on his own ministry. He actively sought out someone who could help in the work. This shows how God often uses people to build up and equip one another.
2. God’s Timing in Calling and Preparing Leaders – Saul wasn’t immediately thrust into leadership after his conversion. There was a period of waiting and preparation in Tarsus before Barnabas brought him to Antioch. This reminds us that God often works in seasons.
3. The Importance of the Church Working Together – Barnabas and Saul working together shows that ministry isn’t about isolated individuals. God’s plan involves believers supporting and strengthening one another.

Literary Analysis

• Action-Oriented Language – The verse describes Barnabas going and looking for Saul. This highlights his initiative and active role in God’s plan.
• Short but Significant – Though this verse is brief, it marks an important transition in church history. It sets the stage for Paul’s missionary work.
• Barnabas’ Leadership – The focus is on Barnabas here, showing that before Paul became a major leader, he was sought out and mentored by someone else.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 9:26-27 – Barnabas had already stood up for Saul when others doubted him.
• Galatians 1:21-24 – Paul (Saul) later described his time in Tarsus and how he was mostly unknown to the churches at that point.
• Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Barnabas sharpened and encouraged Saul in his ministry.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – The importance of encouraging one another in faith.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that we all need encouragement and that we should also be encouragers. Sometimes, like Saul, we may be in a season of waiting or preparation. Other times, like Barnabas, we may be called to seek out and uplift someone else.

It also shows us the importance of working together in ministry. Barnabas could have tried to lead in Antioch alone, but he recognized that God had gifted Saul and that the church would be stronger with him. This is a reminder that we should support and build up others in the faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way He calls and equips His people. He doesn’t just call individuals to serve alone—He places them in relationships where they can grow and strengthen one another. Barnabas’ willingness to find Saul is a reflection of how God seeks out people, calling them into His work at the right time.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus Calls and Sends His Disciples – Just as Jesus called His disciples to follow Him and then sent them out (Matthew 28:19-20), we see Barnabas calling Saul into ministry.
• Jesus Restores and Uses the Weak – Saul had once been an enemy of the church, but now he was being brought back into ministry. This echoes Jesus’ way of restoring and using those who were once lost (John 21:15-17).
• Jesus’ Mission to the Gentiles – The work in Antioch was part of Jesus’ command to take the gospel to all nations (Acts 1:8). Saul’s involvement in Antioch would prepare him for his future missionary work.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Who has been a “Barnabas” in your life—someone who encouraged and believed in you?
2. Is there someone in your life that God may be calling you to encourage and support?
3. Have you ever experienced a season of waiting, like Saul in Tarsus? How did God use that time to prepare you?
4. What can we learn from Barnabas’ willingness to work alongside others instead of doing ministry alone?
5. How does this verse challenge you to be more intentional in building up fellow believers?