Acts 11:22
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.
Original Language Analysis
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
tidings
G3056
λόγος
tidings
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
4 of 20
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίας
of the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίας
of the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
9 of 20
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἱεροσολύμοις
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμοις
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
12 of 20
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτῶν
these things
G846
αὐτῶν
these things
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξαπέστειλαν
they sent forth
G1821
ἐξαπέστειλαν
they sent forth
Strong's:
G1821
Word #:
16 of 20
to send away forth, i.e., (on a mission) to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss
Βαρναβᾶν
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶν
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
17 of 20
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
Historical Context
This investigation circa AD 41-42 parallels Peter and John being sent to Samaria (Acts 8:14). Jerusalem's apostolic authority initially validated new missionary works, ensuring doctrinal soundness and church unity during the apostolic era.
Questions for Reflection
- What role should church oversight and investigation play in new ministry works?
- How does God providentially choose the right people for specific ministry tasks?
- What is the balance between church authority and recognizing God's sovereign work?
Analysis & Commentary
News of Antioch's Gentile conversions reached Jerusalem, prompting them to send Barnabas. That the mother church investigated new work shows appropriate oversight and discernment. Barnabas's selection was providential - as an encourager with ties to Cyprus (Acts 4:36), he would recognize and affirm God's genuine work among Gentiles. Reformed polity values church oversight while recognizing God's sovereignty to work beyond human structures. Barnabas's role was to confirm and encourage, not control or criticize, the Antioch church.