Devine Scripture

Acts 11:25

What does Acts 11:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 11:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 11:25 means

Recognizing the growing needs of the Antioch church and perhaps sensing the need for additional teaching and leadership, Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek out Saul. This action demonstrates Barnabas's humility and wisdom, as he sought a gifted co-laborer rather than trying to manage the expanding ministry alone. This strategic move brought Saul, who would become the Apostle Paul, into the vibrant Gentile mission field, establishing a foundational partnership that would profoundly impact the spread of the gospel to the nations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he went on to Tarsus, looking for Saul;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Barnabas went forth to Tarsus, to seek for Saul,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul: whom, when he had found, he brought to Antioch.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he went away to Tarsus to seek out Saul.

Context

This verse describes Barnabas's initiative to find Saul, marking a crucial moment in the early church's leadership development. It emphasizes Barnabas's foresight and practical leadership, setting the stage for Saul's reintegration into active ministry following a period of relative obscurity. This action directly leads to the powerful collaboration between Barnabas and Saul in Antioch, as detailed in the subsequent verse.

v.24for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

v.25This passage

v.26and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people; and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 9:27

    But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

  • Acts 9:11

    And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth;

  • Acts 9:30

    And when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to Cæsarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

  • Acts 21:39

    But Paul said, I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, give me leave to speak unto the people.

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