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Acts 11:26
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He brought him unto Antioch - As this city was the metropolis of Syria, and the third city for importance in the whole Roman empire, Rome and Alexandria alone being more eminent, Barnabas might think it expedient to have for his assistance a person of such eminent talents as Saul; and who was especially appointed by Christ to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. Saul appears also to have been a thorough master of the Greek tongue, and, consequently, the better qualified to explain the Gospel to the Greek philosophers, and to defend it against their cavils. Barnabas, also being a native of Cyprus, Act 4:36, where the Greek language was spoken, was judged to be proper for this mission, perhaps on this account, as well as on account of his disinterestedness, holiness, and zeal. And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch - It is evident they had the name Christians from Christ their master; as the Platonists and Pythagoreans had their name from their masters, Plato and Pythagoras. Now, as these had their name from those great masters because they attended their teaching, and credited their doctrines, so the disciples were called Christians because they took Christ for their teacher, crediting his doctrines, and following the rule of life laid down by him. It has been a question, by whom was this name given to the disciples? Some think they assumed it; others, that the inhabitants of Antioch gave it to them; and others, that it was given by Saul and Barnabas. This later opinion is favored by the Codex Bezae, which reads the 25th and 26th verses thus: And hearing that Saul was at Tarsus, he departed, seeking for him; and having found him, he besought him to come to Antioch; who, when they were come, assembled with the Church a whole year, and instructed a great number; and there they first called the disciples at Antioch Christians. The word χρηματισαι in our common text, which we translate were called, signifies in the New Testament, to appoint, warn, or nominate, by Divine direction. In this sense, the word is used, Mat 2:12; Luk 2:26; and in the preceding chapter of this book, Act 10:22. If, therefore, the name was given by Divine appointment, it as most likely that Saul and Barnabas were directed to give it; and that, therefore, the name Christian is from God, as well as that grace and holiness which are so essentially required and implied in the character. Before this time. the Jewish converts were simply called, among themselves, disciples, i.e. scholars; believers, saints, the Church, or assembly; and, by their enemies, Nazarenes, Galileans, the men of this way or sect; and perhaps lay other names which are not come down to us. They considered themselves as one family; and hence the appellation of brethren was frequent among them. It was the design of God to make all who believed of one heart and one soul, that they might consider him as their Father, and live and love like children of the same household. A Christian, therefore, is the highest character which any human being can bear upon earth; and to receive it from God, as those appear to have done - how glorious the title! It is however worthy of remark that this name occurs in only three places in the New Testament: here, and in Act 26:28, and in Pe1 4:16.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then the disciples,.... That were at Antioch, every man according to his ability; whether rich or poor, master or servant, everyone according to the substance he was possessed of; whether more or less, which was a good rule to go by: determined to send relief to the brethren which dwelt in Judea; either because that Agabus might have suggested, that the famine would be the severest in those parts; or because that the Christians there had parted with their substance already, in the support of one another, and for the spread of the Gospel in other parts; and therefore the Christians at Antioch, in gratitude to them for having received the Gospel, and Gospel ministers from them, resolved to help them with their temporal things, when in distress.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:26 Christians was possibly a term of derision. The Greek text uses this term in only two other New Testament passages (26:28; 1 Pet 4:16).
Acts 11:26
The Church at Antioch
25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,26and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christians: Almost or Altogether?
By Warren Wiersbe7.9K37:17UnityACT 11:20ACT 11:26ACT 26:18ACT 26:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord Jesus based on the teachings of the prophets. He recounts the conversation between Paul, Festus, and Agrippa, where Paul appeals to their minds and emotions to persuade them to believe in Jesus. The preacher highlights the role of the Word of God in convicting and persuading individuals to accept Jesus as their Savior. He compares the process of salvation to a marriage proposal, where having knowledge and feelings about Jesus is not enough, but a personal decision to trust in Him is necessary.
To God Be Glory in the Church
By Art Katz3.1K1:06:24ChurchISA 28:17ISA 55:8MAT 6:33ACT 11:261CO 14:26EPH 3:10EPH 4:11In this sermon entitled "To God Be Glory In The Church," Arthur Katz emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with the perfect standard that comes from heaven. He encourages listeners to discard anything that does not conform to this standard. Katz also highlights the significance of prayer and fasting, sharing personal experiences of how his fellowship's prayers have protected and guided individuals in dangerous situations. He emphasizes the need for a fervent desire to see the glory of God in the earth, stating that it can only be seen through the church.
Fren-05 Message for Ywam
By Art Katz2.0K1:06:45Prophetic MessagePSA 118:22ISA 53:1MAT 24:14ACT 11:26ROM 10:151PE 2:92PE 3:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the cataclysmic event of the earth being burned and consumed, as described in the Bible. The speaker emphasizes the importance of conducting oneself with piety and good behavior in light of this impending event. The sermon also references Matthew 24, where Jesus is asked about the sign of his coming, and highlights the significance of the gospel being preached to all nations before the end comes. The speaker then discusses the role of para-church organizations in filling a void and the importance of the church being a true witness and sending body.
Are You a Christian?
By Alan Redpath1.3K46:42ChristianMAT 6:33ACT 11:26ACT 26:24ACT 26:27ACT 26:32In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a grocer in a small village who hears his son's voice calling to him from the basement. The son wants to come to his father, but is hesitant because he cannot see him. The father reassures his son that he can see him and encourages him to jump into his arms. The speaker then relates this story to the Christian faith, explaining that many believers have allowed something to hinder the power of God in their lives, leaving them defeated and ineffective. The speaker challenges Christians to examine their own lives and strive to be obvious, powerful, and vital in their faith.
Godly People Will Be Persecuted
By Zac Poonen1.1K58:02ISA 41:10JER 29:11MAT 10:34JHN 15:18ACT 11:262TI 3:12HEB 4:15JAS 1:121PE 4:12REV 2:10This sermon emphasizes the inevitability of persecution for those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Daniel, the apostles, and early Christians who faced persecution. It highlights the importance of standing firm for God, even in the face of opposition, and the strengthening and unity that persecution can bring to believers. The speaker encourages honesty before God, acknowledging weaknesses, and seeking His strength to remain faithful in all circumstances.
Christian Service
By Alan Redpath82438:13ServiceEXO 4:2MAT 28:19ACT 11:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of each individual finding their niche in serving God. They encourage listeners to not only support those who are actively serving in missions but also to actively participate themselves. The speaker highlights the disparity in Christian work and giving, with a small percentage of the population carrying the majority of the burden. They urge listeners to consider their skills and abilities and how they can be used in missions, giving examples of nurses and doctors who are desperately needed in remote areas. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer for more workers to join in the mission field.
Victory
By Manley Beasley65828:28VictoryMAT 6:33JHN 19:28JHN 19:30ACT 11:26HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of victory and how it has been lost in our lives. He shares a personal story about his son's struggle with living a Christian life and wanting to avoid any kind of struggle. The preacher emphasizes that true victory comes from living a life of submission to God's will, just as Jesus did. He references John 19:28 where Jesus declares "it is finished" on the cross, highlighting the importance of faith in understanding the concept of victory.
The Separation and Movements of the Apostles
By Watchman Nee0The Role of the Holy SpiritApostolic MinistryACT 11:26ACT 13:2Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of the church in Antioch as the model church, highlighting its clear foundation on the principles of the Holy Spirit's calling and the separation of workers for ministry. He explains that Barnabas and Saul were called by the Holy Spirit while they were actively ministering, illustrating that true apostleship requires divine initiation rather than human desire. The sermon underscores the importance of both personal revelation and corporate confirmation in the sending forth of workers, as well as the necessity for apostles to remain mobile and responsive to the Spirit's leading. Nee also stresses that the ministry of the Body of Christ should reflect unity and mutual support, rather than individualism or organizational division. Ultimately, he calls for a return to apostolic methods and spirituality to achieve genuine results in ministry.
1 Peter 4:16
By John Gill0Christian IdentitySuffering For ChristACT 11:26ROM 5:3PHP 1:29HEB 12:21PE 4:16John Gill emphasizes the significance of suffering as a Christian, encouraging believers not to feel ashamed of their faith or the trials they face for it. He highlights that the name 'Christian' is a badge of honor, first given to the disciples, and urges Christians to endure suffering with the same resolve as Christ, who bore the cross. Gill reminds the congregation that suffering for Christ is a gift and an opportunity to glorify God, urging them to embrace their trials joyfully and patiently.
Missionary Churches
By Keith Malcomson0ACT 1:8ACT 8:1ACT 11:21ACT 11:24ACT 11:26ACT 13:1ACT 14:26ROM 1:14Keith Malcomson preaches on the importance of a missionary-minded Church, using the example of the Church in Antioch from Acts 13:1-2. He emphasizes the need for local Churches to be prepared, trained, and led by the Holy Spirit to send out missionaries who are willing to sacrifice and minister to the Lord and the lost. The sermon highlights the characteristics of a pioneer, gifted, Christlike, ministering, sacrificial, supportive, and revived Church, drawing lessons from the early Church in Antioch and the missionary movements it birthed.
Discipleship Defined
By Michael Durham0MAT 4:19MAT 28:19LUK 6:40LUK 14:26LUK 14:33JHN 14:15ACT 11:26ROM 12:12CO 3:18Michael Durham preaches about the importance of being a true disciple of Christ, emphasizing the need to follow Jesus, worship Him, obey His commands, and submit to His workmanship. He highlights that being a disciple means sacrificing one's life to be like Jesus and that the ultimate goal of salvation is to become like Him. Durham challenges the congregation to be fascinated with Jesus and to prioritize following Him above all else, as true disciples are those who are willing to lay down everything to pursue and learn from Him.
Day 28, Matthew 28
By David Servant0MAT 28:7MAT 28:18ACT 1:8ACT 11:26ROM 10:14David Servant emphasizes the surprising and impactful nature of Jesus' resurrection, particularly His appearance to women first, challenging traditional gender roles in Christianity. He delves into the implications of the Roman soldiers' story about Jesus' resurrection, highlighting the authority and power that Jesus holds over heaven and earth, debunking misconceptions about Satan's authority. Servant stresses the importance of obedience to Jesus' commandments and the necessity of true discipleship, not just a superficial acceptance of Jesus as Savior. He underscores the global mission of making disciples of all ethnic groups, emphasizing the need for every believer to be involved in reaching unreached people groups.
Christian Nations
By Anton Bosch0DAN 2:44MAT 7:21ACT 11:261JN 5:19REV 3:5Anton Bosch discusses the misconception of nations claiming to be 'Christian nations' throughout history, emphasizing that merely bearing the name 'Christian' does not make a nation or an individual godly. He highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, as Jesus himself warns that many will claim to know Him but will be rejected due to their lawless behavior. Bosch points out that the Bible only mentions Israel and the Church as having a special relationship with God, and challenges the notion of any nation having a unique covenant with God, citing the lack of mention of powerful nations like America in biblical prophecy.
The Sacred Import of the Christian Name
By Samuel Davies0MAT 7:23LUK 9:23ACT 11:26ROM 8:291CO 11:12TI 2:191PE 2:21Samuel Davies preaches about the sacred importance of the Christian name, emphasizing the significance of living up to the name we bear. He delves into the origins of the name 'Christian' and the divine appointment associated with it. Davies highlights the need for Christians to depart from iniquity, deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ, urging them to imitate Christ in their thoughts, character, and actions. He challenges believers to embody the true essence of Christianity, warning against the hypocrisy of merely professing the faith without living it out authentically.
Foundational Truths for Revival, Tape 1
By Ralph Sutera0JHN 17:3ACT 11:26ACT 26:29TIT 2:111PE 4:16Ralph Sutera preaches on the true essence of being a Christian, emphasizing the need to understand the biblical definition of a Christian by examining the three instances the word 'Christian' is used in the Bible. He highlights the importance of making a willful choice to have fellowship with God, dealing with sins that break fellowship, and surrendering the self-life to live a holy life before God. Sutera challenges believers to accept the cross, be committed to God, and allow the Holy Spirit to equip them for the spiritual battle, emphasizing the need for a changed life, a commitment to God, and a lifestyle of holiness.
A Christian Indeed
By Thomas Reade0JHN 1:47JHN 13:35ACT 11:262CO 5:17GAL 2:201PE 1:231JN 3:91JN 4:71JN 4:201JN 5:4Thomas Reade preaches about the essence of being a true Christian, emphasizing the importance of having the Spirit of Christ, being transformed internally, and living a life conforming to the teachings of Jesus. He highlights the need for genuine regeneration through the Holy Spirit, bearing the image of Christ, and having faith that works through love and overcomes the world. Reade urges believers to examine themselves, seek sanctification, and demonstrate true Christian love towards all, even their enemies, reflecting the unity and charity found in the early Church.
The Church
By Marvin Cowan0MAT 7:15MAT 16:18ACT 2:47ACT 11:26ACT 20:29EPH 2:201TI 3:11TI 3:8TIT 1:5HEB 1:1Marvin Cowan preaches about the differences between Mormonism and the New Testament Church, emphasizing the LDS belief in a universal apostasy from the Christian doctrine and the need for a restoration of the Gospel. He challenges the LDS claim of being the one true church and questions the validity of their prophets and apostles. The sermon delves into the discrepancies between the LDS Church's structure and the offices in the New Testament Church, highlighting the importance of aligning with the biblical teachings and qualifications for church leadership.
On Being Seekers and Servers of God
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 25:1ACT 11:26PHP 1:20HEB 12:21PE 4:16The preacher delves into the origin and significance of the term 'Christian,' which was initially a term of ridicule given by pagans to followers of Christ but eventually embraced by believers as an honor. The term 'Christian' signifies being an adherent of Christ, one who belongs to or is devoted to Him. Believers are encouraged not to be ashamed of bearing the name of Christ but to glorify God in suffering for His name.
The Name 'Christian'.
By Elijah Goodwin01SA 26:81CH 16:22ISA 62:2ACT 11:261PE 2:51JN 2:20REV 3:8Elijah Goodwin preaches about the significance of the name 'Christian' as the family name of the religious association, derived from 'Christ' meaning 'anointed.' He emphasizes that all who wear this name are Scripturally regarded as the anointed people of God, reflecting the priesthood of believers under the new covenant. Goodwin delves into the sacredness of anointing in the Old Testament, highlighting the reverence for God's anointed ones. He explores the distinction, property, and patronymic nature of the name 'Christian,' pointing out its universal application and commemorative influence. Goodwin concludes by discussing the divine authority behind the name 'Christian,' supported by biblical references and prophecies.
Missions a Partnership With Christ
By C.R. Hudson0MAT 16:15MAT 28:20LUK 22:31JHN 15:16ACT 9:4ACT 11:26GAL 2:20COL 3:3C.R. Hudson preaches about Jesus' intentional selection of the twelve apostles, his deep love and personal relationship with them, and the importance of personal devotion to Christ. He emphasizes the transformation in the lives of the apostles through their encounters with Jesus, leading them to love and serve Him wholeheartedly. Hudson highlights the personal encounter between Jesus and Saul (Paul) on the Damascus road, illustrating the power of a personal relationship with Christ in Paul's missionary work and life. The sermon underscores the significance of making converts to a person, Jesus Christ, rather than just to ideas or doctrines, as seen in Paul's ministry and the early Christians in Antioch.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He brought him unto Antioch - As this city was the metropolis of Syria, and the third city for importance in the whole Roman empire, Rome and Alexandria alone being more eminent, Barnabas might think it expedient to have for his assistance a person of such eminent talents as Saul; and who was especially appointed by Christ to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. Saul appears also to have been a thorough master of the Greek tongue, and, consequently, the better qualified to explain the Gospel to the Greek philosophers, and to defend it against their cavils. Barnabas, also being a native of Cyprus, Act 4:36, where the Greek language was spoken, was judged to be proper for this mission, perhaps on this account, as well as on account of his disinterestedness, holiness, and zeal. And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch - It is evident they had the name Christians from Christ their master; as the Platonists and Pythagoreans had their name from their masters, Plato and Pythagoras. Now, as these had their name from those great masters because they attended their teaching, and credited their doctrines, so the disciples were called Christians because they took Christ for their teacher, crediting his doctrines, and following the rule of life laid down by him. It has been a question, by whom was this name given to the disciples? Some think they assumed it; others, that the inhabitants of Antioch gave it to them; and others, that it was given by Saul and Barnabas. This later opinion is favored by the Codex Bezae, which reads the 25th and 26th verses thus: And hearing that Saul was at Tarsus, he departed, seeking for him; and having found him, he besought him to come to Antioch; who, when they were come, assembled with the Church a whole year, and instructed a great number; and there they first called the disciples at Antioch Christians. The word χρηματισαι in our common text, which we translate were called, signifies in the New Testament, to appoint, warn, or nominate, by Divine direction. In this sense, the word is used, Mat 2:12; Luk 2:26; and in the preceding chapter of this book, Act 10:22. If, therefore, the name was given by Divine appointment, it as most likely that Saul and Barnabas were directed to give it; and that, therefore, the name Christian is from God, as well as that grace and holiness which are so essentially required and implied in the character. Before this time. the Jewish converts were simply called, among themselves, disciples, i.e. scholars; believers, saints, the Church, or assembly; and, by their enemies, Nazarenes, Galileans, the men of this way or sect; and perhaps lay other names which are not come down to us. They considered themselves as one family; and hence the appellation of brethren was frequent among them. It was the design of God to make all who believed of one heart and one soul, that they might consider him as their Father, and live and love like children of the same household. A Christian, therefore, is the highest character which any human being can bear upon earth; and to receive it from God, as those appear to have done - how glorious the title! It is however worthy of remark that this name occurs in only three places in the New Testament: here, and in Act 26:28, and in Pe1 4:16.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then the disciples,.... That were at Antioch, every man according to his ability; whether rich or poor, master or servant, everyone according to the substance he was possessed of; whether more or less, which was a good rule to go by: determined to send relief to the brethren which dwelt in Judea; either because that Agabus might have suggested, that the famine would be the severest in those parts; or because that the Christians there had parted with their substance already, in the support of one another, and for the spread of the Gospel in other parts; and therefore the Christians at Antioch, in gratitude to them for having received the Gospel, and Gospel ministers from them, resolved to help them with their temporal things, when in distress.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:26 Christians was possibly a term of derision. The Greek text uses this term in only two other New Testament passages (26:28; 1 Pet 4:16).