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.

ACTS 11:22KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 11:22 (KJV)

What does Acts 11:22 mean?

Acts 11:22 describes how news about new believers in Antioch reached the church leaders in Jerusalem, who then decided to send Barnabas to Antioch to see what was happening. This shows the early church’s concern for new Christian communities and their desire to support and guide them.

The verse is set in the early days of the Christian movement, after some believers had begun spreading the message about Jesus beyond Jewish communities. The “church which was in Jerusalem” refers to the main group of Jesus’ followers at that time, who acted as leaders for other believers. Barnabas, a respected and encouraging figure, was sent as their representative to Antioch, a major city where many non-Jews were coming to faith.

The Greek behind Acts 11:22

  • The word for “tidings” is λόγος (logos), which often means “message” or “report.” Here, it highlights that a significant report about events in Antioch reached Jerusalem, not just a rumor.
  • The word for “church” is ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia), meaning an assembly or gathering, which in this context refers to the community of believers in Jerusalem.
  • The verb ἐξαποστέλλω (exapostellō), translated “sent forth,” carries the sense of sending someone out with a purpose or mission, showing that Barnabas was officially commissioned by the Jerusalem church.

Why Acts 11:22 matters

  • Acts 11:22 shows the connection and communication between different groups of early Christians, emphasizing unity and oversight within the growing movement.
  • The decision to send Barnabas reveals the Jerusalem church’s role in guiding and supporting new believers, especially as the message of Jesus spread to new regions and cultures.
  • This verse sets the stage for Barnabas’s important role in encouraging and teaching the new church in Antioch, which would later become a major center for early Christianity.

Where else these words appear

“forth” Greek G1821 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
  • Acts 7:12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
  • Acts 17:14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

“Antioch” Greek G490 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
  • Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
  • Acts 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

“Barnabas” Greek G921 · used in 28 verses

  • Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
  • Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
  • Acts 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

“ears” Greek G3775 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.