Paul's Second Visit to Jerusalem Acts 11:19 – 30 – Part 3

Church History: Barnabas was sent to Antioch when news of these conversions reached Jerusalem. It seems, then, that the Church collectively had power to commission and send forth any of its own members, whom it saw God had qualified for a particular work. There must have been, even at that time, an acknowledged superiority of some members of the Church beyond others. The apostles held the first rank; the deacons (probably the same as those called prophets, as being next chosen) the second; and perhaps those called evangelists, simply preachers of the truth, the third rank. Those who knew most of God and sacred things, who were most zealous, most holy, and most useful, undoubtedly had the pre-eminence. Barnabas saw that these people were objects of the Divine approbation; that they were abundantly blessed and edified together as a Christian Church; and that they had received especial influences from God, by his indwelling Spirit, which were to them incentives to faith, hope, and love, and also principles of conduct.1
Barnabas having a great zeal and fervent desire that the gospel might be better explained, he went to Tarsus to seek out Saul, that they might join together in the work of Christ; and having found him, he brought him to Antioch: where, for a whole year, they instructed the church in that city, and taught many people.5
Several prophets made visits to Antioch during that year that Barnabas and Saul lived at Antioch. We are not told how many, nor is it certain whether these were any of those prophets that we afterwards find in the church at Antioch, (Acts 13:1). They came from Jerusalem, probably because they were not as highly regarded there as they had been; they felt their work was finished there and therefore thought it was time leave. Jerusalem had been infamous for killing the prophets and abusing them, and know they sought a safer haven. They came to Antioch, because they heard of the flourishing state of that church, and there they hoped they might be of some service.
A particular prediction of a famine approaching, delivered by one of these prophets, his name Agabus; we read of him again prophesying Paul's imprisonment, (Acts 21:10-11). Here he stood up, probably in one of their public assemblies, and prophesied about the famine.
When they were told of a famine at hand, they did not do as the Egyptians did They did not hoard up corn for themselves; but, as became Christians, laid by for charity to relieve others, which is the best preparative for our own sufferings and want.
They determined, that every man, according to his ability, should send relief to the brethren that dwelt in Judea. What may be said to be according to our ability we must judge for ourselves, but must be careful that we judge righteous judgment.