Chapter 4—Ordination of Paul and Barnabas
The apostles and disciples who left Jerusalem during the fierce
persecution that raged there after the martyrdom of Stephen, preached
Christ in the cities round about, confining their labors to the Hebrew
and Greek Jews. “And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great
number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” When the believers in
Jerusalem heard the good tidings, they rejoiced; and Barnabas, “a good
man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith,” was sent to Antioch, the
metropolis of Syria, to help the church there. He labored there with
great success. As the work increased, he solicited and obtained the
help of Paul; and the two disciples labored together in that city for a
year, teaching the people, and adding to the numbers of the church of
Christ.
Antioch had a large population both of Jews and Gentiles; it was a
great resort for lovers of ease and pleasure, because of the healthfulness
of its situation, its beautiful scenery, and the wealth, culture, and
refinement that centered there. Its extensive commerce made it a place
of great importance, where people of all nationalities were found. It
was therefore a city of luxury and vice. The retribution of God finally
came upon Antioch, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants.
It was here that the disciples were first called Christians. This name
was given them because Christ was the main theme of their preaching,
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teaching, and conversation. They were continually recounting the
incidents of his life, during the time in which his disciples were blessed
with his personal company. They dwelt untiringly upon his teachings,
his miracles of healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead
to life. With quivering lips and tearful eyes they spoke of his agony
in the garden, his betrayal, trial, and execution, the forbearance and
humility with which he endured the contumely and torture imposed
upon him by his enemies, and the Godlike pity with which he prayed
for those who persecuted him. His resurrection and ascension, and
his work in Heaven as a Mediator for fallen man, were joyful topics
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