11:25 {6} Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
(6) There was no contention amongst the apostles, either with regard to usurping, or with regard to holding places of degree.
11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus to seek Saul. Seeing the great opening, he knew that Saul was the best man to aid him. His trip to Tarsus is supposed to have been in A.D. 43; Saul to have departed from Jerusalem in A.D. 39; hence to have spent about four years in missionary work in Syria and Cilicia (Ac 15:41 Ga 1:21). See PNT Ac 9:30.
11:25-30 Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian to whom it does not rightly belong. But the name without the reality will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Grant, Lord, that Christians may forget other names and distinctions, and love one another as the followers of Christ ought to do. True Christians will feel for their brethren under afflictions. Thus will fruit be brought forth to the praise and glory of God. If all mankind were true Christians, how cheerfully would they help one another! The whole earth would be like one large family, every member of which would strive to be dutiful and kind.
