Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles — Homily 25

St. John Chrysostom

0. Greeting

Acts XI. 19

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that rose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

The persecution turned out to be no slight benefit as to them that love God all things work together for good. [[Romans 8.28]] If they had made it their express study how best to establish the Church, they would have done no other thing than this — they dispersed the teachers. Mark in what quarters the preaching was extended. They travelled, it says, as far as Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch; to none however did they preach the word but to Jews only. Do you mark with what wise purposes of Providence so much was done in the case of Cornelius? This serves both to justify Christ, and to impeach the Jews. When Stephen was slain, when Paul was twice in danger, when the Apostles were scourged, then the Gentiles received the word, then the Samaritans. Which Paul also declares: To you it was necessary that the Word of God should first be spoken; but since you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy, lo, we turn unto the Gentiles. [[Acts 13.46]] Accordingly they went about, preaching to Gentiles also. But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke unto the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus: [[Acts 11.20]] for it is likely both that they could now speak Greek, and that there were such men in Antioch. And the hand of the Lord, it says, was with them, that is, they wrought miracles; and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. [[Acts 11.21]] Do you mark why now also there was heed of miracles (namely) that they might believe? 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 11.22]] What may be the reason that, when such a city received the word, they did not come themselves? Because of the Jews. But they send Barnabas. However, it is no small part of the providential management even so that Paul comes to be there. It is both natural, and it is wisely ordered, that they are averse to him, and (so) that Voice of the Gospel, that Trumpet of heaven, is not shut up in Jerusalem. Do you mark how on all occasions, Christ turns their ill dispositions to needful account and for the benefit of the Church? Of their hatred to the man, He availed Himself for the building up of the Church. But observe this holy man — Barnabas, I mean — how he looked not to his own interests, but hasted to Tarsus. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart, they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. (v. 23, 24.) He was a very kind man, and single-hearted, and considerate ( συγγνωμονικός ). Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul. [[Acts 11.25]] He came