30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
30 When his friends learned of the plot, they got him out of town, took him to Caesarea, and then shipped him off to Tarsus.
30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul.
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.
25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul.
(Read Acts 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.
21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia.
21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
21 Then I began my ministry in the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia.
(Read Galatians 1:15-24)
St. Paul was wonderfully brought to the knowledge and faith of Christ. All who are savingly converted, are called by the grace of God; their conversion is wrought by his power and grace working in them. It will but little avail us to have Christ revealed to us, if he is not also revealed in us. He instantly prepared to obey, without hesitating as to his worldly interest, credit, ease, or life itself. And what matter of thanksgiving and joy is it to the churches of Christ, when they hear of such instances to the praise of the glory of his grace, whether they have ever seen them or not! They glorify God for his power and mercy in saving such persons, and for all the service to his people and cause that is done, and may be further expected from them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 9:30
Commentary on Acts 9:23-31
(Read Acts 9:23-31)
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates the heart. Believers are apt to be too suspicious of those against whom they have prejudices. The world is full of deceit, and it is necessary to be cautious, but we must exercise charity, 21. Christ's witnesses cannot be slain till they have finished their testimony. The persecutions were stayed. The professors of the gospel walked uprightly, and enjoyed much comfort from the Holy Ghost, in the hope and peace of the gospel, and others were won over to them. They lived upon the comfort of the Holy Ghost, not only in the days of trouble and affliction, but in days of rest and prosperity. Those are most likely to walk cheerfully, who walk circumspectly.