King James Version

What Does Acts 11:26 Mean?

Acts 11:26 in the King James Version says “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves... — study this verse from Acts chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. with: or, in the church

Acts 11:26 · KJV


Context

24

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

25

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. with: or, in the church

27

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The name 'Christians' (Greek 'Christianoi,' followers of Christ) first applied at Antioch captures believers' core identity in Christ. Whether a term of derision or neutral description, believers embraced it, accepting identification with their crucified Lord. This Gentile church's one-year teaching ministry under Barnabas and Saul established the pattern of sustained discipleship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Antioch in Syria (not Antioch in Pisidia) became Christianity's first major Gentile center around AD 42-43. This cosmopolitan city provided ideal launching point for world mission. The disciples being 'called Christians' here first occurs in Gentile context.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the name 'Christian' signify about believers' primary identity and loyalty?
  2. How important is sustained teaching ministry for establishing strong churches?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὑρὼν2 of 28

when he had found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

αὐτούς3 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἤγαγεν4 of 28

he brought

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

αὐτούς5 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς6 of 28

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἀντιοχείᾳ7 of 28

Antioch

G490

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria

ἐγένετο8 of 28

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ9 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτούς10 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐνιαυτὸν11 of 28

year

G1763

a year

ὅλον12 of 28

that a whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

συναχθῆναι13 of 28

they assembled themselves

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

ἐν14 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ15 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησίᾳ16 of 28

the church

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

καὶ17 of 28

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διδάξαι18 of 28

taught

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ὄχλον19 of 28

people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἱκανόν20 of 28

much

G2425

competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)

χρηματίσαι21 of 28

were called

G5537

to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of g5530), i.e., divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of g5532) to constitute

τε22 of 28

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

πρώτον23 of 28

first

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

ἐν24 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἀντιοχείᾳ25 of 28

Antioch

G490

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria

τοὺς26 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητὰς27 of 28

the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

Χριστιανούς28 of 28

Christians

G5546

a christian, i.e., follower of christ


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 11:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 11:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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