Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 11:22
Then tidings ... - The church at Jerusalem heard of this. It was natural that so remarkable an occurrence as the conversion of the Gentiles, and the extraordinary success of the gospel in a splendid and mighty city, should be reported at Jerusalem, and excite deep interest there.And they sent forth - To aid the disciples there, and to give them their sanction. They had done a similar thing in the revival which occurred in Samaria. See the notes on Acts 8:14.Barnabas - See Acts 4:36-37. He was a... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:26
Antiochene Christians. "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Before this time they seem to have had no recognized name. Others may have called them "Nazarenes," or perhaps "Galilmans." They spoke of their teaching as "the Way," but do not seem to have found any other name for themselves than that of "disciples." It was left to circumstances to provide a name which all might accept, and, though the origin of the name " Christian " is very strange, its... read more