Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 12:25
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled [their] ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
25. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem ] i.e. to their labours among the Gentile converts in Antioch.
when they had fulfilled their ministry [ministration] viz., the giving into the care of the Church the contributions of the disciples in Antioch for the support of their brethren in Juda during the famine which Agabus had foretold (Act 11:28).
John, whose surname was Mark ] See above on Act 12:12.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Returned from Jerusalem – They had gone to Jerusalem to carry alms, and they now returned to Antioch, Act 11:30.
When they had fulfilled their ministry – When they had accomplished the purpose for which they had been sent there; that is, to deposit the alms of the church at Antioch in the hands of the eiders of the churches, Act 11:30.
John, whose surname was Mark – See the notes on Act 12:12. From this period the sacred historian records chiefly the labors of Paul. The labors of the other apostles are, after this, seldom referred to in this book, and the attention is fixed almost entirely on the trials and travels of the great apostle of the Gentiles. His important services, his unwearied efforts, his eminent success, and the fact that Luke was his companion, may be the reasons why his labors are made so prominent in the history. Through the previous chapters we have seen the church rise from small beginnings, until it was even now spreading into surrounding regions. We have seen it survive two persecutions, commenced and conducted with all the power and malice of Jewish rulers. We have seen the most zealous of the persecutors converted to the faith which he once destroyed, and the royal persecutor put to death by the divine judgment. And we have thus seen that God was the protector of the church; that no weapon formed against it could prosper; that, according to the promise of the Redeemer, the gates of hell could not prevail against it. In that God and Saviour who then defended the church, we may still confide, and may be assured that he who was then its friend has it still engraved on the palms of his hands, and designs that it shall extend until it fills the earth with light and salvation.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 25. Returned from Jerusalem] That is, to Antioch, after the death of Herod.
When they had fulfilled their ministry] When they had carried the alms of the Christians at Antioch to the poor saints at Jerusalem, according to what is mentioned, Ac 11:29-30, to support them in the time of the coming famine.
And took with them John, whose surname was Mark.] This was the son of Mary, mentioned Ac 12:12. He accompanied the apostles to Cyprus, and afterwards in several of their voyages, till they came to Perga in Pamphylia. Finding them about to take a more extensive voyage, he departed from them. See the case, Ac 13:13; Ac 15:37-40.
1. WHEN the nature, spirit, and tendency of Christianity are considered, we may well be astonished that it should ever find a persecutor among the souls it was designed to instruct and save! Devils can have no part in it, and therefore we may naturally expect them, through envy and malice, to oppose it; but that men, for whose use and salvation the wisdom and mercy of God made it, should reject its offers of mercy, and persecute to death those who proclaimed it, is the most unaccountable thing that can be conceived. What a proof is this of mere maliciousness, where the persecutor not only serves no self-interest by it, but destroys, as far as he can, all that could promote his own present and eternal happiness! This argues such blindness of understanding, hardness of heart, and derangement of mind, as can be accounted for only on the supposition of a nature totally fallen from God, righteousness, and truth. The Jews crucify Christ, and martyr Stephen; and Herod murders James; and both join together to persecute the followers of Christ and destroy his cause. Reader, consider the consequences: this bad people were permitted to remain till they had filled up the measure of their iniquity, and were then cut of by a most terrible judgment; and Herod was visited for his transgressions in such a most awful way as strongly marked the displeasure of God against persecutors. If a man contend with a man, the contest is in a certain way equal-the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth; but when a man enters the lists against his Maker, as every persecutor does, wo unto that man!-he must be torn in pieces, when there is none to deliver.
2. How true is the saying, there is neither counsel nor might against the Lord! In the midst of all troubles and afflictions, that kingdom of heaven which is like a grain of mustard seed grew and increased, and became a mighty tree which is now filling the whole earth, and fowl of every wing are flying to lodge in its branches. Ride on, and be thou prosperous, O Christ! We wish thee good luck with thine honour.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
From Jerusalem; they returned unto Antioch, from whence they were sent, Act 11:26,30, to carry the benevolence of the church of Antioch to that of Judea.
Their ministry; this was the ministry or service they were appointed to do.
John; of whom before, Act 12:12.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
25. Barnabas and Saul returned fromJerusalemwhere, it thus appears, they had remained during allthis persecution.
when they had fulfilled theirministryor service; that mentioned on Act 11:29;Act 11:30.
took with them John . . .Mark(See on Ac 12:12),not to be confounded with the second Evangelist, as is often done. Ashis uncle was Barnabas, so his spiritual father was Peter (1Pe5:13).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem,…. Two of Beza’s exemplars, the Complutensian edition and the Syriac version, add, “unto Antioch”; and certain it is, that from thence they were sent, and thither they returned, for we find them there in the beginning of the next chapter:
when they had fulfilled their ministry; which was the carrying the relief, or the money collected by the Christians at Antioch, for the brethren in Judea, on account of the famine that was there:
and took with them John, whose surname was Mark: the son of Mary, at whose house the disciples were met together, and praying; and where Peter first went, after he was delivered from prison, Ac 12:12 him they brought with them from Jerusalem to Antioch, being a kinsman of Barnabas; and a man of promising gifts and usefulness, and judged to be a fit companion with them in their travels, for the spread of the Gospel.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
From Jerusalem ( ). Probably correct text, though D has . Westcott and Hort follow Aleph B in reading (to) Jerusalem, an impossible reading contradicted by Acts 11:29; Acts 13:1. The ministration () referred to is that in 11:29f. which may have taken place, in point of time, after the death of Herod.
Taking with them (). Taking along () with () them, John Mark from Jerusalem (12:12) to Antioch (13:1). The aorist participle does not express subsequent action as Rackham here argues (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 861-863).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “And Barnabas and Saul,” (Barnabas kai Saulos) “Then Barnabas as well as Saul,” who had labored together at the Antioch church in Syria for more than a year, who had been sent to carry charitable food and clothes gifts to the church brethren in Judea, Act 11:17-30.
2) “Returned from Jerusalem,” (hupestrepsan eks lerousalem) “Returned out of the Jerusalem area,” where they had delivered the Antioch church’s alms gifts to their needy brethren, Joh 13:34-35.
3) “When they had fulfilled their ministry,” (plerosantes ten diakonian) “When they had completed or accomplished their alms delivery ministry,” the mission of the Antioch church, on which they had been “sent,” mandated by authority of the Antioch church, Act 11:30.
4) “And took with them John,” (sumparalabontes loannen) “Taking in colleague or close affinity of fellowship with them John,” the evangelist, who later went part of the way on their first missionary journey, Act 13:5; Act 13:13.
5) “Whose surname was Mark,” (ton epiklethenta Markon) “The one who was surnamed Mark,” Act 15:37; Col 4:10; 2Ti 4:11. He was a nephew of Barnabas, son of the sister of Barnabas, a matter that perhaps contributed to the separation of Barnabas and Paul in mission labors, Act 13:37-41. Thus ends the Divine record of the Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria phases of the spread of the gospel under the empowered New Covenant church or house of God, Joh 20:21; Act 1:8; Act 8:4.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
25 And Barnabas and Paul. The ministry which Luke saith Barnabas and Paul did finish, must be referred unto the alms, whereof mention was made before. For after that Agabus the prophet had foretold the famine and barrenness, the brethren gathered money at Antioch, whereby they might relieve the necessity of the church which was at Jerusalem; the carrying of this money was committed to Barnabas and Paul. Now Luke saith that they returned to Antioch, that he may pass over unto a new history. He addeth, that they took with them John, whose surname was Mark, whose mother was honorably commended before, that he might keep them company, who was afterward, as we shall see, a cause of grievous and dangerous [hurtful] discord between them.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(25) When they had fulfilled their ministry.The same noun is used as that translated relief in Act. 11:29. We may, perhaps, assign the vision related in Act. 22:17-21, to this visit; but see Note there.
Took with them John, whose surname was Mark.The choice is, of course, partly explained by his relationship to Barnabas, but it shows also that he entered heartily into the work of the conversion of the Gentiles; and owing, as he did, his own conversion to Peter, it would naturally be regarded as a proof of that Apostles interest in it.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
25. Returned See notes on Act 11:27-30.
Took John Mark See note on Act 12:12; Act 13:4; Act 13:13; Act 15:37.
The death of Herod Agrippa is one of those events by which we gauge the chronology of the Acts. Josephus tells us that he received the entire dominions of his grandfather, the first Herod, on the accession of Claudius, namely, A.D. 41, and that he had completed his third year from this event at the time of his death. He died, therefore, A.D. 44. From this we know the time of James’ martyrdom, of Peter’s arrest and departure from Jerusalem, and of Paul’s beneficent visit thither.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Call To Evangelise Asia Minor (12:25-13:3).
‘And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark.’
Accepting the text as here (with A and p74) Barnabas and Saul had come to Jerusalem and had ministered to the true people of God the love of the church at Antioch. Having accomplished their task and demonstrated the love and unity between the two churches, they now returned to Antioch, and took with them John Mark, Barnabas’ cousin.
However, certain good manuscripts (Aleph & B (a powerful combination) together with P) support the reading ‘returned to Jerusalem’. This can make good sense as indicating that they had been distributing the Antiochene gifts among the elders of Judaea and then returned to Jerusalem, having fulfilled their ministry to them.
It actually makes little difference which we take for they then clearly had to return to Antioch in order that what happened next might follow. If we accept the latter texts then their return is just assumed. However, as they took Mark with them, it suggests that in this rare case the more difficult text is wrong so that it should read ‘from Jerusalem’, unless we take it to mean, ‘returned to Jerusalem (and then left there) taking Mark with them’, with the words in brackets simply assumed.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Act 12:25. Andwhen they had fulfilled their ministry, When they had delivered up the alms which they brought from Antioch to the elders at Jerusalem, ch. Act 11:29-30 and finished all their ministerial business there.Thus ends the second period of the history of the first planting of Christianity, in which the conversion of the devout Gentiles, otherwise called proselytes of the gate, is chiefly treated of; and here the history of the Apostles of the circumcision is very naturally dropped; for it does not appear from the New Testament that they ever preached to idolatrous Gentiles; at least, before the destruction of Jerusalem. That was the province of the apostle of the un-circumcision and his co-adjutors, whose labours with, and success among the idolatrous Gentiles, form the subject of the following chapters.
Inferences.How strange a consideration is it, that a murder like this of St. James should please the Jews! To see the slaughter of one of the most excellent persons that ever adorned their nation, one of the greatest benefactors that had ever appeared in all the list of the prophetic and inspired race, slain with the sword of a lawless, time-serving tyrant! yet thus it was that they proceeded to fill up the measure of their fathers, Mat 23:32 and such was still the hardness of their hearts, that after having rejected the message, they soon came to hate the messengers, and to thirst for their blood;the surest token of wrath coming upon them to the uttermost! As indeed it was but a few years more, and such an execution was done upon them, as seemed to be the accumulated vengeance due for all the righteous blood from Abel to James.
Peter is also imprisoned, and bound in chains; but the prayers and tears of the church contending for his delivery, despicable as they might appear to his enemies, pierce the clouds of heaven; and they find, to their shame and confusion, that his Redeemer is strong, Jer 50:34. The angel of the Lord Jesus is sent to his faithful servant in his tribulation: he comes, and finds him, secure in his innocence, and happy in hope, sleeping between those two guards, who, perhaps, in a few hours were to have been his executioners; and sleeping so sweetly sound, that the brightness of the angelic presence did not immediately awaken him. The angel smites him, and his chains fall off; the iron gates are opened, as with a thought, and the prisoner is set at full liberty:and thus does the angel of death smite as it were, but with a gentle blow, the servants of Christ; and the fetters of mortality fall off; the doors of the dungeon are opened; they are led triumphantly into the new Jerusalem, and there find another kind of society, another kind of rest, another kind of joy, far more noble, sweet, and high, than Peter knew even in the first transports of his wondrous deliverance.
The apostle was so venerated and beloved by the disciples, that on his behalf we find the prayers of the night are added to those of the day. Pious men and women, the aged and the young, with equal solicitude, assemble on this important occasion; and, while they are praying, the God who heareth prayer answers them: while they are yet speaking, he hears their cry, Isa 65:24. Behold! Peter himself is sent among them, to bring the astonishing news of that real deliverance, which at first seemed to him but as a vision of the night. What delight must such a mercy give their melting hearts, especially when considered as an answer of prayer! What an encouragement must it be to them all, to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering, and, in every future exigence, by prayer and supplication to make their requests known unto God!
St. Peter was solicitous that it might be known to the surviving James, and the other apostles, that so they might glorify God in him, and take encouragement from it to go on boldly in the prosecution of their work. With such views as these should we also own the goodness of God in any deliverance he grants us, that others may learn to confide in him, and may join their praises with ours.
Herod, in his disappointment, turns his rage on the soldiers, and makes those unhappy men the victims of his wrath,unhappy indeed, if they had not learnt from St. Peter, while they had him in their power, that lesson which his charity would be so glad to teach them, in what he apprehended to be the last moments of his life,to believe in Jesus for life and salvation. But whatever they suffered, a much severer fate was reserved for Herod, on whom GOD quickly began to visit that innocent and pious blood which he had spilt, and that too after which he had thirsted; for in His all-piercing sight he must have appeared the murderer of Peter, as well as of James.
The wrath of a king, says Solomon, is as messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it, Pro 16:14. The world generally teaches this wisdom to its votaries; and the ties of interest are felt, when those of affection have but little force. Tyre and Sidon were nourished by the King’s country, and therefore they sought peace with him, But how much more necessary is it for all countries, and people, and princes, to seek peace with the God of heaven, by whom the earth and all its inhabitants are nourished; who giveth rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, and can, by his sovereign word, turn the heavens into brass, and the earth into iron, Deu 28:23.
How vain and impious was the applause of the servile multitude, when they were so ready to compliment a mortal man, in shining apparel, and one royal throne, with the title of divinity! How wretched the infatuation of his mind, when he could receive that ascription without horror, nay, and even with complacency! Thus do pomp and power, wealth and grandeur, corrupt and take away the heart of their possessors. Never is a mortal nearer to destruction, than when he forgets that he is a mortal.
With pleasure, no doubt, did the angel of the Lord come down to execute upon this proud and persecuting prince, the vengeance due to the honours of God which he had invaded, and the blood of his saints which he had spilt.Let us adore the triumph of the injured Majesty of heaven. Herod was smitten with death, with a death equally tormenting and ignominious. Vermin devoured this god: nor could all his robes, his guards, or his physicians, preserve his living body from being as easy a prey to them, as the carcase of the meanest slave.
Thus is the Almighty Sovereign of the universe known by the judgments which he executeth upon the haughty ones of the earth: and well might the gospel flourish on occasion of such an event, when this royal corpse was (as it were) given for manure to the roots of that sacred vine, which he, in contempt of the King of Kings, by whom it was planted, had impiously endeavoured to root up and destroy.
REFLECTIONS.1st, Herod had now, through the favour of Claudius the Roman emperor, received the government of Judea as well as of Galilee. Being a bitter enemy to Christianity, he interrupted the rest which the church had for a while enjoyed, and lighted up afresh the fire of persecution.
1. He began to harass and distress the saints at Jerusalem; either countenancing those who insulted and abused them, or imprisoning and persecuting them on account of their profession. The faithful must be always prepared to suffer.
2. He killed James the brother of John, with the sword. Thus did the apostle James drink of the cup with his Lord, as was foretold; and was the first of the apostles who sealed his testimony with his blood. He was probably executed in prison, like the Baptist, by a private order from the king, and led the way to his brethren, who were hereby taught to prepare for the like fate and be faithful unto death.
3. Because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also; glad to ingratiate himself with the people, at the same time that he gratified his own enmity against the disciples of Jesus; and as St. Peter, as an especially active, zealous preacher, was peculiarly obnoxious. Then were the days of unleavened bread, the feast of the Passover approaching. When therefore he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers, sixteen in number, who guarded him by four at a time, and relieved each other, to keep him, that he might not escape, intending after Easter, or the Passover, to bring him forth to the people, to gratify them with the pleasing spectacle of his ignominious execution. Note; (1.) They who study to please men, will be led into many a guilty deed. (2.) Success in wickedness often emboldens sinners to proceed to greater lengths.
2nd, To human view St. Peter’s case seemed desperate; and a few days would complete the triumph of his persecutors. But God had otherwise ordained; and then the craft of the wisest and the power of the mightiest are alike vain.
1. During St. Peter’s imprisonment, prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him; they were fervent and frequent at the throne of grace; perhaps one company after another continued their incessant supplications, deeply concerned for fear of losing him after all their other breaches, and trusting that, though no human prospect of his deliverance appeared, the Lord would, in his own time and way, rescue his suffering servant from the hands of his blood-thirsty persecutors. Note; When the faithful ministers of Jesus are suffering for their testimony, the church is called to pray earnestly for them, that, if the Lord so please, they may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, and spared for farther usefulness.
2. The time fixed for St. Peter’s execution now drew near; the next was the fatal day appointed to bring him forth to the people. St. Peter, in the mean time, was kept with the greatest care, chained to two soldiers within the prison, while the guards kept the door without, to prevent any rescue or escape; and never could greater precaution be taken. Yet, though his danger was so imminent, his case so desperate, unterrified, composed, in peace he sweetly slept, while probably the eyes of his malicious foes were held waking, and their disturbed minds could take no rest on beds of ivory. A good cause, a good conscience, and the desire to glorify God, whether by life or death, raised him superior to every fear; and, though expecting no deliverance, he took his wonted repose. Note; (1.) God suffers us sometimes to be reduced to extremities, that his power and grace in rescuing us from our trials may appear with more distinguished lustre. (2.) When wicked men seem to have ensured the success of their enterprizes, God is often pleased to blast their designs, and to cover them with confusion.
3. God sends his angel to deliver the faithful prisoner; and he, whom neither gates nor guards could exclude, suddenly entering the prison in a blaze of light, awakened Peter with a gentle touch from his slumbers; then, bidding him arise, his chains marvellously fell off from his hands; and, being now at liberty, the angel said unto him, Gird thyself and bind on thy sandals; and so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. St. Peter obeyed, and as yet apprehended not the reality of the facts, but supposed the scene was merely visionary. Passing now the first and second bodies of guards without molestation, who were cast into a profound sleep, they came unto the iron gate, which opened of its own accord; and, being now in the city, the angel accompanied Peter through one street, and then departed, his presence being no longer needful; and Peter could then provide for his own safety. Note; (1.) We have in St. Peter’s deliverance a lively image of our redemption. We lie by nature fast bound in the chains of sin, and sleep securely, not apprehensive of danger, though ruin is before us. Then God sends his gospel as this angel, and, if we will receive it, his Spirit smiting our hearts awakens us from our security and insensibility. Quickened by grace, the chains of corruption fall off, and we are now enabled to rise and walk, clothed with the Spirit of holiness, and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Under divine light and guidance the faithful saints are enabled to pass through numberless difficulties, and through hosts of enemies hold on their way, till the iron gate of death appears in view, and, opening wide, admits them into the new Jerusalem. (2.) No difficulties are insurmountable, if God be for us. (3.) When we have the ordinary means before us, we are not to expect miracles.
4. St. Peter, being left alone, soon recovered from his surprize, and, reflecting on what was past, was fully assured that the scene was not visionary, but real; that the Lord had sent his angel, and delivered him out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews, who waited impatiently for his execution. Deliberating then whither in prudence he should direct his steps, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together, praying; and importunate no doubt they were, when the danger was now so near: when, lo! a most astonishing answer is given to their prayers; behold, Peter knocked at the door,a visitant little expected by them. A damsel, named Rhoda, ran immediately into the porch, to listen whether it were a friend or foe, before she opened the gate; when, hearing Peter’s well-known voice, so transported was she, that, instead of opening the door, she ran into the room where they were all assembled for prayer, and told them, to their astonishment, that Peter stood before the gate. Unable to credit so strange an incident, they said, thou art mad; it is impossible. But she constantly affirmed the certainty of the fact, that it was even so. Then said they, it is his angel, one of the celestial spirits, who imitates his voice, and brings some tidings concerning him, or his own spirit delivered from the flesh. Meantime Peter repeated his knocks at the gate; and, going down, they opened the door, when with amazement they beheld him; and, eager to know the circumstances of this extraordinary event, they together began to ask him concerning it: whereupon he beckoned with his hand, commanding silence, while he declared to them his miraculous deliverance. And as no time was to be lost to secure himself, having charged them to inform James and the brethren of his escape, for their comfort and encouragement, he departed, and went into another place, where he might be secured from the danger. Note; (1.) They who persevere in prayer, will at last meet an answer of peace. (2.) Though when called of God, neither death nor danger must deter us from the way of duty, yet, when the Lord opens a door for our escape, we may lawfully provide for our own safety.
5. The next morning the guards were in the utmost consternation at finding their prisoner gone, and justly dreaded the rage of the king, as if they had been chargeable with neglect or connivance. In vain strict search is made by Herod every where; and, unable to find Peter, he wreaks his vengeance on the keepers, who could not give the least satisfactory account of the matter, and therefore were ordered to be put to death for their supposed negligence or corruption. Then retiring from Judea to Cesarea, in order to celebrate games in honour of Augustus Caesar, he abode there for some time. Note; God can, when he pleases, hide his people from the malice of their most envenomed foes.
3rdly, Proud persecutors justly meet an avenging God.
1. Herod’s pride now reached the summit of wickedness. On some provocation given him by the maritime cities of Tyre and Sidon, Herod was highly offended; and, justly fearing the wrath of this haughty monarch, they instantly dispatched ambassadors to him to make their submission, and deprecate his displeasure; for, as they chiefly drew their provision from his territories, if he had prohibited his subjects from supplying them, it would have exposed them to a famine. Therefore having by presents gained Blastus the king’s chamberlain for their friend, who had a considerable influence with his master, they desired peace; and a day was fixed to give them public audience. Herod, arrayed in royal robes, glittering, says Josephus, with silver, and reflecting the sun-beams so strongly as dazzled the eyes of the spectators, and seated on his gorgeous throne, made an oration unto them, probably expatiating on the provocations of the Tyrians, and displaying his own clemency in pardoning them on their submission. The people, delighted with his splendid appearance, pleased with his discourse, and willing to flatter his pride, shouted their blasphemous admiration, as if they heard a present deity, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man; while he, well pleased, received the impious adulation.
2. Instantly God smote him, and hurled him from his towering height of pride into the abyss of despicable wretchedness. An angel, the executioner of wrath, struck the fatal blow, because he gave not God the glory, and dared accept such adoration. A foul, filthy, and tormenting disease seized his vitals; in agonies he lingered five days; worms bred in his putrid carcase; and, devoured alive, he miserably perished, a spectacle of horror to every beholder. So easily can God abase those who walk in pride, and make the meanest worm that crawls, an instrument of his vengeance.
3. In spite of all persecution and opposition, the word of God grew and multiplied, spreading with rapidity and vast success. And Barnabas and Saul, having finished their business at Jerusalem, returned again to Antioch. Note; When ministers are called abroad, and have finished their work, they must hasten back again to their regular appointed labours.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Act 12:25 . ] they returned , namely, to Antioch, Act 11:27-30 , Act 13:1 . The statement in Act 12:25 takes up again the thread of the narrative, which had been dropped for a time by the episode (Act 12:1-24 ), and leads over to the continuation of the historical course of events in chap, 13. The taking of in the sense of the pluperfect (“jam ante Herodis obitum,” etc., Heinrichs, Kuinoel), rests on the erroneous assumption that the collection-journey of this passage coincides with Gal 2 . The course of events, according to the Book of Acts, is as follows:
While ( , Act 12:1 ) Barnabas and Saul are sent with the collection to Judaea (Act 11:30 ), there occurs in Jerusalem the execution of James and the imprisonment and deliverance of Peter (Act 12:2-18 ), and then (Act 12:19 ), at Caesarea , the death of Herod (Act 12:20-23 ). But Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem to Antioch (Act 12:25 ). From this it follows that, according to the Acts, they visited first the other churches of Judaea and came to Jerusalem last ; so that the episode, Act 12:1-23 , is to be assigned to that time which Barnabas and Saul on their journey in Judaea spent with the different churches, before they came to Jerusalem , from which, as from the termination of their journey, they returned to Antioch. Perhaps what Barnabas had heard on his journey among the country-churches of Judaea as to the persecution of the Christians by Agrippa, and as to what befell James and Peter, induced him (in regard to Paul, see on Act 11:30 ) not to resort to the capital, until he had heard of the departure and perhaps also of the death of the king.
. . . .] from Jerusalem; see Act 12:12 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
REFLECTIONS
Reader! let not you and I overlook the wonderful success of prayer, in the case of Peter, as related in this Chapter. Oh! what cannot prayer accomplish, when awakened by the Spirit of the Lord? And let us not fail to remark, how very near sometimes the Lord permits the enemy to approach, and the apprehensions of his people to be exercised, before the Lord vouchsafeth his answer to prayer. The night was advanced, and the morning hastening on, which was to end the life of Peter, before that the prayers for the Apostle’s deliverance were answered. So is it frequently with the Church. But there is a time to favor Zion. And that time, shall not fully run out, before the Lord’s hour is come. Oh! the wonders of the Lord’s timing; and the Lord’s giving deliverance. And, oh! the exercises of the Lord’s people, thereby to their good. In everyone the Lord speaks; I the Lord teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go!
What a lesson is here read, to the great and the mighty of the earth, of such as are enemies to God, and his Christ. Oh! how suddenly do they consume, perish, and come to a fearful end! Behold in Herod, the sad representation. It is the shout of a god, said the mistaken multitude. And before the shout was hardly ended, he shrieked, though unheard by them, the first shriek of his in hell. What a striking, but just account, the word of God gives, of such awful characters, Like Sheep, (said the Psalmist,) they are laid in the grave: death shall feed on them, and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning: and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. He shall go to the generation of his fathers: they shall never see light. And where is that? Nay, where is it not? Peter saith; to the spirits which are in prison. And if they never see light, where can that be but hell? A land of darkness, as Job saith; as darkness itself, and of the shadow of death, without any order; and where the light is as darkness. Oh! for grace to know distinguishing grace, and to say with the same Psalmist: But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for he shall receive me.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
25 .] The journey (ch. Act 11:30 ) took place after the death, or about the time of the death, of Herod; see on Act 12:1 . The purpose of the mission would be very soon accomplished: Saul would naturally not remain longer in Jerusalem than was unavoidable, and would court no publicity: and hence there seems an additional reason for placing the visit after Herod’s death: for, of all the persons whose execution would be pleasing to the Jews, Saul would hold the foremost place. Our verse is probably inserted as a note of passage from the last recorded fact of Barnabas and Saul (ch. Act 11:30 ), to their being found at Antioch ( Act 13:1 ).
. ] See above on Act 12:12 .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 12:25 . ., see critical notes, and Ramsay, St. Paul , pp. 63, 64, and note on Act 22:17 , below. . .; if the visit extended over as long a period as Ramsay believes, viz. , from the time when the failure of harvest in 46 turned scarcity into famine until the beginning of 47 ( u. s. , pp. 51, 63), no doubt the delegates could not have simply delivered a sum of money to the elders, but would have administered the relief (not money), and carried a personal message of cheer to the distressed (Ramsay, p. 49 ff., u. s. ), and so have “fulfilled” their ministry. But the word does not of necessity involve this personal and continuous ministration, e.g., cf. Rom 15:31 , where St. Paul uses the word of the money collection brought by him to Jerusalem for the poor, a passage in which the Western gloss is , cf. Rom 15:25 , 2Co 8:4 ; 2Co 9:1 ; 2Co 9:12-13 . Grimm writes that the word is used of those who succour need by either collecting or bestowing benefactions; see further, Expositor , March and July, 1896 (Ramsay), April, 1896 (Sanday), also Hort, Ecclesia , p. 206, and above on Act 11:29 . , see critical notes for Western addition. , cf. Act 15:37-38 , of bringing as a companion in N.T., only once elsewhere in same sense, Gal 2:1 . ( cf. 3MMal 1:1 ). This incidental notice of John Mark may well emphasise the fact that he was taken with Paul and Barnabas as a supernumerary, and to mark his secondary character as compared with them. In view of subsequent events, it would be important to make this clear by introducing him in a way which showed that he was not essential to the expedition, Ramsay, St. Paul , pp. 71, 170, 177; cf. Act 15:37 ; Act 15:40 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Act 12:25
25And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark.
Act 12:25 This begins the account of Paul’s missionary journeys. There is a textual variant in this verse relating to whether they returned “to” Jerusalem (cf. eis, MSS and B) or “from” Jerusalem (cf. apo, MS D or ek, MSS P74, A). Acts 13 begins with Barnabas and Saul in Antioch (“from Jerusalem to Antioch,” cf. MS E and Old Latin, Syrian, and Coptic versions).
“Mark” See note at “Persons Mentioned,” Acts 16 Introduction.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
ministry, i.e. of administering the contributions of Act 11:30. Greek. diakonia. App-190.
took with them. Greek. sumparalambano. Only here, Act 15:37, Act 15:38, and Gal 1:2, Gal 1:1.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
25.] The journey (ch. Act 11:30) took place after the death, or about the time of the death, of Herod; see on Act 12:1. The purpose of the mission would be very soon accomplished: Saul would naturally not remain longer in Jerusalem than was unavoidable, and would court no publicity: and hence there seems an additional reason for placing the visit after Herods death: for, of all the persons whose execution would be pleasing to the Jews, Saul would hold the foremost place. Our verse is probably inserted as a note of passage from the last recorded fact of Barnabas and Saul (ch. Act 11:30), to their being found at Antioch (Act 13:1).
.] See above on Act 12:12.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 12:25. , returned) to Antioch: ch. Act 11:30, having been sent thence with relief unto the brethren in Judea.-, having taken with them) Jerusalem was a nursery (seed-bed) of workmen.-, John) Act 12:12. He too had both a foreign and a Hebrew name. Comp. ch. Act 13:1; Act 13:8-9. This variety of names accords with the beginning of the union of Jews and Gentiles.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Barnabas: Act 11:29, Act 11:30, Act 13:1-3
ministry: or, charge
took: Act 13:5, Act 13:13, Act 15:37
John: Act 12:12, 1Pe 5:13
Reciprocal: Act 1:17 – this Act 4:36 – Barnabas Act 9:27 – Barnabas Gal 2:1 – Barnabas 2Ti 4:11 – Mark Phm 1:24 – Marcus
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
5
Act 12:25. Fulfilled their ministry. Act 11:29-30 shows this mission was to take the contribution collected at Antioch for the famine-stricken disciples in Judea. When they came back to Antioch they brought with them Mark, who is the writer of the book that bears his name.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 12:25. Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry. The thread of the history is here taken up again from chap. Act 11:30. Barnabas and Saul, after the prediction of Agabus, had been sent from Antioch to Judea with alms for the poor saints of Jerusalem and the churches of Palestine. It seems most probable that they had sojourned during the Passover at Jerusalem, and had been eye-witnesses of the events related in this chapter. They now returned to Antioch, taking with them John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas and the son of that Mary at whose house the solemn assembly was held on the night of Peters escape. Chrysostom remarks that the writer of the Acts still mentions Barnabas first, for Paul was not yet famous; he had not as yet wrought any sign.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Barnabas’ and Saul’s Special Work
Once Barnabas and Saul had completed their task of delivering the gift for the needy saints in Jerusalem, they returned to Antioch. Barnabas’ cousin, John Mark, also went with them ( Col 4:10 ). It will be remembered that Mark’s mother was Mary. Luke had just reported that the church met in her house for prayers while Peter was in prison. It is even possible her house was used as a resting place during Barnabas’ Saul’s stay in Jerusalem.
The church in Antioch was blessed with inspired men who delivered God’s word, or prophets, and teachers. Among that number were: Barnabas, the son of consolation, Simeon, whose nickname was “black,” Lucius, who was somehow closely associated with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As these men were carrying out their various ministries for the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit called for Barnabas and Saul to be set apart for their specially chosen work. Apparently the whole church fasted and prayed as they sent them on their way. The laying on of hands did not impart any special gift but was a sign of the agreement they had with the good work to be done. With these acts, the church sent them on their way ( Act 12:25 ; Act 13:1-3 ).
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
25. This narrative concerning the death of James, the imprisonment of Peter, and the miserable death of Herod, is thrown in between the arrival of Paul and Barnabas on their mission to the poor saints, and their return to Antioch. It is most probable that they were in Jerusalem at the feast during which Peter lay in prison. (25) “Now Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John who was surnamed Mark.” This is the first appearance in public life of the evangelist Mark, whose education in the house of Mary his mother, and whose subsequent familiarity, first with Barnabas and Saul, and afterward with Peter, very happily fitted him for the gospel narrative which we have from his pen. We will have more to say of him hereafter.
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
25. By this time Barnabas and Saul have completed their tour to Jerusalem, bearing benefactions to the poor saints, and returned to Antioch, having brought with them John Mark, the subsequent amanuensis of Marks gospel. He was the nephew of Barnabas, (Col 4:10), who was very anxious to make him very useful as a minister of the gospel.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 25
Their ministry; referring to the commission with which they had been intrusted, as recorded Acts 11:30.–John. See Acts 12:12. He was the author of the Gospel of Mark.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
After delivering the Antioch Christians’ gift to the church in Jerusalem (Act 11:27-30), Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch taking with them John Mark (Act 12:12) who was Barnabas’ cousin (Col 4:10). The round trip between Antioch and Jerusalem would have been a distance of about 560 miles. This verse bridges what follows with the earlier account of the virile Antioch church (Act 11:19-30). The reference to John Mark here also connects the preceding section about the Jerusalem church (Act 12:1-24) with what follows. The effect is to give the reader the impression that what follows has a solid basis in both the Gentile Antioch church and the Jewish Jerusalem church, which it did.
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
B. The extension of the church to Cyprus and Asia Minor 12:25-16:5
Luke recorded that Jesus came to bring deliverance to the Jews and to the whole world (Luk 4:14-30). In his Gospel, Luke told the story of Jesus’ personal ministry, primarily to the Jews. In Acts the emphasis is mainly on Jesus’ ministry, through His apostles, to the Gentile world. As the mission to the Gentiles unfolds in Acts we can see that Luke took pains to show that the ministry to the Gentiles paralleled the ministry to the Jews. He did this by relating many things that the missionaries to the Gentiles did that were very similar to what the missionaries to the Jews did. This demonstrates that God was indeed behind both missions and that they are really two aspects of His worldwide plan to bring the gospel to all people and to build a worldwide church.
The present section of text (Act 12:25 to Act 16:5) does more than just present the geographical expansion of the church into Asia Minor (modern western Turkey). Primarily it shows the legitimacy of dealing with Gentiles as Gentiles rather than through Judaism before and after their conversion. It becomes increasingly clear that the church and Judaism are two separate entities. God was not renewing the remnant in Israel and refreshing it with Gentile’s who believed in Jesus. He was creating a new body: the church. This section culminates in the Jerusalem Council (ch. 15) in which the issue of the Gentiles’ relationship to the church came to a head. The last verse (Act 16:5) summarizes these events and issues.
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
1. The divine appointment of Barnabas and Saul 12:25-13:3
Luke recorded these verses to set the stage for the account of Barnabas and Saul’s first missionary journey that follows.
"The world ministry which thus began was destined to change the history of Europe and the world." [Note: Blaiklock, p. 102.]