And from there sailed to Antioch, from where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
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John Chrysostom
AD 407
Why do they come back to Antioch? To report what had taken place yonder. And besides, there is a great purpose of Providence concerned: for it was needful that they should thenceforth preach with boldness to the Gentiles. They come therefore, reporting these things, that they may be able to know them: and it is providentially ordered, that just then came those who forbade to keep company with the Gentiles in order that from Jerusalem they might obtain great encouragement, and so go their ways with boldness. And besides, it shows that in their temper there was nothing of self-will: for they come, at the same time showing their boldness, in that without the authority of those (at Jerusalem) they had preached to the Gentiles, and their obedience, in that they refer the matter to them: for they were not made arrogant, as (ἀ πενοήθησαν) having achieved so great successes. Whence, it says, they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. And yet moreover the Spirit had said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:2 And when they had come, and had gathered the Church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples.
