Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears, х eekousthee (G191) eis (G1519) ta (G3588) oota (G3775), a special Hebraistic phrase, though not elsewhere occurring in this unique form: cf. Isaiah 5:9 (Septuagint); Matthew 10:27; Luke 1:44; James 5:4]
Of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch. Two notable facts are to be observed here. It was not one of the Twelve who was sent on this delicate mission of inquiry, but-as yet, at least-simply a 'teacher,' of influence at Jerusalem; nor was he sent by the apostles, but by "the church which was in Jerusalem," the apostles at the most presiding and going cordially along with the appointment. Perhaps his being himself a Cypriot might recommend him for an investigation into the proceedings of Cypriot and Cyrenian disciples; but no doubt his personal standing and character at Jerusalem was the main ground of choice; and certainly the result. as given in the following terms, amply justified the selection.