Here are yet more new developments in terms of Christian fellowship!
First, we see the gates opening for a substantial number of non-Jewish converts being added to the church. (vv 20-21). News of the decision taken in Jerusalem, recorded in 11 v 18, must have spread fast. So a church was planted in Antioch with a diverse congregation of Jews and Gentiles. This radical development cut across all kinds of cultural and racial divides and represents the beginning of a worldwide church bringing together believers of every nationality and background. We take this kind of church for granted (mostly!), but it was a major shift for these early Christians.
Then, just as we encountered Peter in Acts 9 v 32 going around the churches to encourage them, we find Barnabas sent out with the same pastoral role to visit the Church in Antioch (v 22). In other words, here is the beginning of a wider view of the church and how to care for believers. Churches are not seen as functioning in isolation but ready to extend love and fellowship to others further afield.
Next, we have the first indication of the ‘Call’ of a Pastor! (vv 25-26) Barnabas goes looking for Paul and brings him to Antioch to help with the teaching programme.
And then, (v 26), for the first time believers are called ‘Christians’ in Antioch. It would appear that they got this nickname because of their focus on Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah.
For the first time too, we encounter the idea of a Christian Prophet (v 27). Presumably the gift of prophecy was already recognised and was used within the congregation. His words are taken seriously and promptly acted upon.
Finally, it is here that we first meet the idea of sending material aid to another congregation that is going through a difficult time. (v 29). The seeds are sown for organisations such as TEAR Fund – which we now take for granted. The whole idea of sending relief to unknown people, living hundreds of miles away, was utterly novel, but these Christians in Antioch rose to the challenge and determined to send help to the best of their ability.
So these are momentous verses, packed with new developments that gave rise to a whole host of ventures in the later years of the Church’s history.

For reflection: Recall how we are still benefiting from the developments we see in these verses.