The second division is occupied with the history of Paul’s missionary labors among the Gentiles, from Antioch as a centre.  He had already been sent from that city with Barnabas to carry alms to the brethren in Jerusalem and Judea (chaps. 11:27-30; 12:25), when “the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them;” and they were sent, with fasting and prayer and the solemn laying on of hands, on their great mission to the Gentiles.  Chap. 13:1-3.  Thenceforward the narrative is occupied with an account of the labors of Paul among the Gentiles.  The fifteenth chapter is no exception; for the convocation of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem was occasioned by the missionary labors of Paul, and had especial reference to them.

Two cities are mentioned in the New Testament which have the name of Antioch—­Antioch of Pisidia so-called, though situated in the southern part of Phrygia near the border of Pisidia (Acts 13:14; 14:19, 21; 2 Tim. 3:11); and Antioch of Syria, situated on the southern bank of the Orontes about fifteen miles from its mouth.  Acts 11:19-27; 13:1; 14:26; 15:22-35; 18:22; Gal. 2:11.  The latter city was the centre of Gentile Christianity.  It was the metropolis of Syria, the residence of the Syrian kings, and afterwards the capital of the Roman provinces in Asia.  Here the first Gentile church was gathered, and the disciples first received the name of Christians.  Acts 11:19-26.  Hence Barnabas and Saul were sent to Jerusalem to bear alms (Acts 11:29, 30; 12:25); and afterwards to consult the apostles and elders at Jerusalem on the question of imposing the Mosaic law on the Gentile converts.  From this city also the apostle started on his three missionary journeys, and to it he returned from his first and second journey.  Acts 13:1-3; 14:26; 15:36, 40; 18:22, 23.  From the time that Barnabas first brought the apostle to Antioch (Acts 11:26) to that of his seizure at Jerusalem and subsequent imprisonment, most of his time not occupied in missionary journeys was spent at Antioch.  Acts 11:26; 12:25; 14:26-28; 15:30, 35; 18:22, 23.  As Jerusalem was the centre for the apostles of the circumcision, so was Antioch in Syria for the apostle of the Gentiles.

39.  This brief survey of the plan of this book gives us also an insight into its office.  First of all it gives us a fresh and vivid portraiture of the apostolic labors and the spirit of the apostolic church, as pervaded and quickened by the presence of the promised Comforter.  On the side of the apostles, we see a boldness and ardor that no persecution can check, united with simplicity and godly sincerity.  On the side of the brethren, we see a whole-hearted devotion to the Saviour, under the mighty impulse of faith and love, which opens their hearts in liberality and causes them to have all things in common.  On the side of both the apostles and the brethren,