The Acts of the Apostles

168 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Jerusalem tradition which we can now see has been
interpolated here.
But the passages written from the standpoint of
Antioch do not first begin with xi. 27, rather as has
been long recognised xi. 27^. presupposes xi. 19—26
a passage of even central importance—indeed, is bound
up with it. In this passage the rapid development
—
of the narrative is from the beginning directed towards
Antioch, and in the shortest space presents a wonderful
wealth of information (the preaching to the Gen-
tiles ; the foundation and the rapid growth of the
Church ; the sending of St. Barnabas from Jerusalem
to Antioch; St. Barnabas' approval of the mission
to the Gentiles, and the part he took in it ; the
bringing of St. Paul from Tarsus to Antioch by St.
Barnabas; their united missionary work in the city
during a whole year ; the origin of the name " Chris-
tians" in Antioch). These facts in themselves, and,
above all, the statement concerning the origin of the
name « Christians," leave no room for doubt that we
have here Antiochean tradition, even if xi. 19-26
were not bound up so closely as it is with what
follows. It is not even forgotten that the first persons
who dared to preach the Gospel directly to Gentiles
—and that first in Antioch ; for this is expressly
emphasised—were exclusively Christians of Cyprus
and Cyrene.
Their names are not mentioned, though afterwards
the prophets and teachers of Antioch are introduced
by name. This, however, cannot be because they met
with slight success—for in xi. 21 we learn just the
opposite—but only because they were not authorised