Now Peter is in hot water with the Jewish Jesus followers back in Jerusalem because he admitted Gentiles into the Church. Peter explains why. The apostles hear him out and change their minds. Everyone is eligible to turn to God and be accepted!
Meanwhile, others who had scattered earlier due to persecutions are also letting Gentiles in n the salvation of Jesus. Many become followers. Barnabas is sent by the apostles in Jerusalem to check out what's going on. He was impress and encouraged them (that's what his name means) to hang in there.
Barnabas decides, since he's up there anyway to look up Saul in his hometown, Tarsus. He joins Saul in teaching at the local church (notice it does not say "synagogue." Saul must have been targeting Gentiles, too.) They must have met separately since Gentiles cannot be in the synagogue. This is the first time people call us Christians (They had to since they were not Jews who followed Jesus. They couldn't be called "Jews.")
Some prophets (people who speak God's word to us) came with news that Jerusalem and the area were suffering. The local churches send gifts to the "mother" church.
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