Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 11:19-24

"They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number that believed turned unto the Lord. And the report concerning them came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas as far as Antioch: who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord: for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." — Acts 11:19-24 (ASV)

The first preachers of the gospel at Antioch were dispersed from Jerusalem by persecution; thus, what was meant to hurt the church was made to work for its good. The wrath of man is made to praise God. What should the ministers of Christ preach, but Christ? Christ, and him crucified? Christ, and Him glorified?

And their preaching was accompanied by the Divine power. The hand of the Lord was with them, to bring that home to the hearts and consciences of people, which they could only speak to the outward ear. They believed; they were convinced of the truth of the gospel. They turned from a careless, carnal way of living to live a holy, heavenly, spiritual life.

They turned from worshipping God in show and ceremony to worship Him in the Spirit and in truth. They turned to the Lord Jesus, and He became all in all to them.

This was the work of conversion worked in them, and it must be worked in every one of us. It was the fruit of their faith: all who sincerely believe will turn to the Lord.

When the Lord Jesus is preached in simplicity and according to the Scriptures, He will grant success. And when sinners are thus brought to the Lord, genuinely good people, who are full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, will admire and rejoice in the grace of God bestowed on them.

Barnabas was full of faith; full of the grace of faith, and full of the fruits of the faith that works by love.