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Here note, 1. How that great but humble apostle, St. Paul, who had learned of his Master to be meek and lowly in spirit, was willing and content to be a servant and messenger of the church to the apostles, though he was nothing inferior to the chiefest apostle: Paul and Barnabas went up to the apostles that were at Jerusalem. The more holiness a Christian has, the more humility he has. Humility is a great part of our holiness, it is an argument of our sincerity, and an ornament to our profession; it is the great design of the gospel to make us humble, and keep us humble.
Note, 1. With what great pleasure and satisfaction Paul and Barnabas make report of the success of their ministry, both at Phenice, Samaria, and Jerusalem, in the conversion of the poor Gentiles, and with what joy the report was received and entertained: They declared the conversion of the Gentiles, and it caused great joy unto all the brethren.
Thence learn, that nothing more rejoices the hearts of believers, than the hearing of souls brought home to God by converting grace, and thereby of the increasing and enlarging of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. The Gentiles' conversion was joyful news to the saints at Jerusalem.
Note, 3. With what great and due reverence and respect the church at Jerusalem received and entertained those laborious apostles, Paul and Barnabas, who were now sent unto them by the church at Antioch: When they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church; that is, received with great veneration and regard, for their indefatigable labors in order to the Gentiles' conversion.
Thence learn, That double honour and respect is certainly due and payable to such ministers of Christ as labour in the word and doctrine, and perform their duty to God and their people, with such zeal and application as becomes persons of their holy character and profession.
O how beautiful should the feet be of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things, even the joyful tidings of salvation, to the ears of a lost world.