Acts 11:22
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Antioch was a major city in Syria, busy with commerce and home to people of many backgrounds, but also known for luxury and vice. The gospel reached there as disciples moved beyond Palestine after persecution drove them from Jerusalem. Among them were disciples from Cyprus and Cyrene who preached Jesus in Antioch. Many heard, believed, and turned to the Lord, and news of that success and growth of believers came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem.
In response the church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to go as far as Antioch to see the work and to help, strengthen, and support the new believers and the developing church. The sending thus marks the Jerusalem church's response to the spread of the gospel beyond the city. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. His work in Antioch succeeded in helping the church as it grew, and as it grew he brought Paul to join him in teaching the people.