The contribution from Antioch

The principal work of the Church of Jerusalem was now done. Henceforward we hear of it only incidentally, in so far as it had an influence on the expanding Church beyond Palestine. The transition is formed by a mission of Barnabas and Saul from Antioch to Jerusalem to carry a contribution to the brethren of Judea who were suffering from famine. This visit of St Paul to Jerusalem is passed over in his own recital in Galatians, but a sufficient explanation is given by Dr Lightfoot, and is indeed suggested by the structure of the narrative in Acts.

At the same time, doubtless before Barnabas and Saul arrived, a new form of persecution broke out. This time it came neither from people, nor from priests, nor scribes, nor elders, but from the king, from Herod. He slew James the son of Zebedee and imprisoned Peter, who was released by an angel, and withdrew, apparently for a time only, to another place.

James the Lord's brother

The death of James probably led to the substitution of James the Lord's brother in his place. He has not been named in the Acts till now, when he suddenly appears as the person to whom, in conjunction with the brethren, Peter sends the message with the account of his delivery from prison. From this time forward he is apparently the head of the Church of Jerusalem, and thus assumes a position of great interest in relation to our subject.