{Were received} (paredechth(8873)an). First aorist passive
indicative of paradechomai, old verb, to receive, to welcome.
Here it was a public reception for Paul and Barnabas provided by
the whole church including the apostles and elders, at which an
opportunity was given to hear the story of Paul and Barnabas
about God's dealings with them among the Gentiles. This first
public meeting is referred to by Paul in  Ga 2:2  "I set before
them (autois) the gospel, etc."