*Acts 11:19-29
Scattered believers spread the gospel to Jews and Gentiles in Antioch, prompting Barnabas to bring Saul to join the flourishing church there.
- The Spread of the Gospel to Antioch
- Following the persecution that arose over Stephen, believers are scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word only to Jews initially.
- However, some men from Cyprus and Cyrene go to Antioch and begin to speak to Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
- The hand of the Lord is with them, and a great number of Greeks believe and turn to the Lord.
- Barnabas Sent to Antioch
- News of these events reaches the church in Jerusalem, and they send Barnabas to Antioch to assist.
- Barnabas is described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. On arrival, he sees the grace of God at work and is glad, encouraging all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
- Many more people are brought to the Lord under Barnabas’s encouragement.
- Saul Brought to Antioch
- Barnabas then goes to Tarsus to find Saul, and when he finds him, he brings him back to Antioch.
- Together, they meet with the church and teach large numbers of people for a whole year, and it is in Antioch that the disciples are first called Christians.
- The Prophecy of Agabus
- During this period, prophets come from Jerusalem to Antioch.
- One of them, named Agabus, stands up and predicts by the Spirit that a severe famine will spread over the entire Roman world. (This actually happens during the reign of Claudius.)
- The disciples in Antioch decide to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.
Acts 11:19-29 shows us the power of sharing our faith and helping others. As believers spread the good news about Jesus, more and more people came to know Him. Barnabas encouraged them to stay faithful, and the church in Antioch became a strong, loving community. This reminds us to share God’s love wherever we go, encourage others in their faith, and be generous in helping those in need. We can apply this by supporting one another, being kind, and using what we have to bless others, just as the early believers did.
Acts 11:19-29 (WEB)
11:19 They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch, 23 who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.27 Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius. 29 As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea;