Acts 11:19-30
Acts 11:19-30
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists[c] also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers[d] living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
God is at work to build His Church. He uses things like persecution and famine to advance this mission. He also uses His followers to spread the Gospel and then minster to and with one another. What looks a little chaotic from the perspective of those who follow Christ, is really a well-orchestrated plan under God’s sovereign control. God is aligning certain people in certain places at certain times to advance His work. Perhaps only from heavens perspective will the full wisdom and glory of God’s work be truly appreciated.
THE GOSPEL SPREADS THROUGH PERSECUTION: Persecution is disruptive and fearful but is almost always instrumental in the advance of the Gospel. Whenever the Church has been persecuted, it has resulted in growth. As persecution in Jerusalem grew, the believers began to spread to other places and took the Gospel with them. However, they focused only upon Jews until a group in Antioch also preached to the Hellenists, which is a term that can be used to describe Jews who had assimilated into Greek culture or Greeks in general. When the Hellenists respond to the Gospel, there seems to be a multi-cultural church that is growing. Persecution served to test the faith of believers and deepen their commitment to Christ as well as spread the truth to unreached locations. Despite the focus on Jews, there begins to be an openness to other cultures that was not yet true in Jerusalem. We do not enjoy persecution. However, God, in His sovereignty uses persecution for His purpose and glory.
THE CHURCH GROWS THROUGH INSTRUCTION: Barnabas was sent to the church in Antioch to help disciple, instruct, and likely do things like train leaders and organize the church. The Holy Spirit used his ministry to solidify the church and grow the body. Barnabas decides to go to nearby Tarsus and ask Saul to join him in the work. He, likely, had two motives. First, he needed the help. Second, he desired to see Saul recover from a less than spectacular ministry experience in Jerusalem. Saul seems to have faded from the scene, but God was at work in his life and, once again, used Barnabas to bring him along. The team worked beautifully together, and the church was firmly established. They gained such a reputation that it is the first place the followers of Jesus were called Christians. Discipleship is such vital part of any church planting effort. Teamwork within the body of Christ is also incredibly important. We desperately need more people like Barnabas who invested in the lives of people and helped others do the same. Without Barnabas Saul never becomes Paul. May we each look for someone in whom we can play the role of Barnabas.
THE BELIEVERS GIVE THROUGH REVELATION: God revealed to some prophets who came to Antioch from Jerusalem that there would be a famine. The church decided to take up an offering and send it to the elders in Jerusalem to help meet the needs of people there and those who might travel to Jerusalem from other places. It is interesting to note that this new church was not dependent upon the church in Jerusalem, rather they were happy to contribute to a church that had been established prior to theirs. The body of Christ is one and there should be generosity spread throughout the body. We are called to cooperate and serve one another and not be in competition with one another. Our lives should be marked by love and generosity.
APPLICATION: Trust the Lord in the midst of difficulty and look for how He is at work to expand His kingdom through it. Look for someone to encourage and seek to involve them in a ministry the Lord has given you. Invest in the lives of people by teaching them the Word and the ways of God. Always disciple someone. Look for ways to meet the needs of others and express love to those who are in need.
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