October 26

Acts 11: 19-30

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. 20 But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. 22 News 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 rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians." 27 At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. 29 The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; 30 this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

The death of Stephen scattered the church. Rather than being an obstacle to the spread of the gospel, this event served to move the church out of Jerusalem to the known world. The spread of the gospel comes to Antioch through unnamed disciples. The result is people respond with faith and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem hear of this.

We are so used to planned church growth that these stories of spontaneous growth catch us by surprise. The fact is that this type of church planting is still going on today. In Africa we are seeing explosive growth in the church. “Trained evangelists” are a regular part of the church’s mission effort. We also see minority communities in this country coming together to worship and witness long before the organized church recognizes their existence.

So Barnabas is sent north to see what is happening. His response is to find Saul and to establish what will become a very important missionary team. This activity leads to a new name for this community. They are now Christians. The slow separation from the synagogue is continuing.

I find it interesting that this missionary church is also quick to respond to human need. The church in Antioch will help support the believers in Judea. There is a hunger appeal in the early church. Interesting it is in the newly established congregation supporting the “mother church”. Supporting one another in time of need is a mark of the church.

Reflection questions:

1. How could we identify and encourage the evangelists among us?
2. What new models of church and congregation does this story suggest?
3. What role does the “bearing the burdens” of others play in the church?