Acts 11:19-30
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.
But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they
had come to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus.
The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and
turned to the Lord.
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, 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.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and
many people were added to the Lord. Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for
Saul.
When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. It happened, that
for a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many
people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
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.
As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to
the brothers who lived in Judea;
which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas
and Saul.
Insight- The Jews who were scattered after Stephen was martyred
restricted themselves to letting the good news of eternal life through Jesus be
known only to Jews, but some men from Cyprus and Cyrene spoke also to the
Greeks and the gospel started spreading and many believed in Jesus Christ.
Barnabas and Saul taught the new believers for one whole year. The disciples
were first called Christians in Antioch. Agabus
prophesied about a great famine that would come all over the world and
it happened during the days of Claudius. The disciples sent relief to the
brothers in Judea through Barnabas and Saul.
Question- Do you restrict yourself from speaking the Gospel to certain
categories of people? Do you despise prophets and their prophecies?
Prayer- Dear Father in heaven, grant me grace to speak your Word
without discriminating between people groups. Let me not despise prophecies,
but test everything and hold on to that which is good. In Jesus name. Amen.
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