QT 10/4/2024 Acts 11:2-21, An exceptional church example

Acts 11:19–29 (ESV) —

19 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 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 living in Judea.

 

NOTE: Antioch, more than Jerusalem, was really the first century sending church. They were growing and impacting their community and others. They saw needs and determined how to meet those needs. They sent missionaries and would be the church supporting Paul's first two missionary journeys. What I also like about this passage is how a handful of unnamed men from Cyprus and Cyrene started the most influential church in Europe. Not only that, but this Church was made up of Hellenistic Jews, Proselytes, and formerly pagan Gentiles. We don't know if they had to become Jews first but I imagine after the arrival of Saul, and his year of teaching, they were grounded in the true gospel. This is the church, a body composed of many different parts, following the Lord, and taking steps to both love others and to share the gospel.

 

PONDER:

1. How does my church look? Are we reaching out? Are we sharing the gospel?
2. Does my church make disciples? Are people growing in their relationship with God?
3. Is my church a place for religion (rules and rituals) or a place for a relationships with Jesus to grow?

 

PRAYER: Father, Continue to lead our church in your will. Help us to be receptive and excited about what you are doing in our midst. May there be growth and change and excitement caused by our relationship to you.