Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as…Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.
Acts 11:19-30
After the religious leaders murdered Stephen, they instigated a persecution of the Christians in Jerusalem. Many were killed and others escaped to cities where there were Jewish populations. These “exiles” preached to the Jews in those cities, one of which was Antioch. However, there were other “exiles” who were from Cyprus and Cyrene and they spoke to the non-Jewish, Greek speaking people there in Antioch. So, Jews and Greeks heard and received the gospel with Jesus doing mighty works among the people. A good report of the events came to the church in Jerusalem and they dispatched Barnabas who, upon his arrival, saw how God was working among those in Antioch, and exhorted the new church there to remain faithful to Jesus. Through Barnabas’ preaching, many were added to the Antioch church. Then, Barnabas decided to go to Tarsus, Saul’s hometown. Barnabas asked Saul to come with him to Antioch. They both preached and taught at Antioch for a year. During this time the term “Christian” became the name of the believers who trusted in the Lord Jesus. Until that time, believers had been called the People of the Way. At some point, prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch and one of them, Agabus, prophesied of a famine to come in the land which did occur during the reign of Claudius. The people in the church decided to send relief to the fellow Christians in Jerusalem and they determined that everyone, according to his ability, would send something. Barnabas and Saul were selected to take the gifts to their brothers and sisters in Christ in Jerusalem. Scripture commands Christians to love and care for one another. The efforts in Antioch were the same as the church in Jerusalem had determined to do at the first to insure all Christians there did not go without any need anyone of them had. This action love continues today through the local church’s involvement in organizations that provide aid to people in need or by directly aiding its own members and others in the community who are in need. May God bless His children who provide assistance and aid to all needy people in their community. Source: S C Ball June 26, 2023
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