Acts 11:19-26 (NRSV)
The new community called ƒÏChristianƒÏ
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. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 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; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 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."
Reflection
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. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 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; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 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."
Reflection
After Stephen's death those Jews that followed Jesus dispersed from Jerusalem and many fled to Antioch. Now living among Gentiles the Hellenists preached Jesus to the Gentile Greeks. The Gentiles believed and faith grew into Gentile disciples of Jesus.The Church grew quickly and those in Jerusalem wanted to see what was going on in Antioch.
Barnabus was sent to check it out and found the Church alive and on fire. Disciples of Jesus among the Gentiles had formed the second church. Here the disciples became Christians or Christ's people.
God does amazing things in places we would never expect. We can't claim God for ourselves and expect God to be our own. God will, if chosen, go to and where he wants whenever he wants and the Spirit will spread the Word to save all people. God created an inclusive Church rather than an exclusive Church. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, when I pray for your kingdom to come, I pray that it may come to me and that I may take part in your kingdom day by day. A kingdom that spreads farther and wider than anything I could ever imagine. Use me this day in your kingdom that I may do your will today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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