Today we are reading Acts 11. In this chapter we read about Barnabas and his groundbreaking work in Antioch. “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. 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. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report 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 was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 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.” Acts 11:19-26 ESV The church in Antioch was huge in the beginnings of Gentile Christianity. They experienced wonderful growth prior to the sending out of the first missionaries. What would have happened if they never sent out the missionaries? How would Christianity have spread? How do you serve as a missionary? May God bless you to go and proclaim the Gospel. Pastor Tim
