“Acts 11:19-30”

Monday, January 11, 2016

“So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea. And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders.”

---End of Scripture verses---

The Gospel continued to spread as a direct result of the persecution of Christians that began with the murder of Stephen (verse 19); and also because of the recognition that uncircumcised men were welcome by the Lord into His church (verse 20). When the Apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem heard of the great success with which the Gospel was spreading to the north, they sent Barnabas to the church in Antioch to help out the brethren there. It is no wonder that they sent Barnabas for this mission and it is no mystery what they sent the “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36) to do.

When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, “he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with a resolute heart to remain true to the Lord” (verse 23). Sadly, babes in Christ sometimes fall away from the Lord shortly after they turn to Him in obedient belief. At times the difficulties of discipleship and human weakness overwhelm young converts, and accost their faith, and they may be tempted to abandon their conviction to follow Jesus. Quite often the difference between a fledgling disciple taking flight or falling flat is the encouragement that he does or does not receive from his brethren. Young Christians need the edification of elder statesmen and the courage that can be instilled within them by the kind and confident exhortations of veterans of the fight of faith.

It takes “a resolute heart” to remain faithful to the Lord. It is not always fun and it is not always easy to stay true to Jesus to the end, but it is always rewarding and always worth it. It takes diligence and determination to see the race through to the finish line, but God has promised us that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5); and that He will help us if we are making the effort (Philippians 2:12). Even if all your friends abandon you and all your brethren let you down, God is always faithful and true. But remember that it takes faithfulness unto death to receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10). God rewards those believe in Him and seek Him with all diligence (Hebrews 11:6).

“The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (verse 26). There is some uncertainty as to whether this name was adopted by the disciples themselves or given in a derisive manner by their enemies. It doesn’t matter one way or the other. This is a glorious named to be called by. To be a Christians is to be a follower of Christ. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like. It is to obey His commandments and follow His example. To be a Christian is to wear the name of Christ. “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:16).

Please read Acts 12:1-19 or tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

- Louie Taylor

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