training new believers

Good morning all,
Our reading for today reflects on what had happened in the church since Stephen's death. That death had been the beginning of a persecution that scattered many of the believers. When they scattered, the disciples took the good news of Jesus with them and the faith spread. Here we learn that in Antioch some of the believers started preaching to Hellenists as well as to Jews. The term "Hellenist" is a difficult one to pin down. Often it was used to mean a Jew who was shaped by Greek language and views. Here, since it is used in distinction to Jews it seems to also mean gentile. In any case new people were coming to the Lord.

Barnabas was sent to investigate this new thing and was excited, so he brought his new friend Saul to help in the education of these new Christians. Luke notes that Antioch was where the term "Christian" first came into use. Antioch also becomes one of the most important cities for theological training as the church matures. In this passage we also hear that Christians decided to take up collections for the church in Judea, a subject we hear about often in Paul's letters. God takes advantage of all kinds of different situations to offer good news and hope to new people. Where is God leading you this coming week?

God bless,
Sam

Acts 11:19-30

19Now 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. 20But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord.

22News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. 25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and 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.”

27At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. 29The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; 30this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.