Some Interesting Filler
Acts 11:19-30
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. 20 But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 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; 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.
27 At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One 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. 29 The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; 30 this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Periodically in the book of Acts we are given summaries like this one, and it is easy to jump them because they seem like filler not telling an interesting story. But it is worth noting a few things.
The opening verses of the section remind us of the persecution of the church at the end of Acts 7 that led to many Christians leaving Jerusalem – we heard about how the good news got to Samaria (with Philip), and then Joppa and Lydda (already there before Peter showed up), and in these verses Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. The rings are expanding as the ripples of the gospel flow outward. And then the focus turns specifically to Antioch – in vs. 20 it was “some men” who brought the good news to Antioch – ordinary people speaking of Jesus Christ. Ordinary people, not superstars, not the inner circle – just ordinary people. Again and again we see that – ordinary people bringing the message abut Jesus into new settings.
The church grew rapidly in Antioch and Barnabas remembered Saul who was in Tarsus, and he wondered if maybe Saul would be a good help as a missionary in Antioch, as a pastor to the new church. So Barnabas went looking for Saul and brought him back to serve in the church. So often we look to the same people again and again to do the work of God, we often don’t see people unless they are front and center, but Barnabas remembered Saul even though Saul was living a different community. Who are we not seeing who could be invited to share in the work of God. Not the same people again and again, but new people God is raising up. Are our eyes open?
In Antioch the name “Christian” was coined – meaning “little Christs.” Before this time Christians called themselves “followers of the Way.” The Christians in Antioch talked so much about Jesus Christ, that the wags in town called them “little Christs” and the name stuck. In fact it is not a bad name – because the goal of Christians is to be known as people who live the way Jesus Christ did – being little Christs.
PRAYER:
Holy God, it is our greatest honour and highest calling to serve you. Shape our lives so that they are lived to your honour and glory, so that your name is praised by those we meet. May we live up to the name we call ourselves, Christians. In Jesus’ name. Amen.