Sent to Antioch
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Acts 11:19-24 [NIV]
Barnabas is clearly seen an effective leader in the church and is sent to Antioch to see what is happening, with this "great number of people"
The church in Antioch was born by simple believers who fleeing Jerusalem, told others about Jesus.
Grace cannot help but touch people when it flows out of a community of people overwhelmed by the love of God, regardless of persecution and conflict. The reason for the growth was simple: "The hand of the Lord was with them", this was a church that God was blessing. When Barnabas arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
Who encourages our church to remain true to the Lord with all our hearts?
Thank God for them.
Guy Mowbray
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