“Christians”

Acts 11:19-30

¹⁹Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia [Lebanon] and Cyprus and Antioch [300 miles north of Jerusalem], speaking the word to no one except Jews.

²⁰But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene [Libya], who on coming to Antioch [third largest city in the Roman Empire] spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.

²¹And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

²²The report 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 was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,

²⁴for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

²⁵So Barnabas went to Tarsus [on the coast of southern Turkey] to look for Saul,

²⁶and 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.

²⁷Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

²⁸And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).

²⁹So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

³⁰And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

The event of Stephen’s stoning was tragic and brutal but God used his death to good purpose. It served to scatter believers across the region. At this point the story is taking place roughly 15-20 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Jews are still the main target of the evangelistic efforts but for some the Gentiles are fair game. Antioch becomes the focus of attention which is also another wonderfully strategic move. This is a huge city with over 500,000 citizens. That Barnabas would stay there for an entire year is easily understood. There was a large Jewish community there as well as an enormous Gentile population. Since the Gospel has clearly been shown by God to be for all the possibilities are endless. The church grows here explosively – so much so that Antioch becomes the first place those who follow Christ are called Christians. We don’t know for sure who first started that or even if the title was meant as a compliment or derisively, but this moniker has stood for 2,000 years.

The church in Antioch is also the first mention of Christians reaching out to help others who are in need. The growing church in Antioch takes up a collection and sends aid to those in Jerusalem who will suffer due to a famine. Famines were frequent and widespread during this time as I suppose they still are today. In today’s reading we find that helping out where needed is a vital part of being a Christian. Saul and Barnabas become ministry buddies during this time and they serve together for several years before having a falling out over a younger missionary. That story will come later. Saul is still in his educational phase and has not yet become prominent in the church at large. That too will come later.

"Christian", first used in Antioch to describe us actually means “little Christ”. Those of us who wear this title daily show the world what Christ is like and that is a big responsibility. Sometime we succeed and sometimes we fail miserably. But when others see us, knowing that we serve Christ, He is judged.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that when the world sees me, they are judging You by my actions. Please increase my ability to step out of Your way and let You shine through me. Your goodness and love are what draw people to You so may I be a viable reflection of that love. In Your name I pray. Amen.