The First “Christians”
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Acts 11:19-30
19. Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none except Jews. 20. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed 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 was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose; 24. for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord. 25. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; 26. and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians. 27. Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world; and this took place in the days of Claudius. 29. And the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brethren who lived in Judea; 30. and they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
There isn’t really one particular verse that stands out for me this morning. I just like the fact that the excitement and energy of the time is almost palpable throughout! A revolution of sorts, has begun in earnest! How frightening! How awe-inspiring. And “in Antioch the disciples were for the firs time call Christians.” Wow! What an honor and what a scary label to have in that day and time! Stephen had just been stoned to death for proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. Not just
a Jesus --
that Jesus -- from the line of David, fulfillment of the prophecies of old.
The believers were sent underground as they feared for their lives. The apostles, though, continued to preach and perform miracles and spread the Good News. They were “Christians” now! No turning back. No hiding in the shadows. Too many good men had been killed for the faith they shared with the apostles -- even Jesus himself. Those men were on fire! And even the threat of death was not going to snuff out the Spirit’s fire within them! In fact, that made them all the more steadfast in their purpose -- what a powerful truth that man would want to silence it!
“28. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world; and this took place in the days of Claudius. 29. And the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brethren who lived in Judea; 30. and they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.” A great famine all over the [known] world. Hurricane Katrina. Earthquake in California. Tsunami in Asia. I’ve seen similar acts of generosity throughout all these and other disasters visited upon the earth. And I think Americans are so often the “first responders.”
I wonder though, if we respond so readily because the thought of our losing our homes, our cars, our
things is so horrific that we just can’t even “go there.” I can’t help but think that perhaps sometimes we are really making offerings to false gods. Are we really giving out of compassion and concern for the individuals impacted, or are we making a “pre-emptive” offering in the hopes that nothing like that will ever happen to us? Food for thought, I think. Not that we shouldn’t give -- we should -- all we can! I just wonder if it matters why we give.
My hope today is that you will give generously to whatever worthy cause appeals to you. And that you offer not only your financial resources, but your heart and soul to the source of all good.
Mary
