“So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord…” (Acts 11.19-23).
Persecution couldn’t derail the expansion of the early church. In fact, it provided the very spark necessary to ignite the efforts to fulfill the mandate of the Lord Himself to take the gospel “...to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). There were some bumps in the road as the mission extended into Gentile regions to be sure. But to their credit, the early believers worked through those issues and forged ahead.
The “mother church” in Jerusalem hears of the success of the church in Antioch and sends Barnabus. Upon his arrival, the text says that he “...witnessed the grace of God” (v. 23). What did he see? The grace of God speaks of His benevolent favor or gifting. These Christians were working together in spite of their struggles and differences. The accomplishment of God’s purposes in Antioch was evidence that God was “gracing” their efforts.
Could someone look at my life and witness the grace of God? Would there be any evidence that He was accomplishing His purposes through me? I hope so! If I am endeavoring to live as God calls me to live, any good that results is a testimony to His grace. Any glory goes to Him. “But by the grace of God I am what I am…”
(1 Corinthians 15:10).
God loves you!
Mike
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