Scattered Seeds Result in Growth

Acts 11:19–26 (NASB95) 

19So 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. 20But 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. 21And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23Then 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; 24for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. 25And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. 

In Acts 11:19–26, we encounter a pivotal turning point in the early Church as the scattered disciples, driven by persecution, spread the Good News far beyond their original boundaries. In verse 19, Luke explains that those believers who were dispersed following the affliction surrounding Stephen’s martyrdom carried the message to various regions including Phoenicia, Cyprus, and notably, the cosmopolitan center of Antioch. Here, the Hellenist believers, with their affinity for the Greek language and urban culture, found fertile ground for the Gospel. This movement in Antioch not only reached Jewish people but also began to yield Gentile converts, marking a significant expansion of God’s redemptive work. 

As word of these developments reached Jerusalem, the Church sent Barnabas to investigate what God was accomplishing in Antioch. Barnabas’s visit confirmed the genuineness and flourishing of the Holy Spirit’s work among the new believers. Recognizing the success of this mission, Barnabas then went to Tarsus to seek out Saul (Paul) and brought him to Antioch. Together, they dedicated a whole year to teaching and overseeing the growing community, which was so transformative that the disciples were first called “Christians” in Antioch. This highlights not only a geographic shift but also a significant theological leap as the Gospel began to redefine community boundaries, making it truly inclusive. 

This passage invites us to reflect on how God can use challenging circumstances to spread His message far and wide. Today, as our communities face challenges and changes, we are called to emulate the faith and resilience of those early believers. Just as the scattering led to unexpected growth in Antioch, we too must remain open to God’s guidance through situations we may perceive as less than ideal. Remember, God’s will WILL be done. Nothing will stop the expansion of His kingdom or His timetable.