Acts 11:19-30 SIGNIFICANT CHANGES For quite some time the work of the early church was centered in Jerusalem among the Jews and Jewish proselytes. Because of the on-going persecution of the believers following the death of Stephen, disciples moved to other areas, but they were not silent about their faith in Christ. As Jews they had only preached to Jews until the news came to them that the door of salvation had been opened to the Gentiles also. The practice of moving away from an established assembly is not wrong in itself. The motive behind a move is what has to be considered. Those disciples moved out and preached "the Lord Jesus." When we do that for the same reason where there needs to be a scriptural presentation of the Gospel, such a move can be right. To move only for the reason of increasing wealth was not taught nor practiced by those early saints. Physical survival and at the same time fulfilling the commission given by the Lord was behind that significant change that took place and brought the Gospel to Antioch.
Those believers who brought the Gospel to Antioch were not apostles who had been personally given the mandate by the Lord Jesus Christ. These were men from the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus and the north African area of Cyrene. When they got to Antioch, they didn't hesitate to preach to non-Jews which was another significant change in the developing work. They were active and aggressive in reaching out to those with whom they came in contact, preaching "the Lord Jesus" to them. When an opportunity arises for us to be in a new area, we need to be ready to pass on the Gospel and make connections with those around us. The key to accepting this change was "the hand of the Lord was with them." As a result a great number became believers in Christ and they "turned to the Lord." Open doors when the Lord works in blessing His word, are not hard to see. The Spirit of God prepares the hearts and minds of people to receive the word of God.
Follow-up of new believers happened quickly in Antioch. The assembly of saints at Jerusalem sent Barnabas right away to go and support the new work there. Effective teaching soon after people are saved is a very important part of any new outreach of the Gospel. Know the people. Relate to the needs of the people. Teach those new believers so a strong relationship with the Lord is established and is able to be maintained. The Antioch believers were "added unto the Lord," indicating that what they were taught right at the beginning, they followed, and committed themselves to the teaching they were given. The new assembly followed those principles taught at the beginning and that established the character of the work. Those principles still apply and need to be taught today because assemblies will take their character from those events, practices and the people who taught them in the beginning of the work.
It is important to note that the work in Antioch was really a team effort. Brothers from Cyprus and Cyrene brought the Gospel at first. Then Barnabas came from Jerusalem to encourage and exhort the believers. How he had kept in touch with Saul we do not know, but he knew Saul's gift and knew that was needed at Antioch. The uniqueness of each God-given gift is recognized by others. Those men were not paid pastors and teachers. They identified themselves "with the people" and used what they had been given by God for the benefit of a great many of those new converts. Inter-assembly fellowship and support was another change of significant importance that was introduced in Antioch and is still of great and lasting value today among the assemblies of God's people.
This same practice continued when those of a different gift, the prophets, came to give Antioch believers an understanding of things yet to come. In those days before the written New testament scriptures were given, prophets were in the foundation of the church to prepare God's people for daily living and for what was ahead of them. There is great value when gifts are used for the benefit of the Lord's people. We need the blessing of the functioning, consistent use of gifts to meet our needs.
Compassion for saints in need in other places was also a significant change that was practiced in the new assembly at Antioch. To be informed of the need of other people in distant places, brings great blessing to those who give as well as those who receive. Giving of their means to relieve the needs of other saints is consistent with the description of "a peculiar people, zealous of good works." There was no stated amount or proportion mentioned in this passage of scripture. "According to their ability" and "as God has prospered him," are not really all that different in meaning. It does tell us of our responsibility to use our means for the benefit of others, not just for our own self-interests. Later in Acts we learn this assembly was interested in following the early teaching they had received, and that led them to send some of their own servants, Barnabas and Saul, out to evangelize in further parts of the world. Changes did take place in Antioch that have affected the outward thrust of the Gospel, and we are being benefited today from what they practiced then. The word "Christian" used as an unimportant nickname at the first, is a well-known and well-respected designation of those who belong to Christ when it is used properly today.
To be a "believer" means there is someone on whom I have faith. That designation is given to those God has saved by His grace. It is not just a title but is a fact, I know who I have received - The Person is the Lord Jesus Christ, it is in Him I have believed.
A "disciple" means I am learning from One I'm called to follow. The word "disciple" without a "Lord" or "Master" sounds so hollow, Because the process goes on daily as the Master continues to teach With the objective that in the future, disciples the Gospel will preach.
"Witnesses" are those who know what they've experienced and seen. Their testimony is used even in courts to settle arguments between Opposing parties when witnesses tell publicly what they know. Witnesses for the Lord are chosen to testify with grace, and mercy show.
Disciples were called "Christians," at first it was almost a joke. But soon it was through "Christians," God to the people spoke. Now it is a great honor for such a name publicly to bear - With respect, integrity and dignity we that name can bear.
To some people "saints" are those who are already dead. In the Bible saints are those separated to our risen Head. We have to be different when we follow in the steps of the Savior. Saints are known by the uniqueness and dignity of behavior.
"Father, in Thy mercy help Thy servant to dignify such honorable titles as the scriptures give to those who are in Thy family. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."