CHRISTians…being justified in Him and being changed precept by precept to do good works to the glory of God. It was too small a thing that Jesus came to only the Jews. He came to offer salvation to ALL…those in every financial condition, every nationality, every gender. EVERYONE.
All praise and honor be to God…Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
The Greek term used here, christianos, which may be literally rendered “of Christ” or “belonging to Christ,” refers to “Christ followers.” The community began to be known as a distinct movement from Judaism that was loyal to Jesus as Messiah (or Christ) and Lord.
The mission of the early church extends into the region of Phoenicia—in modern-day Lebanon, north of Israel along the Mediterranean coast—beyond Caesarea and to areas besides Damascus. Cyprus a large Mediterranean island that figures prominently in Acts. Cyrene in northern Africa (modern-day Libya) settled by Greeks, which in the first century had a large Jewish population.
Antioch was the Roman military and administrative capital of its region in southern Asia Minor. Luke (the narrator) underlines the culturally limited scope of the church’s witness beyond Jerusalem prior to this point. Faithlife Bible.
This persecution began when Stephen was murdered for his faith. God often uses tough times to accomplish His will. Jesus said, “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth”. God allowed persecution to be the impetus for spreading Christ’s witness throughout the land. Those who face such persecution will receive “great reward” in heaven. At this time it was primarily the Jewish believers who were being persecuted. Consequently, the Jewish Christians were the ones who were moving out and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in various regions. They shared the gospel with the Jews because they still met in the local synagogues and held onto many of the Jewish customs. (Catholic)
Seleucus I founded the city of Antioch, naming it after his father. The city was cosmopolitan, attracting people of various cultures and ethnic backgrounds—including people from Persia, India, and even China. The gospel proclaimed in Antioch would have had tremendous potential for reaching other areas of the world. Moreover, because the city was culturally diverse, it was not controlled by one religious group, making the people there more open to hearing the truth of the gospel message.
Barnabas, nicknamed “Son of Encouragement” by the apostles, was sent to discern what God was doing in the lives of the new converts. When Barnabas saw the grace of God in these converts, he was true to his name and encouraged them in their new faith. Purpose of heart describes a resolve of the will to make up one’s mind about one thing. The resolve here was to remain with the Lord.
The believers were called Christians because they worshiped Christ, the Messiah. The historian Josephus called them “that tribe of Christians.” Tacitus, the Roman historian, referred to them as “Christians, a name derived from Christ.” Originally, the church called themselves “The Way.” But later they began to refer to themselves as Christians, despite the fact that the name most likely was originally used to ridicule the believers. NKJ Bible.
Acts 11:19–26 (NKJV)
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Acts 2:47 (NKJV)
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Luke 1:66 (NKJV)
66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
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