“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. 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. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord." (vv.19-21)
At first, Christians scattered over the Roman Empire preached only to Jews. But they eventually began to preach Jesus Christ to Gentiles as well.
Here in our text we read of some unnamed spiritual pioneers (v.20). These unnamed disciples from Cyprus and Cyrene began the first mentioned “mission to the Gentiles” (here called Hellenists) in Antioch.
Antioch was about 300 miles (480 kilometers) north of Jerusalem and about 20 miles (32 kilometers) inland from the Mediterranean Sea. So not exactly a short walk. Many considered Syrian Antioch the third greatest city in the Roman Empire, behind Rome and Alexandria. Antioch was known for its business and commerce, for its sophistication and culture, but also for its immorality. And it was here that these unnamed disciples began their mission.
Our text tells us that, "the hand of the LORD was with them." And because God was with these guys, their ministry was blessed and multiplied, resulting in a great number believing and turning to the Lord.
This phrase, “believed and turned to the Lord” is a good description of the work of both faith and repentance. So much so that the news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem (some 300 miles away), and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch (v.22).
At the church in Antioch, when Barnabas saw the grace of God (Gentiles turning to the LORD), he was glad. And, there was something in the work and atmosphere among the followers of Jesus in Antioch that made Barnabas able to see “the grace of God” present there.
Oh, that others would be able to see the grace of God at work among us wherever we gather. That others would not see an emphasis on self, on man-made rules, on human performance – but on the glorious grace of God.
The Truth: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 3:7)
