The Lord’s Hand Was With Them

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Acts 11:19-26

We know that those who followed Jesus were first called Christians at Antioch.

What separated them from the rest?

First, those of us who follow Him, are known as Christians, but it goes much deeper than that. It should be at the center of our faith, and our belief system.

The Christian is one who accepts, with all its implications, the lordship of Jesus Christ.

As followers of Christ today, we gladly bear His name as our Savior, Lord, and Friend.

Don’t be a Christian in name only.

Our Daily Bread – July 2, 2010