Acts 11:19–30

11:19
Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that took
place over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking
the message to no one but Jews.
20
But there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene among them who came to
Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks too, proclaiming the good news of
the Lord Jesus.
21
The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned
to the Lord.
22
A report about them came to the attention of the church in Jerusalem, and
they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23
When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts,
24
because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and a
significant number of people were brought to the Lord.
25
Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to look for Saul,
26
and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year
Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught a significant number of
people. Now it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called
Christians.
27
At that time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28
One of them, named Agabus, got up and predicted by the Spirit that a
severe famine was about to come over the whole inhabited world. (This took
place during the reign of Claudius.)
29
So the disciples, each in accordance with his financial ability, decided
to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
30
They did so, sending their financial aid to the elders by Barnabas and
Saul.

One thought:

God turns all things to good, even the persecution of His people – which in this passage leads to the spreading of the gospel.

Three questions:

Can you think of other times in the Bible where the persecution of God’s people actually leads to a good outcome?

 

Does this passage help you cope with the possibility of persecution? Why/why not?

 

Give thanks for the impact that Christian refugees have had in other countries.

Prayer:

Acknowledge God as the sovereign Lord who works all things for good in His sovereign plan.

Ask God that He would help you and others trust Him in times of persecution/suffering.

Pray for Christians who are being persecuted right now around the world.

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