Book of Acts of the Apostles
Compiled by WD Kemner October 2024
Chapter 11:19-30 Overview
Dispersion of the Gospel
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Acts Chapter 11 verses 19-21 |
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19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
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People: Barnabas, Paul (formerly Saul)
Location: Antioch
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Acts Chapter 11 verses 22-24 |
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22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
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Barnabas – verse 24 is the man’s character. If only that description could be applied to us all.
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Acts Chapter 11 verses 25-26 |
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25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
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Paul and Barnabas spent an entire year with the church at Antioch.
Antioch was where “followers of Christ” first began to be referenced as “Christians”.
Today, that term has become nothing more than a political nametag and has nothing to do with being a follower of Christ.
People: Barnabas, Paul (formerly Saul), Agabus
Location: Antioch
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Acts Chapter 11 verses 27-30 |
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27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
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“prophets” – the first prophets of the church age. They were spokesmen for God and often were given by God information on future events.
Prophecy is one of the Gifts of the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12 With directives on this gift in 1 Corinthians 14
Other prophets mentioned by name in Acts 15:32. Agabus is mentioned again in Acts 21:10
Dearth = “a scarcity of food” - same word used in Acts 7:11 regarding famine in time of Joseph
This drought only occurred in the area of Judea. This was understood by the Apostles because the collection of aid relief only went to Judea.
This drought is recorded as having occurred by historian Josephus in his works book 20, chapters 2, 5.