Day 11: A Scattered Church

The Church in Antioch of Syria

19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles[a] about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.
22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers[b] were first called Christians.)

Acts 11:19-26

In Exodus we read that the more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread. What was intended to suppress them actually caused them to grow. I am reminded of this whenever I think about the early days of The Lighthouse Church. We met in two different venues before arriving at the cinema. In each location we faced challenges that forced change, yet every move resulted in unexpected growth. What looked like disruption became preparation for multiplication.

The early church experienced something similar. After the persecution that followed Stephen’s death, many believers fled Jerusalem in fear and uncertainty. Yet even in unfamiliar places, their priority was not rebuilding their lives but proclaiming the gospel. Scripture says, Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Their scattering did not silence them. Out of persecution came proclamation and out of disruption came salvation.

Some believers travelled as far as Antioch where they began sharing the good news not only with Jews but also with Greeks. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Antioch became a model church marked by diversity, discipleship, and strong leadership. It was from this scattered and unlikely community that Paul and Barnabas were commissioned and sent out to the nations.

I believe churches will naturally plant churches when they are aligned with and committed to the Great Commission. Wherever God places us, whether by choice or circumstance, we are carriers of the gospel and builders of His Church.

Are you intentionally sharing the gospel with those around you, whether at work, in your neighbourhood, or at the school gate? 

Lord, help us see opportunity in adversity. May we carry the gospel wherever we go and build diverse, disciple making communities that reflect Your heart for all nations. Amen.