Answering the call of the Lord, Barnabas and Saul preached the gospel of the risen Christ at Antioch, furthering the Kingdom of God throughout a decadent region. Known as “the cradle of Christianity,” Antioch was a prominent city and the main center of Hellenistic Judaism when Barnabas and Saul were called to share the truth about Jesus.
“27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.” (Acts 11:27)
God had previously informed the apostles of this occurrence, that during the last dispensation, sons and daughters would prophecy in the name of the Lord, sharing the truth about the resurrected Christ and spreading hope to the lost.
“28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.” (Acts 11:28)
Years earlier, Agabus was among the 70 disciples sent out by Jesus to share the gospel and give hope to the hopeless. He was a prophet who traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch where he delivered a prophecy about a forthcoming worldwide famine, which occurred in 46 and 47 A.D.
“29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.” (Acts 11:29)
Learning of the severity of the famine, the disciples at Antioch gathered a contribution, as each one could afford, and trusted their brothers Barnabas and Saul with the donation to be delivered to those in need throughout Judea.
“30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts 11:30)
Barnabas and Saul were trusted ministers of the gospel, with whom the disciples’ contribution was vehicled from Antioch to Jerusalem. There, believers and leaders of the Christian church would be safe from the famine that would soon plague the region.
Benevolence is at the root of Christianity. The scripture shared by the apostle Luke teaches us to love one another and to look out for each other in a manner glorifying to God. Such is the way of the Lord, and benevolence should be a part of every Christian’s life. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
