Peter ended up in the home of some Italians in Caesarea. [1] These Gentiles believed in Christ. At first, some early believers contended with Peter for eating with non-Jews, but after hearing firsthand from him what had happened, they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” [2]
Others scattered by the persecution traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch (see the map). Some began preaching the Lord Jesus to the Greeks. The Lord was with them. A considerable number of Greeks believed and turned to the Lord. Barnabas and Saul joined the effort in Antioch. They discipled people there for a full year. Antioch is where the disciples of Jesus first came to be called Christians. [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for taking what was meant for evil, namely the bloody and deadly persecution of Christians in Jerusalem, and turning it into catalyst to spread the Good News of Your Son Jesus Christ to non-Jews like me and others. Please help us Your Church to see what You are doing in 2021, and to become a part of it, because we know that You are always doing great and mighty things due to Your great love for people. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 10:1
[2] Acts 11:1-18
[3] Acts 11:19-26
No comments:
Post a Comment