Learning from Acts -- Part 6

This is Part 6 in the Learning from Acts Series. For Part 1, click here.

Set Apart and Lending a Helping Hand

• In Acts 11:19-30 we continue to see a spread of the Word of God, but we also see pictures of discipleship and being set apart. We also see the Body of Christ serving those around them.

• The persecuted continue to be scattered throughout the land.
• The Word was spread to both Jews and Greeks
• "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message to only the Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus." -- vs. 11:19-20
• Many people heard and believed, they turned to the Lord.
• "The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." -- vs. 11:21
• Barnabas heard what was happening and he went to Antioch.
• He was happy for them and encouraged them.
• "...he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts."-- vs. 11:23
• He decided to send for Saul
• They returned to Antioch and stayed with them for one year
• Barnabas and Saul stayed to disciple the new believers in Christ.
• This is also where believers were first called Christians, showing that they were set apart.
• "...he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." -- vs. 11:26
• As disciples and followers of Christ, others around them began to see a difference. They were labeled as Christians and they were beginning to have an identity different than the other Jews.
• As Christians, we are called to be set apart, different than the world. Through our words, actions, morals, thoughts, what we watch or read, everything we do should show that we are set apart from the world. That instead we are filled with the Spirit and a part of God.
• A prophet of the Lord told of a forthcoming famine in the land.
• "One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world." -- vs. 11:28
• The disciples decided to help their brothers that would be affected. They helped to the best of their ability.
• "The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea."
• The reponse of Christians during times of need, no matter what it is or how big the need is, needs to be seen. Through our help and response we can show the love of Christ to others. We can be a shoulder, we can be a mover or cleaner. We can gather supplies, play with kids, serve food or hand out water. We can pray. Whatever we do, we do it to the best of our ability and can show that we are set apart. Loving and serving others because Christ first did the same for us.

Lord, I pray that as Your disciples we will be set apart from the world and instead been seen as the child of God that we claim to be. I pray that when the time arises, we will go where You send us. In times of tragedy, despair, natural disaster, Lord, I pray that You will send us. We know that You enable us and that through our faith in You, we have Your power. I pray that we serve the Body and those who do not yet know You. That through serving them with Your love they will come to know You and start a relationship with You. I pray that we will be set apart from the world and instead shine as the children of the Light.