The Nameless

Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the reign of Claudius. Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea. They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.

Pray

Those who were scattered

Those who chose not to be killed for their beliefs but instead to give up everything they knew and move to a new place. So in no way think that these people weren’t being as brave as the people who chose to stay and be killed. They went to the outlying regions.

Phoenicia is in present-day Lebanon

Cyprus was 100 miles off the coast

The primary language was Greek

Antioch, The largest city of the area and capital of the Roman province of Syria. With a population of half a million only Rome and Alexandria were larger. While they traveled they brought the good news of Jesus with them. And for the most part like the disciples they brought the words and teachings of Jesus to mostly Jews. But some of them largely in Antioch told it to the Hellenist. In this case the Greek speaking Gentiles who lived in Antioch.

And the hand of the Lord was with them and may came to know Jesus.

The people of Jerusalem heard the report and sent Barnabas to see what was happening. Who encouraged the believers and went and got Paul to help. And the people there were prophets and Strong believers in Christ.

First thing I want to point out about this passage is That the Lords hand is in with His people and fulfilling through them what he has commanded. The teachings and salvation of Jesus Christ are being accepted and growing because God wanted it to happen through these people. This has been the theme throughout Acts. The Book is known as the Acts of the Disciples but a better title is the Acts of God through His people. It is God who is saving these people and the his hand is in it because God.

Has commended it to happen. Verse 21 and the hand of the Lord was with them

Matthew 28:16-20 “So the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated for them. And when they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.””

The Second Thing is:

Who is doing the witnessing, who is winning all these to Christ? We know it is God, But who is God using. Is it Barnabas, Paul. Yes. But only after the work has began and they are more encouragers than anything.

God is using the Nameless People

Who are the Nameless? Despite the obvious we don’t know because they aren’t named (smart Alec). These are the everyday believer they Christians. This is the first place people are known as Christians. These are You or Me. The everyday Christian. Not a great disciple. Saul or Barnabas. Those two came to support not to lead.

No God was using the Nameless masses to take his word forward into the world.

And they were growing in large numbers. Because everyday people were being obedient. Not saying I don’t know enough. Not saying I am not special enough. Just being obedient and Being the vessels of Christ. The tools that God Used. And they Were Christians

Next Steps

Are You a Christian?

Are you the nameless?

There is no Yes But You either are obeying God and being a Christian or you are not and Sinning.

I will be honest to you right now, If you are not teaching others you are not obeying the words of God

Doesn’t mean you have to be upfront of the church

Home

Bible study with friends

Or in your community

If you are not making disciples you are not doing the will of the Lord. And you are not loving others

It wasn’t the name or gimmick that God used

It was the nameless who have no other name but Christian

Are You a Christian?

Pray

Invitation

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