Acts 11:19-30

Luke is using this passage to show us that what church should be all about. It's not a social club but a movement of believers in Jesus who go and share the gospel with everyone they meet.

The church, through their persecution, were following the directives ordained by God - to share the gospel in Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. They spoke to Jews and Gentiles because everyone needs the gospel.

Embracing new people

The church was happy to accept Gentile converts into their fold. We should do the same. Chances are we are Gentile (non-Jew) but we must be accepting of peple who are different who might come into our church. Barnabas was glad to see this in the church in Antioch, and he was described as a good man.

Teaching and growing

Saul and Barnabas set about fulfilling one of the main priorities of the church - to edify believers. Through discipleship and teaching they changed the lives of the christians in the church, making them more like Jesus and more effective carriers of God's word.

Giving and supporting

The church in Antioch were also very generous with their resources, supporting each other and different churches in the network. They were a sharing church, and the church must share it's faith, the scripture, a community, and it's resources with those who need it.

The church in Antioch is a great model for what a modern church should be like - embracing new people, teaching and growing disciples, and giving and supporting those in need.