“Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to 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.” Acts 11:19-20 (NIV)
Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire next to Rome and Alexandria. It was located three hundred miles north of Jerusalem. The city was a pagan metropolis with a population of about 500,000 people. Those who had been scattered by the persecution in Jerusalem in connection with Stephen were sharing the message of Christ with Jews in Phoenicia, Cypress, and Antioch. Some men from Cyprus and Cyrene began to share the message of Christ with the Greeks in Antioch.
- “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” Acts 8:1 (NIV)
- “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:4 (NIV)
The believers were willing to bloom where God planted them. Even though relocated as a result of persecution, they chose to share the good news of Jesus wherever they went.
To join God in His redemptive activity, you must be willing to bloom where God plants you. Think about your current life situation. Think about those in your sphere of influence. God has you right where you are so that you can share Christ with those He has brought into your path.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor