Chapter 41 — INTO COUNTRIES BEYOND PALESTINE

Many of the apostles and disciples left Jerusalem after the death of Stephen because of persecution. The disciples preached Jesus to the Hebrew and Greek Jews who lived in other cities. "The Lord's power was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord" (Acts 11:21, TEV).SRme 1.1374

The believers in Jerusalem rejoiced when they heard many people had been converted. The believers sent Barnabas to help the church in Antioch. Antioch was the most important city in Syria. Barnabas had great success in Antioch. The church work got so big that Barnabas asked Paul to come and help him. Paul went and the two men worked together in Antioch for a year. Paul and Barnabas taught the people and won many people to the church.SRme 1.1375

All kinds of people from different nations lived in Antioch because it was a business center. Antioch also was popular because of the healthful climate, the beautiful scenery, and the wealth and learning. Many Jews and Gentiles lived in Antioch. In the days of the apostles the city was filled with people who loved sinful pleasures. Later, God's judgments came upon Antioch because of the wickedness there.SRme 1.1376

In Antioch the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. This name was given these people because Christ was the center of their preaching and teaching. The disciples talked continually about the life of Christ. The disciples never became tired of telling about Christ's teachings and His miracles of healing the sick. The disciples told of Christ's power over evil spirits, and Christ's raising the dead to life. With tearful eyes the disciples spoke of Christ's suffering in the garden of Gethsemane. They spoke of Christ's trial and crucifixion. The disciples told of Christ's patience and humility during His crucifixion.SRme 1.1377

People accepted Christ as the believers described Christ's Godlike pity when He prayed for people who persecuted Him. Then, with joy, the disciples told of Christ's resurrection and ascension, and His work in heaven as Priest for sinners. The believers preached of Christ and prayed to God through Him, so the name Christians was a good name for Christ's followers. No wonder the Gentiles in Antioch called the believers Christians.SRme 1.1378

Paul enjoyed his work in Antioch. At Antioch Paul's learning, wisdom, and zeal had a powerful influence over the people. Paul understood that his missionary area was the world. God had made this plain to Paul one day in the temple while Paul was praying. Paul had a close personal experience with God. God showed Paul a little of the beauty and glory of heaven.SRme 1.1379

Most of the apostles were busy preaching the gospel in countries other than Palestine. But the center of their work was in Jerusalem. Peter, James, and John stayed in Jerusalem. They felt God had given them the work of converting the people in Palestine. Peter, James, and John were doing an important work. Jews from all nations came to worship at the temple during the Jewish feasts. The apostles preached Christ to the Jews. Some people wanted to kill the apostles for preaching, but many people were converted to the Christian faith. These new Christians returned to their homes throughout the world and preached the gospel of truth to all nations and all people.SRme 1.1380