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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 11:20 NIV

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After Stephen was killed, the persecution continued and made the believers scatter to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. They did not just run away but they kept spreading the Good News about the Lord Jesus. Some men from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks (gentiles). The Lord's hand was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 

The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas, a good man, full of Holy Spirit and faith, to Antioch. He was so glad for that progress and encouraged them to remain true to their faith in Jesus Christ. He then went to Tarsus, looked for Saul and took him to Antioch. There they stayed for a year teaching people. It was in Antioch when the disciples at the first time were called "Christians".

The persecution could not stop the believers' faith. I believe it was because they knew what they had in Jesus was more than anything. To those who believe in Him, He does not only give an eternal life in heaven, but He gives authorities over satans, sicknesses, protections and new abilities (Mark 16: 15-18). Even death is not scary anymore as Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26).

Jesus frees us from all burdens. You do not have to perform good things to go to heaven. He saved us when we were still sinners (Rome 5:8). But His love will change you, you are a new creation in Him (Gal 6:14-16). Jesus said to the Jews who believed in Him "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32). 

Have we abode in Jesus Christ and His words? It means not adding our understanding with other sources or opinions, but following the Word of God solely. Only when we already have, we will discover that real freedom, that we are able to have the faith even among sufferings and difficult challenges and automatically spread the Good News to the world. May the Holy Spirit help us all. Amen.

Reflection on Acts 11: 19-30 by Desire Litaay

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