The Church in Antioch 19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 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. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:19-30 (NIV) What prompted the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem (v. 19)? How did persecution contribute to the mission of the church? What was unique about the evangelism that took place in Antioch (v. 20)? How was this different from earlier efforts to preach the gospel? What was the result of the preaching in Antioch (v. 21)? What does this verse reveal about God’s role in church growth? Why did the church in Jerusalem send Barnabas to Antioch (v. 22)? What does this say about the early church's leadership and accountability? How is Barnabas described in verse 24, and why is this important? What can we learn from his character and influence? Why did Barnabas seek out Saul (v. 25-26), and what does this suggest about ministry partnerships? What does this tell us about Saul’s emerging role in the church? What is the significance of believers first being called “Christians” in Antioch (v. 26)? How might this label reflect how others saw them? What role did prophets like Agabus play in the early church (v. 27-28)? How did their message influence the actions of the believers? How did the church in Antioch respond to the prophecy of famine (v. 29-30)? What does this demonstrate about their faith, unity, and generosity? What lessons can we apply today from the Antioch church’s example of growth, discipleship, and generosity? How can our church or small group reflect these same values?