Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. 20 There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas [to go] to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, 24 for he was a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. 25 Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
In this passage, the Gospel begins to spread to non-Jews, particularly in Antioch, reflecting the universal nature of the Church and its outreach beyond Jewish boundaries.
Stephen made a speech before the Sanhedrin, boldly giving witness to Christ, which led to his being accused of blasphemy and ultimately stoned to death (Acts 7). His martyrdom sparked a wave of hostility against the Christian community in Jerusalem, led by figures like Saul (Acts 8:1-3). This persecution, though intended to suppress the Christian movement, ironically benefited the early Church by forcing many Christians to flee Jerusalem. As they scattered, they spread the Gospel to regions such as Judea, Samaria, Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. This dispersion of early Christians - the diaspora - spread the Gospel beyond Jerusalem to significant areas in the Roman Empire, thus expanding the Church.
Antioch was a major cosmopolitan city in the ancient world, with a large Gentile population. Certain believers from Cyprus and Cyrene (North Africa) began to preach to "Greeks" (most likely non-Jews) about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God blessed their work and many Gentiles came to believe in Jesus. The Church in Jerusalem, which remained the center of authority for the early Christian community, heard of the events in Antioch and sent Barnabas, a key figure in the early Christian community, to ensure that what was being taught was in line with apostolic teaching.
Upon arriving in Antioch. Barnabas witnessed God's work in the conversion of many Gentiles and encouraged the new believers to persevere with steadfastness and commitment to the faith. Barnabas was a good, Spirit-filled man of faith who was an effective instrument in God’s plan and helped to convert many people. Barnabas then went to Tarsus to find Saul (Paul) and bring him to Antioch. Saul was a learned Pharisee and had a deep understanding of both Jewish and Gentile cultures so he was well-equipped to assist in teaching and organizing the new believers. Barnabas and Saul spent an entire year teaching in Antioch where disciples of Christ were first called Christians.
Almighty God, by Your grace the early Church spread Your Word in the the face of persecution. May we too be filled with Your Holy Spirit and boldly proclaim Christ to all people. Strengthen our hearts, so that we may remain faithful to You in all circumstances, and help us to build Your Church in unity and love. This we pray through Christ our Lord Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
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