Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of April 25, 2021

Weekly reading: Acts 11-15; Psalm 11-12
Passages referenced: Acts 1:8; 9:16; 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:16

The Book of Acts is rich with riveting accounts of how God began to fulfill the Great Commission through Jesus’ disciples. Before His ascension, Jesus commanded His followers to “be [his] witnesses, telling people about [him] everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NLT) Despite this directive, the young church of Jerusalem focused on its own flock. Very few ventured outside the city walls to share their newfound faith.

Our reading this week is a turning point in the story. Here the Gospel jumps from being shared primarily with the Jews in and around Jerusalem to become the Good News for the Gentiles (all other people groups) as well. Through this shift, God provided the way to take His Gospel to the ends of the earth.

After Stephen’s death, persecution scattered the believers of Jerusalem in every direction, some fleeing as far north as Antioch in Syria. Antioch was a thriving commercial center, attracting merchants and tradespeople from distant lands and diverse cultures. The Jewish believers interacted with shopkeepers and neighbors along the narrow, bustling streets. Believers shared their faith in Christ. Relationships grew. God touched peoples’ hearts, and many responded to the Gospel, Jew and Gentile alike. Soon, a thriving church community was born!

There is much to admire about this remarkable church. The Antioch church leadership team in Acts 13 is an inspiring example of inclusion and harmony, listing men of wide-ranging cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The church was bold and welcoming in its community by pioneering open outreach to the Gentiles. And it was compassionate and generous by sending relief to their sister church in Jerusalem. The people of the church were first called “Christians” there. Perhaps this nickname was a testament to their Christ-like character and love.

The church of Antioch is also a model of how the church is involved in sending out missionaries. The church leaders, led by the Holy Spirit, gathered together to fast and pray. Little is written about that meeting except that they prayed until they had an answer. The Holy Spirit clearly led the men to commission Saul (also known as Paul) and Barnabas for His “special work.” They prayed again, laying their hands on the two, dedicating the men to God. Then the church leaders sent them out on their first mission—to bring the light of God’s grace to a vast and spiritually dark world to the west.

In a time of intense growth, the church of Antioch chose to obey the Spirit and gave two of their best teachers to this venture. The implication in Acts 13:1-3 is that there was unity amongst the leaders about the goal and target of the mission. They were going to preach the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches where God’s saving story had never been heard. And later in the book, when their challenging journey was complete, the Church of Antioch welcomed the missionaries home, listened to their report, and celebrated God’s work through them. Then Paul and Barnabas returned to their roles in the church body, leading, teaching, and discipling until God called them to their next outreach. These qualities are valuable to emulate in a mission-oriented church, even today.

If one considers his history, Paul was absolutely the least logical choice to lead this mission. He later referred to himself as “a prime example of [God’s] great patience with even the worst sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:16, NLT) This violent terrorizer of the early church became the caring planter of at least 14 vibrant churches. He did this knowing full well how he would suffer (see Acts 9:16). Be encouraged that God uses us, in spite of us, if we will submit to His direction. In the end, the work is unmistakably God’s and can only be credited to His glory.

The Book of Acts is a story of God using flawed but willing followers to advance His Kingdom. It is a story of faith, grit, and deep dependence on His Spirit. It is the story of the birth and beauty of the church. But it is more than a narrative. It is God’s Word, “useful to teach us what is true.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT) So, as we read, know that God is revealing these scenes to us, twenty centuries later, to help us continue His story. His Great Commission is not yet complete. We have our chapter to write, and the pen is in our hands. – Mike Boze