"And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:26)
Acts 11:19-26 records the beginning of the church at Antioch. After Stephen was martyred, many Christians were scattered, but at this time, they were not yet called by that name. Most of them preached only to the Jews, as there was a prevailing misunderstanding among early believers that God's work through Jesus Christ was exclusively for the Israelites. However, a few bold men from Cyprus (Barnabas’s homeland) and Cyrene began sharing the gospel with the Grecians in Antioch. To the surprise of the brethren, many of these Gentiles believed. The news spread to Jerusalem, prompting the brothers there to send Barnabas to confirm what was happening and encourage the new believers.
Barnabas’s ministry in Antioch proved fruitful, but he felt the need for help. He journeyed to Tarsus to find Saul, the Pharisee-turned-disciple of Christ. After finding him, Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch, where they ministered together for a year. During this time, the church didn’t just grow in numbers but in spiritual maturity. It was in Antioch that believers were first called “Christians.”
One thing that stands out in this account is the incredible potential that lies in seemingly small beginnings. A handful of unnamed Christians shared the gospel with some unnamed Gentiles. Then, an often-overlooked disciple sought out Saul, who had been living in relative obscurity for a decade. Within a year, there was a thriving church in Antioch—whose name we still bear, whose Scriptures we still read, and whose example we still follow.
This story is a powerful encouragement to all the “unnamed” brethren faithfully serving in their corner of the world. If you take the gospel wherever you go and share it with all who will listen, the potential impact is immeasurable. Perhaps the person you’ve been witnessing to will believe. Perhaps their family will come to Christ. Perhaps one simple encounter will lead to countless others finding salvation. Be faithful in the small things, for they carry the potential to yield great results.
Pastors and missionaries, if you’re discouraged by the seeming smallness of your work, don’t focus on what you lack. Instead, focus on what God can do if you remain faithful. Before Antioch became the cradle of Christianity, it was just another Roman city. A few unnamed brethren changed that—and perhaps your town, however ordinary it may seem, could become the cradle of Christianity in your region.
At this point in the story, Paul and Barnabas had not yet risen to the fame and influence they would later have. This was only the beginning of their Gentile ministry—a ministry that would eventually turn the world upside down. Their impact in Antioch was not just numerical. The believers there were called “Christians,” a name that means “little Christ.” What a marker of true growth! These Gentiles, who just a year prior were worshiping Greek gods, were now seen as Christlike by their society.
How remarkable that they were not called “Paulines” or “Barnabasians.” Why? Because Paul and Barnabas weren’t building a platform for themselves but pointing others to Christ. Paul would later write, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). He commended the Thessalonians, saying, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). By following Paul, these believers were ultimately following Christ, to the extent that they were labeled “little Christs.” This is what happens when we follow Jesus, those who are following us, also begin to follow Jesus. Never underestimate the power of your walk with God.
Dear Christian, don’t despise the small life God has given you or the seemingly small opportunities He provides to share the gospel. Be faithful where you are. Be a Christian in both name and practice. You never know the eternal impact your walk with Christ may have on others. Who knows how God may use your faithfulness in the days to come?
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