Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. — Acts 15:35

In the first century, Antioch had a great church. This church was lucky to have talented followers of Jesus who were both Jewish and not Jewish. They were the first people who followed Jesus and were called Christians. Many of these new Christians taught and shared the gospel with other people in their area. They remind us that the early Church’s power didn’t just come from its well-known leaders, but also from the fact that many of its members were committed to ministering and using the gifts God had given them to help others.

 

Thought

In the first century, Antioch had a great church. This church was lucky to have talented followers of Jesus who were both Jewish and not Jewish. They were the first people who followed Jesus and were called Christians. Many of these new Christians taught and shared the gospel with other people in their area. They remind us that the early Church’s power didn’t just come from its well-known leaders, but also from the fact that many of its members were committed to ministering and using the gifts God had given them to help others.

 

Prayer

God, you are all-powerful and mighty. Please raise up an army of dedicated people who will serve, pray, evangelize, and teach so that others can know the grace you have shown us through your Son Jesus. Restore the power of ordinary Christians to what it was in the early Church. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.