THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH

19 Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,g speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the GreeksB also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.h 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.i 22 News about them reachedC the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travelD as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts,j 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spiritk and of faith. And large numbers of people were addedl to the Lord.

25 Then heE went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciplesm were first called Christians at Antioch.n