Acts 11:19–30

The Church in Antioch

19 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, p speaking the message to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Hellenists, q r proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. s 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. t 22 Then the report about them was heard by the church that was at Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel u 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 a firm resolve of the heart, v 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit w and of faith. And large numbers of people were added x to the Lord. 25 Then he y 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 disciples z were first called Christians at Antioch. a

Famine Relief

27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. b 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. c This took place during the time of Claudius. d e 29 So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea. f 30 They did this, sending it to the elders g by means of Barnabas and Saul.