Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus.
The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord.
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians."
At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be severe famine over all the world, and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that, according to their ability, each would send relief to the brothers and sisters living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
-------
And in all this, God's grace is dynamic and evident, to Barnabas and surely others. It is this grace, and their gathering within and around it, that generates their identity as "Christians."
And then there is the coming famine--whether enforced or not--and Agabus' prediction and plea. And the church, the "Christians" respond--because mutual aid is something like the core of their identity and calling, the Christ rising in their new fellowship.
In Bethlehem this month, and not at all far from Gaza, I'm struck by this nonnegotiable call to discipleship: not only to speak of trends and politics, not only to agitate for pacts and agreements, not only to boycott and divest (although all these are critical)--but also to see ourselves in the others, and also to extend aid and love in time of famine, war and starvation.
There are, around the world, fasts emerging; and there are, in so many cities, large marches for Gaza's freedom from famine. And then there's this: THE MARCH TO GAZA in June. People--lots of people, from many sectors and communities--are moving! We shall be "scattered" no more!
