S-Acts 11:25-26 NIV
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
O - The believers in Antioch came from the group that dispersed when Stephen was martyred. At first they spread the news of Jesus the messiah among the Jews but a few of them felt the calling to spread the news to the Greeks as well. When the disciples in Jerusalem heard the news they sent Barnabas to Antioch to teach. Once he arrived he began teaching and many came to Christ. Barnabas I suspect realizing the opportunity to reach many went to Tarsus to find Saul who was a great teacher and follower of Christ. This was aligned with God's calling on Paul to be called to preach to the gentiles.
A - The progression of faith and how the good news spread to Antioch is a good example for us. Even the scattering of the believers following Stephen's death shows God can use all things for good. I am to look at my own life and realize even in the low points God can use those experiences to guide me in a direction that is aligned with His will for my life and those around me. The key to doing this is being flexible and open minded to the Holy Spirit's prompting. I am to seek the wisdom of God and lean not on my own understanding.
P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's message, may it be sealed to my heart. I pray Lord you help me to see through my low points the wisdom and direction you would have for me. Give me strength and perseverance to walk in the manner you have layed before me. I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.
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