What lessons from Acts 11:19 can we apply to evangelism in our communities? Setting in Acts 11:19 “Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out because of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.” (Acts 11:19) Key Observations • The believers were “scattered” by hardship, yet they kept moving forward. • They “traveled as far as” distant, strategic cities—major population centers of their day. • Their evangelistic method was simple: “speaking the word.” • At this stage they limited their audience to fellow Jews, showing both focus and a need to grow in inclusiveness (v. 20 shows that growth). Timeless Evangelism Principles • God turns persecution and disruption into new mission fields (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). • Mobility is a gospel asset; wherever life takes us, the mandate to witness follows (Acts 1:8). • Evangelism flourishes in ordinary conversation—“speaking,” not merely preaching (1 Peter 3:15). • Starting with one’s own cultural group is natural, but God will soon push us outward (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10–11). Practical Applications for Our Communities • View every relocation—job change, campus move, neighborhood shift—as a divine deployment. • Seek out the “Antiochs” around us: multicultural hubs like coffee shops, sports leagues, online forums, workplace lunchrooms. • Embed gospel talk in everyday dialogue; share Scripture naturally, the way early believers did. • Form small teams or pairs when possible; scattered saints still traveled together (compare Acts 11:22, 25). • Begin with people who share your background or interests, but intentionally cross cultural lines as relationships open (Acts 11:20-21). Courageous Takeaways • Hard times do not hinder God’s plan—they accelerate it. • Your journey, whether chosen or forced, places you before people who need Jesus. • Speak the Word faithfully, wherever life scatters you, and trust God to multiply the seed. |
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