How can we apply the example of evangelism in Acts 11:20 today? The scene in Acts 11:20 “ ‘But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.’ ” (Acts 11:20) Key principles we learn • God used ordinary believers, not apostles, to open a new frontier. • They crossed ethnic and cultural lines—“speaking to the Greeks also.” • Their message stayed crystal-clear: “the good news about the Lord Jesus.” • The verse stands in a historical narrative Luke recorded with literal accuracy; therefore the strategy it portrays remains reliable for us. Practical ways to live it out today • Step outside familiar circles – Intentionally build relationships with people who don’t share your background, politics, or language. – Remember Jesus’ command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). • Keep the gospel central – Share who Jesus is and what He accomplished at the cross and empty tomb (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). – Resist substituting moralism or social causes for the saving message of Christ (Romans 1:16). • Use everyday opportunities – Workplace lunches, neighborhood gatherings, online conversations—each can mirror Antioch’s streets. – “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope you possess” (1 Peter 3:15). • Rely on the Holy Spirit – The same Spirit who empowered those believers now indwells us (Acts 1:8). – Pray for boldness and clarity; expect God to open doors just as He did in Antioch. • Adapt without compromising truth – Learn the language, questions, and values of the people you reach, like Paul who became “all things to all men” (1 Corinthians 9:22). – Yet keep the gospel message unchanged, confident in Scripture’s literal reliability. • Celebrate diverse fruit – When God saves people unlike us, rejoice as the Jerusalem church did (Acts 11:22-23). – Foster multi-ethnic, multi-class fellowship that showcases the unifying power of Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16). Summing up Acts 11:20 challenges believers in every generation to go beyond comfort zones, proclaim the unaltered gospel, trust the Spirit’s power, and welcome the harvest God brings. |
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