The Gospel Keeps Advancing — Acts 11:19–30
Oct 23, 2026 13
The gospel keeps advancing. In Antioch, scattered believers speak about Jesus, a new church grows, and Gentile Christians send help to believers in Judea.
Acts 11:21
[21] And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (ESV)
The believers scattered by persecution had travelled as far as Antioch. At first, they spoke about Jesus only to Jews. Then some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene began telling Greeks about the Lord Jesus, and many believed (Acts 11:19–21).
Luke tells us why this happened: the hand of the Lord was with them. The gospel keeps advancing because the Lord is at work. Ordinary believers speak about Jesus, and people turn to him.
When the church in Jerusalem heard about the new believers, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. He saw the grace of God at work, was glad, and encouraged them to remain faithful to the Lord (Acts 11:22–24). Then he went to Tarsus to find Saul. For a whole year, Barnabas and Saul taught the church, and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:25–26).
In Antioch, people from different backgrounds were learning God’s word and growing together as the church.
Then a famine threatened believers in Judea. The disciples in Antioch decided to send relief, each according to their ability (Acts 11:27–30).
Acts 11:29
[29] So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. (ESV)
The new believers in Antioch had received the good news from Jewish Christians. Now they sent help to their brothers and sisters in Judea. The gospel keeps advancing, and the church learns to care for one another across cultural boundaries.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
The Good News is…
Jesus is the risen King, and he is still building his church. As the good news of his life, death, and resurrection is shared, people turn to him and become part of his people. As we receive his grace, we can share it with others.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 11:19–30
Reflection
Who could you tell about Jesus? Is there a practical way you could help a fellow believer?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited