Litmus Test for a Healthy Church Plant

In Acts 11:19-30, we see the gospel’s power spreading beyond boundaries. After Stephen’s death, believers scattered and carried the good news of Jesus wherever they went. In Antioch, the message of salvation through Christ reached not only Jews but also Gentiles, showing that God’s grace is for all people. Barnabas rejoiced when he saw the evidence of God’s grace and brought Saul to help strengthen this growing community of believers. It was in Antioch that followers of Jesus were first called Christians, people marked by King Jesus. The passage ends with these new believers showing the love of Jesus in action, generously sending help to those suffering in Judea, living out the gospel they had received.