ACTS 11:19–26
THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH AND THE DISCIPLES CALLED CHRISTIANS
Text – Acts 11:19–26
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews.
20 But there were some of them, Cypriots and Cyrenians, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus.
21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
24 for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Historical and Jewish Context
Antioch of Syria was the third-largest city of the Roman Empire, a cosmopolitan center where Jews and Gentiles lived side by side. The shift from preaching only to Jews to proclaiming the Gospel to Greeks marks a decisive missionary expansion. The scattering caused by persecution becomes the means by which the Gospel reaches major urban centers. The sending of Barnabas reflects the Jerusalem Church’s responsibility to discern and authenticate new movements of the Spirit. Naming groups was common in the Greco-Roman world, and “Christians” likely originated as a public designation identifying followers of Christ.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals the Church’s growing self-understanding as universal. The initiative of unnamed missionaries shows that evangelization is not limited to apostles alone. Barnabas’ role highlights pastoral discernment, encouragement, and unity with the apostolic Church. The collaboration between Barnabas and Saul prepares the way for the great missionary journeys to come. Being called “Christians” signifies a new identity rooted not in ethnicity or law, but in belonging to Christ Himself.
Parallels in Scripture
Isaiah 11:10 – The nations seeking the root of Jesse
Matthew 28:19–20 – Mission to all nations
Acts 9:27 – Barnabas as mediator and encourager
Galatians 2:11 – Antioch as a key missionary center
Romans 10:12–13 – One Lord for all who believe
Key Terms
Scattered – Missionary expansion through persecution
Greeks – Gentiles open to the Gospel
Hand of the Lord – God’s active guidance and blessing
Barnabas – Son of encouragement and discerner of grace
Remain faithful – Perseverance in discipleship
Christians – Identity rooted in Christ
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 11:19–26 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, celebrating the Church’s missionary growth and the emergence of Christian identity in the world.
Conclusion
Acts 11:19–26 shows how God transforms persecution into expansion and diversity into unity. At Antioch, the Church becomes visibly universal, grounded in faith, teaching, and a shared identity in Christ.
Reflection
Do I see challenges as opportunities for God’s mission?
How do I encourage others to remain faithful to the Lord?
What does it truly mean for me to be called a Christian?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You have given us Your name and called us Your own. Strengthen my faith, deepen my love for the Church, and help me to live worthy of the name Christian, so that others may be drawn to You. Amen.