Christ's command to his followers before his ascension to heaven was for them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea, in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.

Our Lord did not intend for the good news of his death and resurrection to stay local, but

instead it was to be taken globally.

In this third section of Acts, the adventure continues as the gospel is taken to the ends

of the earth.

Let's join Scott Pauli now for today's study.

Antioch is known for many things, but perhaps most famous as being the place where believers,

followers of Jesus, were first called Christians.

Now, when the term was given, it was not meant as a cultural compliment.

When it was given, it was to deride them.

It was to demean them.

They were followers of Christ.

And yet, it has become the term that around the world has become synonymous with people who

identify with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I must confess to you that all too often the word has been very empty and is often used for

things and for people who are anything but true followers of the

Lord Jesus Christ. But I want to say to you, it should mean something to us to truly be a Christian.

And by the grace of God, we should seek to build other fellow Christians and to encourage them and to help them.

And that is the context of what we find in Antioch in Acts chapter number 11.

You remember that Barnabas was sent from the church in Jerusalem to see what was going on in Antioch.

And in verse 23, it says, who when he came and had

seen the grace of God, that's powerful. How do you see the grace of God? The only way you can see the

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