Acts 11 "Labeled a Christian"

Acts 11 – Brandon Hatmaker “Labeled a Christian”
Friday, April 25, 2008

“The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” – Acts 11:21-23

The evidence was overwhelming.

There was evidence of an incredible number of newly converted believers. There was evidence of joy that they understood it and received it. They were free and they felt it. The application of “Grace” used in Acts 11 not only comes with a favor and acceptability before God through Christ, but also (and especially) the divine influence upon the heart and it’s reflection in one’s life, including gratitude. This is the evidence Barnabas saw. He affirmed that the work of the Spirit was true both through his own personal joy as well as his exhortation to persevere. This was a special time in Antioch.

Paul and Barnabas spent a year there meeting with the church and teaching them. Verse 26 tells us that this is the first time the disciples were called Christians. History tells us that Ancient Antioch was known for their humor (mostly sarcasm) especially the giving of jesting “nicknames”. The label Christian did not begin as a positive accusation and was used initially only by hostile unbelievers. It was used to point out those who were following this new way. It has an interesting resemblance to the word “Chrestianos” which was a common name used for “slave”. This was most certainly, in their sarcasm, a play on words. This, however, became a welcome label by Christians and ironically was a perfect way to describe what was happening. I guess the name stuck.

There is another key element of Acts 11 that I think is important to point out. It’s part of the legacy of the Christian church and is found in the closing verses (29-30) after hearing of those in need because of an impending famine spreading over the entire Roman world. Their response, “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul”.

The church responded in holistic generosity.

Each member as they were financially able, contributed to a famine relief fun. Their generosity is holistic in two ways. First, it extends beyond spiritual concern and simply praying that God will provide for others (which is what we so many times do) and moves to practical physical aid and doing something about it. Second, this interchurch relief effort involves the receiving church serving the sending church--a mixed Jewish and Gentile congregation serving a Jewish assembly. This unity is based on the conviction that the church is a body greater than any single congregation within any culture.

I can’t help but translate this to modern day acts of unity across denominational lines. It obviously applies within a denomination as well, but is unique in serving those who do not come from the same faith background. I also can’t help but think about churches who have been helped or partnered with to be planted or supported in times of need, giving back in their time of plenty.

Here’s a thought I read this morning that puts some summary to Acts 11, but also asks a great question: “In our time, in the Western world and increasingly elsewhere, decades of social legislation have made the state responsible for meeting the physical needs of our neighbors, including fellow Christians. Antioch's example, then, raises the hard question: How much personal responsibility do I feel for the physical needs of others? Though we cannot meet every need that global news brings to our attention, we can still do something to live out the holistic generosity that is an essential mark of being Christians.”

Father, I thank you that we were once labeled as Christians. It was an accusation that was fitting. Help us today, as the Church, to live and pursue lives and structure that honors the amazing heritage of the Church. I ask that you would move in power in affirmation and success in the efforts of your children who are serving those in need. I pray that you would bring life transformation through those acts of service, both for the giver and the one receiving.