The Makings of a Missions-Minded Church
To the ends of the earth - Acts 11:19-30 (esv) - Pastor Tim Kroeker
Philippians 1:3,5:
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
The ripple effects from Cornelius’ conversion were felt throughout the entire church. The whole incident revealed not only that a Gentile could be saved just like a Jew, but that they also could enjoy full joint fellowship. The law of Moses, which created obstacles separating Jews from Gentiles, had been fulfilled by Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice. The Spirit now defined the boundaries and character of God’s people.
Luke's retelling of Cornelius’ conversion and the Jerusalem church’s response to it set the stage for the spread of the gospel as far as Antioch of Syria. We read in the second half of Acts 11 that in this Roman metropolis, known for its immoral, pagan customs, the first predominantly Gentile church was born.
Ordinary disciples were spreading the gospel. They were growing in number and in their knowledge of the word. And, in response to the voice of the Lord, they generously gave, sending financial assistance to the church in Jerusalem. As Luke describes the development of the church in Antioch, we see that it was uniquely positioned to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
It’s no wonder that God would use them to launch Paul and Barnabas out onto their missionary journeys, showing us still today just what makes for a missions-minded church.
