Methodology is Flexible: Acts 11:19-22
“19) So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20) But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21) And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22) The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch.” Acts 11:19-22
Persecution served the purpose of spreading the gospel. The Jewish believers were content to stay in Jerusalem until a force greater than themselves compelled them to leave. As they fled, they preached the gospel.
Most of them were content to speak only to Jewish people. But there were some mavericks who broke rank and started speaking to Greeks also. The hand of God was upon them and a large number believed and turned to the Lord. When the news reached the church at Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to oversee the work.
This text reminds us that God is creative. He constantly breaks boxes and does things in unorthodox ways. The gospel is the same. Christian morality is the same. But methodology is flexible.
Be willing to be different. Try new things for the glory of God. Speak to some Greeks about Jesus! Watch what God does.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
