The Starting Point of Paul's Missionary

A group of disciples were scattered to Cyprus and Galatia after Stephen was persecuted. They gathered there, preaching the gospel not only to Jews but also to Gentiles. A great number of Gentiles accepted the gospel and believers increased in number. In Antioch, the disciples were called Christians for the first time and the name is still used today. When the church in Jerusalem heard about the gospel being spread in Galatia, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to help spread the gospel. After a while, Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul and both of them served together in Antioch.

During this time some prophets came to Antioch from Jerusalem. One of them predicted that there would be a great famine throughout the entire Roman world. So the church in Antioch decided to provide help for the disciples living in Judea. They sent their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:19��30).

The Holy Spirit Sends Paul

Saul and Barnabas brought with them John (also called Mark, cousin of Barnabas) on their return from Jerusalem to Antioch. At the church in Antioch, while they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, �侻et apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.�� The church elders laid hands on Saul, Barnabas, and John, and sent them out from Antioch. Antioch was the starting point from which the gospel was preached to the Gentiles or non-Jews (Acts 13:1-3).