The Church in Antioch

19 Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some Cypriot and Cyrenian men among them who went to Antioch and began speaking to the [fn]Hellenists, preaching the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number of people [fn]believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas out [fn]to go to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and began exhorting all the believers to remain true to the Lord with resolute hearts. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a large number of people were added to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for an entire year they met with the church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

27 In those days some prophets came down to Antioch from Jerusalem. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and indicated by the Spirit that a severe famine was about to come upon the entire world (which [fn]indeed took place in the time of Claudius [fn]Caesar). 29 So the disciples, each according to his own ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who dwelt in Judea. 30 This they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.