A Culture of Generosity :19-30 Acts 8:1, 4 “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in , and they were all scattered throughout the regions of and , except the apostles … Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (ESV)

“A Culture of Generosity” Acts 11:19-21 “Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and and , speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord . And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” (ESV) “A Culture of Generosity” The Spread of 8. Antioch

7. Cyprus

6. Phoenicia 3. Damascus

5. Caesarea/Plains of Sharon 2. Samaria 4. Lydda/Joppa 1. Jerusalem/Judea

“A Culture of Generosity” Acts 11:21 “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” (ESV)

Cf. :11—God’s power and judgment; Lk 1:66—God’s power and blessing

“A Culture of Generosity” Application #1 The Early Were Generous with the Gospel The people who loved the Gospel, shared the Gospel. Acts 11:22-24 “The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (ESV)

“A Culture of Generosity” :36 “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” (ESV)

“A Culture of Generosity” Description of Barnabas “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” (Acts 11:24, ESV)

“A Culture of Generosity” A Pastor’s Heart •“… who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.” (Acts 13:43) •“… strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith.” (:22)

“A Culture of Generosity” Application #2 The Early Christians Were Generous with Resources Barnabas was in love with the Gospel and therefore, invested his time, resources, and energy into the church. Acts 11:25-26 “So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (ESV)

“A Culture of Generosity” Timing • —Conversion of Saul, 33 A.D. • Acts 11—Barnabas in Antioch, 45 A.D.

“A Culture of Generosity” Look (anazēteō) •To search diligently for, to hunt, to look with difficulty •Used only by Luke • Of Barnabas looking for Saul (Acts 11:25) • Of Jesus’ parents looking for him as a child and finding him in the temple courts (Lk 2:44)

“A Culture of Generosity” Acts 13:1 “Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, , Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” (ESV)

“A Culture of Generosity” Application #3 The Early Christians Were Generous with Discipleship Barnabas is so in love with the Gospel, that he makes it a priority to partner with and train others in ministry. Acts 11:27-30 “Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.” (ESV) “A Culture of Generosity” A Culture of Generosity • Generosity in sharing the Gospel • Antioch sends their very best back to Jerusalem (Barnabas and Saul). • Later, Antioch will send their very best on the Missionary Journeys which begin at Antioch.

“A Culture of Generosity” A Culture of Generosity • Generosity in sharing the Gospel • Generosity of the wallet

“A Culture of Generosity” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (ESV)

“A Culture of Generosity” Acts 11:26 “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (ESV)

“A Culture of Generosity” Application #4 The Early Christians Developed a Culture of Generosity The early church was so captivated by the gospel that they were generous with the gospel, with their resources (time/money), with discipleship (investing in others), and gave all they could for the cause of Christ.