Matthew 10:14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

 

The Church was growing in Antioch due to the evangelistic effort of Nicholas who was one of the original seven deacons in the Church in Jerusalem. He fled to Antioch (his hometown) because of the great persecution after the stoning of Stephen.

 

When word of the Church's growth in Antioch made its way back to Jerusalem, the Church sent Barnabas to help. Barnabas had a lot of wisdom and seem to understand God’s desire for the Gospel to go out to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. This move on their part would, in a sense, move the headquarters of the Church from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the Church which was in Jerusalem: And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch. (Acts 11:22)

 

The Jews were rejecting the Gospel while the Gentiles were embracing it so it was an easy decision on the part of the Apostles. They remembered that when Jesus couldn’t perform too many Miracles in Nazareth, He moved on to another town where He was accepted. They also remembered what Jesus said when He gave them instructions and sent them out to evangelize the people. Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. (Matthew 10:11-14)

 

When the Apostles made the decision to send Barnabas from Jerusalem to Antioch, in effect what they were doing was shaking the dust of Jerusalem off their feet. Although they did not totally give up on the Jewish people who were rejecting the Gospel, they were taking it to places where the people were eager to hear the Good News and accept it.

 

What a lesson for the Church today! Stop beating your head on a brick wall or the hardened heart of an individual who refuses to hear you. There are people, families, communities, and whole cities that are in desperate need of the Gospel of Christ and WANT to hear it. Go there!

 

The Gospel of Christ will…..…….turn the tide

 

Hallelujah!         Doreen

 

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