Daily Devotional 6-29-26
Called by His Name
Reading: Acts 11:19-26 - Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Devotional: The disciples didn't choose the label "Christian" for themselves—others saw Christ so clearly in them that the name became unavoidable. Before Christianity was a religion, it was a reputation. Consider this: Is your devotion to Jesus so evident that others would naturally associate you with Him? We live in a world where "Christian" has become diluted—a political label, cultural identity, or family tradition. But in Antioch, it meant something radical: these people belonged completely to Jesus. Today, ask yourself: Would those around me know I'm a follower of Christ without me telling them? Let your life be the evidence of your devotion, not just your words or your collection of spiritual activities.
Reading: Acts 11:19-26 - Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Devotional: The disciples didn't choose the label "Christian" for themselves—others saw Christ so clearly in them that the name became unavoidable. Before Christianity was a religion, it was a reputation. Consider this: Is your devotion to Jesus so evident that others would naturally associate you with Him? We live in a world where "Christian" has become diluted—a political label, cultural identity, or family tradition. But in Antioch, it meant something radical: these people belonged completely to Jesus. Today, ask yourself: Would those around me know I'm a follower of Christ without me telling them? Let your life be the evidence of your devotion, not just your words or your collection of spiritual activities.
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