The Book of Acts

To the Ends of the Earth 

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 

The Passage

Five Marks of Great Churches 

Acts 11:19–30, ESV

The Church in Antioch

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 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, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 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.

27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus 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). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Great Churches

1. Reach Out | Acts 11:19–21

Matthew 28:19–20, Romans 10:14 

2. Rejoice in Grace | Acts 11:22–23

Luke 15:10, Psalm 126:3 

3. Remain Faithful | Acts 11:23–24

Hebrews 10:23, 1 Corinthians 15:58 

4. Raise Up Teaching Teams | Acts 11:25–26

2 Timothy 2:2, Ephesians 4:11–12 

5. Respond with Generosity | Acts 11:27–30 

2 Corinthians 9:7, 1 John 3:17–18