ACTS: The Church first called "Christians", and become Missionaries!

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:19-21)

As we studied in previous lessons, there was a group of Hellenists, Greek speaking Jews in Jerusalem who were becoming disciples of Christ. (see ACTS: Full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom, to Serve How and Where We're Most Needed) When one of the disciples name Stephen, who was chosen to help this group of believers was stoned to death by the Greek speaking Jews from the Synagogue of Freedmen, At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:2; see ACTS: Stephen the Martyr; Expect Persecution, but "Great is your reward in heaven!"; ACTS: Introduction to Saul, the Conversion of the Persecutor of the Church)

Because of this scattering of believers throughout the regions, Christ Jesus charge to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19) was being fulfilled.  Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. (Acts 11:22-24)

Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. (Acts 11:25) Saul, who was present at Stephen's stoning, And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Acts 7:58), now he is one of the apostles spreading the gospel to the Gentiles.  (see ACTS: Saul, Once a Persecutor of the Church, now a Proclaimer of the Gospel) So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called CHRISTIANS in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)  The believers have a new name, Christians!  This name was given by the people in Antioch to it's religious professors.  (read "Antioch")  But now Christian applies to all of us who have believed and accepted the salvation offered to us by God, through faith in Christ Jesus.

And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:27-30) 

Being a Christian is more than just sharing the gospel, proclaiming the Word of God.  Being a Christian also means we become missionaries, men and women who each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren by the hands of other Christians.  For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” [Exodus 16:18] (II Corinthians 8:12-15)

Note: the book of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew during this time.