“The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
— Acts 11:26 (NIV)
There was a big, busy city called Antioch. People came there from many different lands, and they had many different colors of skin and many different ways of talking.
One wonderful thing happened in Antioch: all these different people heard about Jesus, and they all loved Him! So they became one big, happy family together.
They sang and prayed and shared meals side by side — people who looked different and came from far-away places, all worshiping God as friends.
Their leaders came from many lands too. Some of them came all the way from Africa! God picked good leaders from everywhere to help His family grow.
The people of Antioch loved Jesus so much that everyone started calling them a brand-new name: “Christians.” That special name began right there!
And here is the best part: God’s family is for everyone — every land, every color, every child. There is always room for you.
The Big Idea
In Antioch, people from many different places and colors loved Jesus together as one big family. God’s family is for everyone — including you!
Reflect & Discuss
- 1.What was special about the people who lived in Antioch?
- 2.What new name did the people get for loving Jesus?
- 3.Who can be part of God’s family?
A Prayer
Dear God, thank You for making such a big family that has room for everyone. Help me love people who look different from me, just like the church in Antioch did. Amen.
The same story, told for…