11 19 MEANWHILE THOSE who had been scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen made their way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, bringing the message to Jews only and to no others. 11 20 But there were some natives of Cyprus and Cyrene among them, and these, when they arrived at Antioch, began to speak to Gentiles as well, telling them the good news of the Lord Jesus. 11 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a great many became believers, and turned to the Lord. 11 22 The news reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem; and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 11 23 When he arrived and saw the divine grace at work, he rejoiced, and encouraged them all to hold fast to the Lord with resolute hearts; 11 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers were won over to the Lord. 11 25 He then went off to Tarsus to look for Saul; 11 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year the two of them lived in fellowship with the congregation there, and gave instruction to large numbers. It was in Antioch that the disciples first got the name of Christians.
11 27 During this period some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 11 28 One of them, Agabus by name, was inspired to stand up and predict a severe and world-wide famine, which in fact occurred in the reign of Claudius. 11 29 So the disciples agreed to make a contribution, each according to his means, for the relief of their fellow-Christians in Judaea. 11 30 This they did, and sent it off to the elders, in the charge of Barnabas and Saul.