“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” – Philippians 2:17
In the New Testament, the church of Antioch holds a very special place. It was the first church established among the Gentiles (Acts 11:20). It was also the very first place where followers of Jesus Christ were called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). It was from Antioch that the greatest missionary of the New Testament, Paul, was sent out and it was the Antioch church that supported him in his missionary journeys (Acts 13:2-3). And finally, Antioch became a hub for calling and training missionaries. What an incredible church?! What an amazing lighthouse for the Gospel of Jesus Christ?!
Do you know who founded the church in Antioch? No, you don’t, because none of us do. The Bible simply tells us; “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” (Acts 11:20). Antioch is arguably the most influential church of the New Testament, and all we are told is that it was founded by “some guys from Cyprus and Cyrene.”
Are you toiling away today, doing your very best to do the work of God and further His Kingdom, and yet no one is noticing…no one is giving you any recognition? Please, continue to work. Our goal is always to increase the name of Jesus, even if that means no one ever knows our name. He must increase, and we must decrease (John 3:30). The work you are doing for God’s Kingdom is eternally significant, even if it comes with no earthly recognition.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon <><