Acts 11:19-26 | The Hand That Sends Us

Scripture tells us something profound about the early church—something easy to miss if we’re not careful.

“Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch…” (Acts 11:19)

They were scattered.

Not commissioned.

Not celebrated.

Not comfortable.

And yet just a few verses later, Luke gives us the key phrase that explains everything:

“And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21)

The power was not in their position.

The effectiveness was not in their preparation.

The difference was the hand of the Lord.

These believers spoke simply of the Lord Jesus (v.20), and God did what only He can do—He changed hearts. This reminds us of a timeless truth echoed throughout Scripture:

“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” (Psalm 127:1)

What felt like displacement was actually divine placement. What seemed like loss was actually obedience unfolding. God used persecution to move His people so the gospel could reach places it had never gone before.

And when the church in Jerusalem heard what God was doing, they recognized it immediately:

“When they came and had seen the grace of God, they rejoiced…” (Acts 11:23)

Grace was visible.

Faith was evident.

Lives were being changed.

That’s what happens when God’s hand is at work.

This same truth speaks to us today:

“As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21)

And we go with confidence, not because we are strong, but because:

“The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

You may not have chosen your current season.

You may not understand why God has placed you where you are.

But Scripture assures us that God’s hand is never random.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

We are not scattered by accident.

We are sent by a sovereign God.