Acts 11:21

And the hand of the Lord - See the notes on Luk 1:66. Compare Psa 80:17. The meaning is, that God showed them favor, and evinced his power in the conversion of their hearers.

(See on Ac 10:1.) Nay, we read of no influence which the accession of Cornelius and his house had on the further progress of the Gospel among the Gentiles; whereas there here open upon us operations upon the Gentiles from quite a different quarter, and attended with ever growing success.

THE Brethren who had dwelt together in Church fellowship at Jerusalem were scattered abroad by persecution which arose about Stephen. Their Master had told them that when they were persecuted in one city they were to flee to another. They obeyed His command and in the course of escape from persecution they took very long journeys—very long journeys, indeed, for that age of the world, when travel was exceedingly difficult. But wherever they found themselves, they began, at once, to preach Jesus Christ, so that the scattering of the disciples was also a scattering of good Seed in broader fields. The malice of Satan was made the instrument of the mercy of God. Learn from this, dear Brothers and Sisters, every one of you, that wherever you are called to go, you should persevere in making known the name and Gospel of Jesus. Look upon this as your calling and occupation. You will not be scattered, now, by persecution, but should the demands of business carry you into different countries, employ your distant travel for missionary purposes. Providence, every now and then, bids you remove your tent—take care that wherever it is pitched you carry with you a testimony for Jesus. At times the necessities of health require relaxation and change of air and this may take you to different places of public resort—seize the opportunity to encourage the Churches in such localities, by your presence and countenance, and also endeavor to spread the knowledge of Jesus among those to whom you may be directed. The position which you occupy in society is not an accidental one—it has not been decreed to you by a blind, purposeless fate—there is predestination in it and that predestination is wise—and looks towards a merciful end. You are placed where you are that you may be a preserving salt to those around, a sweet savor of Christ to all who know you.

THE Brethren who had dwelt together in Church fellowship at Jerusalem were scattered abroad by persecution which arose about Stephen. Their Master had told them that when they were persecuted in one city they were to flee to another. They obeyed His command and in the course of escape from persecution they took very long journeys—very long journeys, indeed, for that age of the world, when travel was exceedingly difficult. But wherever they found themselves, they began, at once, to preach Jesus Christ, so that the scattering of the disciples was also a scattering of good Seed in broader fields.

The hand of the Lord was with them - By the hand, arm, and, finger of God, in the Scripture, different displays or exertions of his power are intended. Here it means that the energy of God accompanied them, and applied their preaching to the souls of all attentive hearers. Without this accompanying influence, even an apostle could do no good; and can inferior men hope to be able to convince and convert sinners without this? Ministers of the word of God, so called, who dispute the necessity and deny the being of this influence, show thereby that they are intruders into God’s heritage; that they are not sent by him, and shall not profit the people at all. A great number believed - That Jesus was the Christ; and that he had died for their offenses, and risen again for their justification. Because the apostles preached the truth, and the hand of God was with them, therefore, a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord, becoming his disciples, and taking him for their portion.