Acts 11:2–3, 18–21 NIV “So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them….’ When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’ Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 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. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”
The Wake-Up Call
Acts records how even the apostles—after three years walking with Jesus—struggled to grasp that the New Covenant was for all nations, not just Israel. Though Jesus commanded them to “go and make disciples of all nations,” they stayed mostly among their own. It took persecution, and eventually the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, to thrust the Church outward.
Men, let that sink in. They had the Great Commission…and still sat still.
Our Modern Paralysis
Fast-forward to today. Many of us sit comfortably while our families, neighborhoods, and workplaces drift deeper into darkness. We watch culture grow more violent, anxious, and hostile to Christ, but keep our faith private. The result? Media, universities, and government boldly celebrate sin while the Church whispers in silence.
We blame politics or “the times,” but the truth is piercing: our failure to go has left a vacuum evil eagerly fills.
Your Call to Action
The Great Commission is not for missionaries alone. It is the purpose of every Christian man.
- Share Christ where you work, live, and play.
- Teach obedience to all Jesus commands—and live those commands yourself.
- Refuse the comfort of private religion.
Until we make disciple-making our first priority, disobedience and rebellion will only increase, and we will bear the responsibility for neglecting God’s command.
Step Into Your Purpose
Brother, you were not saved to be silent.
- Pray: Ask the Spirit to open doors and give courage.
- Go: Engage a neighbor, coworker, or family member with the gospel this week.
- Model: Lead your home to love and obey Jesus.
God’s hand was with the men of Cyprus and Cyrene—and a great number believed. He will be with you too. Rise up and go.
