“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.” (Acts 11:19-21)

     We might think that when Stephen was killed, spreading the gospel would come to an end, at least temporarily, but that’s not what happened at all.  People were scattered, but their influence not only remained, it was strengthened. 

     We don’t know the names of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene who proclaimed the good news of Jesus to the people of Antioch.  But through them, God established one of the most influential churches in the ancient world.

     What matters most is not if our names are remembered, but whether or not we have made an eternal impact.  We might be forgotten by history, but it doesn’t take away the influence we can have when we let people know of the life-changing power of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we know that the message of your salvation is what matters most.  Help us to focus on the love we have in our hearts for everyone.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.