Stephen was the first Martyr for Christianity. His death was such a shock that left ripple effects in the community. The people were really starting to understand what it could take to follow Jesus. Many fled to save their families and the church. Just because Paul became a Christian does not mean that the church stopped being persecuted.
This is when the Romans became included in the church. It is smart to make political allies where ever you go, but we are also commanded by Jesus to tell others how to be saved. It can be two bird with one stone. We have God's grace. When we show other people this grace it can be powerful medicine for persecution.
Barnabas was a great leader of grace. He helped the persecuted church that fled become strong. He went to get Paul to join him. For a year they worked together in Antioch to teach and help the numbers grow. Leaders were formed and became disciples. They used their spiritual gifts to help the church during difficult times. Acts 11: 19-30)
22 "News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. 25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch." Acts 11: 22-26 (CSB)
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