“So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region.”
Acts 13:49 (NLT)
Acts 13:49 starts with “so,” “then,” or “thus,” and that matters. The Jews heard the message and deemed themselves unworthy of eternal life. But the Gentiles heard the message of salvation and they were glad, the Gentiles thanked the Lord, and the Gentiles believed. Eternal life was settled in that moment. It was done because they received Jesus with gratitude. Then the Word of the Lord was spread throughout the region by these believers.
That is what the good news does. It spreads like wildfire. When the fire of God comes into a life, whatever it touches catches the flame too. The message spreading isn’t limited to prophets, pastors, missionaries, or evangelists. Preaching creates believers, and believers are the ones that primarily spread the message.
We have already seen this in Acts 8. When Saul persecuted the church in Jerusalem, believers were scattered, and they preached the good news about Jesus wherever they went. Not apostles. Everyday Christians. People without titles, all carrying the same living message. When people get around fire enough, they get on fire too, and then they help the message spread as well.
So today, is your fire burning? Are you glad and thankful for the message of salvation, or are you numb to it? Hebrews 12 says our God is a devouring fire, so we should worship Him with holy fear and awe. Let God’s holy fire consume you by allowing the Holy Spirit to make you into a bigger flame today. Then go love, encourage, or strengthen others, and watch the message of Jesus spread like wildfire.