ess to light, from the power of Satan to God, so that they may
receive forgiveness of their sins and a place among those who have given
themselves to me because they believe in me."

When the God, who had set me apart even from my birth and called me by
his love, chose to reveal his Son in me that I might tell to other races
the good news about him, I at once went into Arabia instead of talking
with any one else or going up to Jerusalem to see those who had been
apostles before me. When I came back I preached first to those at
Damascus. There the governor, appointed by King Aretas, put guards in
the city to arrest me, but I was lowered in a basket through a window in
the wall and so escaped from their hands.

After three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter and stayed with
him fifteen days. I saw no other apostle except James the brother of
Jesus.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT ANTIOCH

The disciples who had been scattered by the persecution which came after
the killing of Stephen went to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, but
told about Jesus only to Jews. Some of them, citizens of Cyprus and
Cyrene, when they reached Antioch also told the good news about the
Lord Jesus to the Greeks. The power of the Lord was with them, and a
large number believed and turned to him.

When the news of this reached the church in Jerusalem, they sent
Barnabas to Antioch. After he saw the proofs of God's goodness, he was
very glad and urged all to remain loyal to the Lord; and many more
believed.

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Paul, whose name had been Saul.
When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch, and for a whole year
they were with the church there and taught a large number of people. It
was at Antioch also that the disciples were first called Christians.

During these days some prophets came to Antioch from Jerusalem. One of
them, Agabus, under the influence of the Spirit, told that a severe
famine would come all through that part of the world, and this famine
came when Claudius was emperor. Therefore, the disciples, each as he was
able, sent something to help the brothers living in Judea. They sent
their gifts to the elders by Barnabas and Paul. After Barnabas and Paul
had done that for which they were sent, they returned from Jerusalem,
bringing with them John, who was also called Mark.

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and preachers:
Barnabas, Symeon (called Niger), and Lucius the Cyren