One of the early tests of the diversity of the early church was the need to respond to a period famine in Judea that was impoverishing the church in Jerusalem. The response in Antioch was similar to many of the fledgling churches springing up around the Mediterranean. The original church in Jerusalem would have largely been ethnically Jewish and the new churches largely Gentile. The strength of their commonality in Christ would prove to overcome ethnic differences, result in a generous response, and leave important lessons for the church today.

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