Christians in the Antioch Church

Christians Christians in tin thehe

ANTIOCH CHURCHANTIOCH CHURCH

Majority of this lesson is from a Majority of this lesson is from a sermon by Donald C Macaskillsermon by Donald C Macaskill

Acts 11:19-30 NETActs 11:19-30 NET

Acts 11:19Acts 11:19 NET NET Now those who had been Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen went as that took place over Stephen went as

far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one but speaking the message to no one but

Jews.Jews.


2020 But there were some men from But there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene among them who Cyprus and Cyrene among them who came to Antioch and began to speak came to Antioch and began to speak

to the Greeks too, proclaiming the to the Greeks too, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus.good news of the Lord Jesus.


2121 The hand of the Lord was with them, The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed and a great number who believed

turned to the Lord. turned to the Lord. 2222 A report about A report about them came to the attention of the them came to the attention of the

church in Jerusalem, and they sent church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.Barnabas to Antioch.


2323 When he came and saw the grace of When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them God, he rejoiced and encouraged them

all to remain true to the Lord with devoted all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, hearts, 2424 because he was a good man, because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and a full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and a

significant number of people were significant number of people were brought to the Lord.brought to the Lord.


2525 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to look for Saul, look for Saul, 2626 and when he found him, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole

year Barnabas and Saul met with the year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught a significant number of church and taught a significant number of

people.people.


Now it was in Antioch that the disciples Now it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. were first called Christians. 2727 At that At that time some prophets came down from time some prophets came down from

Jerusalem to Antioch.Jerusalem to Antioch.


2828 One of them, named Agabus, got up One of them, named Agabus, got up and predicted by the Spirit that a and predicted by the Spirit that a

severe famine was about to come over severe famine was about to come over the whole inhabited world. (This took the whole inhabited world. (This took place during the reign of Claudius.)place during the reign of Claudius.)


2929 So the disciples, each in accordance So the disciples, each in accordance with his financial ability, decided to with his financial ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in send relief to the brothers living in

Judea. Judea. 3030 They did so, sending their financial They did so, sending their financial

aid to the elders by Barnabas and aid to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.Saul.

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Luke has been describing the spread of Luke has been describing the spread of Christianity by Philip, Saul, PeterChristianity by Philip, Saul, Peter & &

JohnJohn. The central body of the Church . The central body of the Church was at Jerusalem. That is where the was at Jerusalem. That is where the

New TestamentNew Testament Church Church Head Head QuartersQuarters w wereere!!


The Apostles were sent out from there to The Apostles were sent out from there to strengthen and review the work going on strengthen and review the work going on

elsewhere. Peter & John to Samaria, elsewhere. Peter & John to Samaria, Acts 8:14Acts 8:14 NET NET Now when the apostles in Now when the apostles in

Jerusalem heard that Samaria had Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter accepted the word of God, they sent Peter

and John to them.and John to them.


Acts 11:2Acts 11:2 NET NET So when Peter went up to So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took

issue with him,issue with him,Peter goes himself to report to Jerusalem, Peter goes himself to report to Jerusalem, and now we find when there are believers and now we find when there are believers

at Antioch, the Church sends out at Antioch, the Church sends out Barnabas!Barnabas!


Acts 11:22Acts 11:22 NET NET A report about them came A report about them came to the attention of the church in to the attention of the church in

Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.Antioch.

Let us now look at God's work at Let us now look at God's work at Antioch. Antioch.

The CHURCH at ANTIOCHThe CHURCH at ANTIOCH

Jesus had commanded His disciples to Jesus had commanded His disciples to begin preaching the gospel at begin preaching the gospel at

Jerusalem. Then take it to Samaria Jerusalem. Then take it to Samaria and Judea – and then to and Judea – and then to “to the “to the

farthest parts of the earth.”farthest parts of the earth.”


Acts 1:8Acts 1:8 NET NET But you will receive power But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in you, and you will be my witnesses in

Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of Samaria, and to the farthest parts of

the earth."the earth."


That was their commission. That was their commission. Acts 8Acts 8 tells of Philip's ministry, + Peter's tells of Philip's ministry, + Peter's & John’s work in Samaria. In & John’s work in Samaria. In Acts 9Acts 9 we we see Peter in Lydda, Joppa, in see Peter in Lydda, Joppa, in Acts 11Acts 11 Caesarea, ie, the areas surrounding Caesarea, ie, the areas surrounding

Jerusalem.Jerusalem.


We now read that the believers who had We now read that the believers who had scattered brought the gospel to Phoeniciascattered brought the gospel to Phoenicia,, the island of Cyprus and Antioch in Syria the island of Cyprus and Antioch in Syria aboutabout 300 miles north west of Jerusalem 300 miles north west of Jerusalem (Buffalo(Buffalo, MO, MO to Oklahoma City to Oklahoma City [mapquest 317][mapquest 317] - by - by

foot or camel!)foot or camel!)

The CThe CITYITY ofof ANTIOCH ANTIOCH in Syria. in Syria.

There are about 16 Antiochs! There are about 16 Antiochs! They were founded by one of Alexander They were founded by one of Alexander

the Great's generals, Nicator named the Great's generals, Nicator named cities after his father Antiochus! cities after his father Antiochus!


This oneThis one Called Called 'Antioch the Golden –'Antioch the Golden –

Queen of the EastQueen of the East,,' was the third largest ' was the third largest city in the Empire after Rome and city in the Empire after Rome and

Alexandria.Alexandria.(ISBE)(ISBE) Pop: 300,000 to Pop: 300,000 to 500,000.500,000.


From its foundation Antioch was a From its foundation Antioch was a cosmopolitan city. cosmopolitan city.

Though not a seaport, its situation was Though not a seaport, its situation was favorable to commercial developmentfavorable to commercial development. .

(ISBE)(ISBE)


About five miles distant from the city was About five miles distant from the city was the suburb of Daphne, a spot sacred to the suburb of Daphne, a spot sacred to

Apollo and Artemis. This suburb, Apollo and Artemis. This suburb, beautified by groves and fountains, and beautified by groves and fountains, and embellished by the Seleucids and the embellished by the Seleucids and the

Romans with temples and baths, was the Romans with temples and baths, was the pleasure resort of the city, and “Daphnic pleasure resort of the city, and “Daphnic

morals” became a by-word. morals” became a by-word. (ISBE)(ISBE)


The citizens were a vigorous, turbulent and The citizens were a vigorous, turbulent and pushing race, notorious for their pushing race, notorious for their

commercial aptitude, the licentiousness of commercial aptitude, the licentiousness of their pleasures, and the their pleasures, and the profanityprofanity of their of their

wit. Literature and the arts, however, were wit. Literature and the arts, however, were not neglected.not neglected. (ISBE)(ISBE)


The main street was 4 miles long, paved The main street was 4 miles long, paved with marble and marble colonnades! with marble and marble colonnades! The only city at that time with street The only city at that time with street lights! It was a city full of interests lights! It was a city full of interests

which attracted all classes of people! which attracted all classes of people!


The Church at Antioch was actually a very The Church at Antioch was actually a very famous Church. Famous for the right famous Church. Famous for the right

things. It took over from the Jerusalem things. It took over from the Jerusalem Church – because the Jerusalem Church Church – because the Jerusalem Church did not reach out as commanded by the did not reach out as commanded by the

Lord.Lord.


It did not go to the ends of the earth. It It did not go to the ends of the earth. It was content to stay in Palestine and was content to stay in Palestine and

the surrounding districts and not move the surrounding districts and not move out across the waters!out across the waters!


It was 'afraid' to move out of its comfort It was 'afraid' to move out of its comfort zone! It remained inward looking! zone! It remained inward looking! Remember it was afraid to accept Remember it was afraid to accept Paul in as a believer – it would not Paul in as a believer – it would not take risks! Quite happy to keep the take risks! Quite happy to keep the

status quo?status quo?


It was still blessed, it was still the centre of It was still blessed, it was still the centre of orthodoxy, but it lost its 'cutting edge' as orthodoxy, but it lost its 'cutting edge' as

the driving force for the gospel in the the driving force for the gospel in the world. It was destined for greater things world. It was destined for greater things but failed to be obedient to what Jesus but failed to be obedient to what Jesus

had instructed it. had instructed it.


As a result it lost its role as the centre As a result it lost its role as the centre of activity. In fact you do not read of it of activity. In fact you do not read of it again as a centre of Christian activity again as a centre of Christian activity

apart from a geographical location apart from a geographical location and historical reference.and historical reference.


Like so many other cities in Scripture, Like so many other cities in Scripture, Beersheba, Shiloh, Gilgal, etc it lost its Beersheba, Shiloh, Gilgal, etc it lost its glory. While it did retain its official and glory. While it did retain its official and historical significance and a centre for historical significance and a centre for

administration, it was no longer the hub of administration, it was no longer the hub of spiritual initiatives!spiritual initiatives!


The Antioch Church was the Church that The Antioch Church was the Church that made things happen in the world! It was made things happen in the world! It was the Church that sent Paul and Barnabas the Church that sent Paul and Barnabas on the first Missionary journey, and from on the first Missionary journey, and from

where they departed on the second & where they departed on the second & third! third!


Antioch was the place to be if you Antioch was the place to be if you wanted to be involved in the Church's wanted to be involved in the Church's progress! progress! “The Lord's hand was with “The Lord's hand was with

them”them”

TWO LESSONSTWO LESSONS - #1 - #1

When the Church saw people, they thought When the Church saw people, they thought 'evangelism'! They saw new people as 'evangelism'! They saw new people as

opportunities for evangelism! Not only did opportunities for evangelism! Not only did they go where the people were, but when they go where the people were, but when they saw unbelievers their hearts went out they saw unbelievers their hearts went out

to them.to them.


Whereas the Jerusalem believers who Whereas the Jerusalem believers who were scattered abroad only spoke to were scattered abroad only spoke to

the Jews, the Jews, 1919 ““speaking the message to no one speaking the message to no one

but Jews.but Jews.””


TThese Christians hese Christians 2020 ““began to speak to the began to speak to the Greeks too, proclaiming the good news of Greeks too, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus.the Lord Jesus.”” Beware of the Ch Beware of the Chuurrhh that that

is not interested in people! The early is not interested in people! The early Church was attracted to large populations Church was attracted to large populations

of all nationalities and cultures! of all nationalities and cultures!


It was an everybody ministry – the It was an everybody ministry – the blessing did not come from a pulpit blessing did not come from a pulpit

based sermon! There was no official based sermon! There was no official leader among them. Here is all we leader among them. Here is all we know about any who served in the know about any who served in the

Church at Antioch.Church at Antioch.


Acts 13:1Acts 13:1 NET NET Now there were these prophets Now there were these prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch: and teachers in the church at Antioch: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen (a close friend of the Cyrenian, Manaen (a close friend of Herod the tetrarch from childhood ) and Herod the tetrarch from childhood ) and

Saul.Saul.


Probably no great preacher among them.Probably no great preacher among them. Of course Barnabas & Paul were sent Of course Barnabas & Paul were sent

there to help out but they spent much of there to help out but they spent much of their time on Mission trips.their time on Mission trips. No great No great

charismatic personality, like Apollos! Was charismatic personality, like Apollos! Was there a special formula? No! Just there a special formula? No! Just ordinary people telling the Word! ordinary people telling the Word!


Speaking the Word in normal Speaking the Word in normal conversation!conversation! In doing thisIn doing this,, they were they were

preaching, preaching, ““proclaiming the good proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus.news of the Lord Jesus.””


Now I grant youNow I grant you,, this is a gift. But it is this is a gift. But it is something we need to pray for – and something we need to pray for – and then nurture it and practice it, just as then nurture it and practice it, just as

we do in other disciplines like reading, we do in other disciplines like reading, studying, praying!studying, praying!

TTHEHE R RESULTESULT

The Result? The Church grew! The Result? The Church grew! 2121 ““a a great number who believed turned to great number who believed turned to

the Lord.the Lord.””

That is what we all want!That is what we all want!


It happened because all the Christians It happened because all the Christians were living good lives & taking every were living good lives & taking every opportunity to talk of the Lord. It was opportunity to talk of the Lord. It was

an 'everybody ministry' as Paul taught an 'everybody ministry' as Paul taught the Ephesians about the ministry.the Ephesians about the ministry.


Ephesians 4:11Ephesians 4:11 AUV-NT AUV-NT And He gave some peopleAnd He gave some people [the gift of being] apostles; and some people apostles; and some people

prophets; and some people evangelists; and prophets; and some people evangelists; and some people pastorssome people pastors [i.e., elders] and teachers,and teachers, 1212 for the purpose of equipping the saintsfor the purpose of equipping the saints

[i.e., God’s holy people] for the work of servingfor the work of serving [others], in order to build up thein order to build up the [spiritual] body of body of

ChristChrist [i.e., the church].


So the numbers grew and they needed So the numbers grew and they needed help! They sent to Jerusalem – help! They sent to Jerusalem –

probably thinking Nicolas the deacon probably thinking Nicolas the deacon who was from Antioch would be sent who was from Antioch would be sent

but no!but no!


Acts 6:5Acts 6:5 NET NET The proposal pleased the The proposal pleased the entire group, so they chose Stephen, a entire group, so they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,

with Philip, Prochorus, with Philip, Prochorus, (prok´ -rus)o Nicanor, Nicanor,(ni-kańor) Timon, Parmenas, Timon, Parmenas,

(par´m -nas)e and Nicolas, a Gentile convert and Nicolas, a Gentile convert to Judaism from Antioch.to Judaism from Antioch.

BARNABASBARNABAS

They sent a man with the biggest heart – They sent a man with the biggest heart – Barnabas!Barnabas! His name means encourager. His name means encourager. And as his name is, so is his character. And as his name is, so is his character. He helped them! He helped them! Acts 11:24Acts 11:24aa NET NET because because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit

and of faith,and of faith,

BARNABASBARNABAS

Barnabas was an extrovert (it may even be Barnabas was an extrovert (it may even be that they were 'happy' to send him as he that they were 'happy' to send him as he did not fit-in with their reserved inward-did not fit-in with their reserved inward-

looking Spirit. His enthusiasm/energy for looking Spirit. His enthusiasm/energy for mission could be better employed there!)mission could be better employed there!)

BARNABASBARNABAS

Christians enthusiastic for the gospel, Christians enthusiastic for the gospel, are not critical of people! Barnabas are not critical of people! Barnabas would very likely have found some would very likely have found some

things displeasing (pagans after all), things displeasing (pagans after all), yet he only had good things to report .yet he only had good things to report .

BARNABASBARNABAS

He did not allow the 'negatives' to He did not allow the 'negatives' to obscureobscure.. Acts 11:23Acts 11:23 NET NET When he came When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced

and encouraged them all to remain and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts,true to the Lord with devoted hearts,

BARNABASBARNABAS

Note his immediate response. It was not Note his immediate response. It was not 'Can they be true Christians? Have they 'Can they be true Christians? Have they

really got the Holy Spirit within them?' Not really got the Holy Spirit within them?' Not suspicious - rather what he saw made him suspicious - rather what he saw made him ““rejoicerejoice.”.” Proceeded to Proceeded to ““encouraged them encouraged them

allall””

Can We All Be Like Can We All Be Like BARNABASBARNABAS??

That is the real work of a preacher – to That is the real work of a preacher – to encourage and give hope. It is a encourage and give hope. It is a

ministry of mercy! The Church's work ministry of mercy! The Church's work is not to discourage folk, or to break is not to discourage folk, or to break

them down and take away any hope.them down and take away any hope.


The reverse. People ought to be The reverse. People ought to be encouraged when they leave church encouraged when they leave church that there is hope for them! Barnabas that there is hope for them! Barnabas encouraged them to encouraged them to ““remain true to remain true to

the Lord with devoted heartsthe Lord with devoted hearts.”.”


He was really speaking about He was really speaking about perseverance! Perseverance in the perseverance! Perseverance in the

faith! The Christian faith is not faith! The Christian faith is not something you try for a something you try for a whilewhile to see 'if to see 'if

it works'!it works'!


It is a faith to live by – 'for better or for It is a faith to live by – 'for better or for worse'! You don't stop trusting the worse'! You don't stop trusting the

Lord when things go wrong in your life Lord when things go wrong in your life – in fact that is when you trust God – in fact that is when you trust God

more and discover His support!more and discover His support!


If it was not for the bad times we would If it was not for the bad times we would not know much of God's grace! not know much of God's grace!

Now Now ““a significant number of people a significant number of people were brought to the Lord.were brought to the Lord.”” ((GrGreek eek = =

'added‘'added‘)) - to the Lord - to the Lord,, tto the Church!o the Church!


So much so that they needed help! So much so that they needed help! Barnabas knew the exact person for Barnabas knew the exact person for the job! 10yrs ago, yes, 10yrs since the job! 10yrs ago, yes, 10yrs since

Saul was shipped to Tarsus! Saul was shipped to Tarsus!


Acts 9:30Acts 9:30 NET NET When the brothers found out When the brothers found out about this, they brought him down to about this, they brought him down to

Caesarea and sent him away to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.Tarsus.


Barnabas must have known Saul had been Barnabas must have known Saul had been called to the Gentiles! called to the Gentiles! Acts 9:15Acts 9:15 NET NET But the But the Lord said to him, "Go, because this man is Lord said to him, "Go, because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name my chosen instrument to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people before Gentiles and kings and the people

of Israel.of Israel.


Barnabas must have guessed that Saul Barnabas must have guessed that Saul was going to outstrip him and take was going to outstrip him and take

over the leadership – yet that did not over the leadership – yet that did not keep him from seeking out Saul!keep him from seeking out Saul!


You may be doing something today which You may be doing something today which will be of help to you, will be of help to you, or someone else, or someone else,

10yrs from now! God works like that. The 10yrs from now! God works like that. The whole of our lives are knit together - but whole of our lives are knit together - but years can separate events which when years can separate events which when

'connected' bring great blessing.'connected' bring great blessing.


Our whole lives are a series of connected Our whole lives are a series of connected events! events!

No wonder Paul wrote later No wonder Paul wrote later Romans 8:28Romans 8:28 NET NET And we know that all things work together And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are for good for those who love God, who are

called according to his purpose,called according to his purpose,


We do not know what he was doing We do not know what he was doing these 10yrs, but are certain he was not these 10yrs, but are certain he was not wasting his time or moping about lost wasting his time or moping about lost

opportunities. He probably opportunities. He probably wwas as evangelizing!evangelizing!


We know he preached in IllyricumWe know he preached in Illyricum (i-lirí-kum) but no record of it in his travels – but no record of it in his travels –

maybe during these 10yrsmaybe during these 10yrs?? They They certainly were years of preparationcertainly were years of preparation..


Romans 15:19Romans 15:19 NET NET in the power of signs in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem even as far of God. So from Jerusalem even as far

as Illyricum as Illyricum (i-lirí-kum) I have fully I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.preached the gospel of Christ.


Barnabas' Christlike Spirit probably Barnabas' Christlike Spirit probably rubbed-off on fellow Christians, thus rubbed-off on fellow Christians, thus 2626 Now it was in Antioch that the disciples Now it was in Antioch that the disciples

were first called Christians.were first called Christians.


Antiochians(?) were full of wit, specially for Antiochians(?) were full of wit, specially for name-calling. name-calling. They cThey called bearded alled bearded

Emperor Julian 'The Goat'! Emperor Julian 'The Goat'! Good if we were given the same nameGood if we were given the same name, , “Christian”“Christian” – for the same reason – for the same reason, we are , we are

““Christlike!Christlike!” ”

CONCLUSION CONCLUSION

What are we to make of the “Christians” What are we to make of the “Christians” in the Church at Antioch? Shouldn’t we in the Church at Antioch? Shouldn’t we

follow their lead? follow their lead? GIVE HELP WHERE GIVE HELP WHERE HELP IS NEEDED!!HELP IS NEEDED!!

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Agabus prophesied a famine – so that Agabus prophesied a famine – so that believers could help one another! believers could help one another! 2929 So the disciples, each in accordance So the disciples, each in accordance with his financial ability, decided to with his financial ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in send relief to the brothers living in

Judea.Judea.


When the brothers living in Judea When the brothers living in Judea needed help they helped financially. needed help they helped financially. That’s not the only help they gave. That’s not the only help they gave. Where ever there were people they Where ever there were people they

saw a need for Spiritual help. saw a need for Spiritual help.


They were a mission minded Church! They were a mission minded Church! Christians in Antioch knew people Christians in Antioch knew people were dying in their sins all over the were dying in their sins all over the

world. world.


Three times Antioch Christians saw Paul Three times Antioch Christians saw Paul start a Mission trip to speak the start a Mission trip to speak the

Gospel, the Good News, of Jesus to a Gospel, the Good News, of Jesus to a big part of the known world of that day. big part of the known world of that day.


We may think Paul’s travels as We may think Paul’s travels as miniscule since he only visited Eastern miniscule since he only visited Eastern

Europe and a bit of the Middle Europe and a bit of the Middle East/Asia-Minor. Remember, there East/Asia-Minor. Remember, there

were no motorized means of were no motorized means of transportation then. transportation then.


The fastest way to travel must have The fastest way to travel must have been by sailboat. Could the sailboats been by sailboat. Could the sailboats of that era have been even a fraction of that era have been even a fraction

as efficient as the sailboats that as efficient as the sailboats that carried the early settlers to America?carried the early settlers to America?


Here’s the point I’m getting at. We may Here’s the point I’m getting at. We may only be able to physically reach a few only be able to physically reach a few miles around our homes, but there are miles around our homes, but there are

still lots of people in that small area still lots of people in that small area that are dying in their sins. that are dying in their sins.


It’s not fun to think about,It’s not fun to think about,but we must,but we must,

they are headed straight forthey are headed straight forHELL!HELL!

Can we not be botheredCan we not be botheredto help them Spiritually? to help them Spiritually?


We have and can continue to help We have and can continue to help people Spiritually in other parts of the people Spiritually in other parts of the world by using our finances to send world by using our finances to send

missionaries, just like Paul was sent. missionaries, just like Paul was sent.


It is still an It is still an EVERYBODY MINISTRY! EVERYBODY MINISTRY!

EVERYBODYEVERYBODYINCLUDESINCLUDES

ME & YOU!ME & YOU!

Education

Christians in the Antioch Church