Antioch Christians, Part 1
Introduction: The church at Antioch was the place where the followers of Christ were first called Christians, and it had other important distinctions. In Part 1 of this study the following will be explored: a) this church was founded not by an apostle, but by Christians who were dispersed after Stephen was martyred, b) Antioch sent out the first recorded relief to another church, and c) Antioch commissioned the apostle Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. This Antioch of ancient Syria was situated on the river Orontes, and was at one time the capital of Syria.
NOTE: Scripture passages are from the Revised Webster Bible.
A — Jewish Christians Took the Gospel to Antioch Gentiles
Acts 11 “19 Now they who were dispersed upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but to the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would continue with the Lord.”
Comments: Many followers of Christ were dispersed after Stephen was martyred, but the apostles remained in Jerusalem. Beginning at Acts 11:19 it is recorded that these new Christians preached only to other Jews, but some who came from Cypress witnessed to Greeks at Antioch and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord. The church at Jerusalem heard about events at Antioch and sent Barnabas there. Barnabas saw the grace of the Lord, and many people were added to the Lord at Antioch.
B — Barnabas Brought Saul from Tarsus to Antioch
Acts 11 “25 Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus, to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
Comments: After Barnabas brought Saul back to Antioch with him, they were there a whole year assembling with the church. They taught many people, and their teaching would have been in very sound doctrine judging from the character attributed to each of them in various scriptures. Without further explanation about the origin or application of the term, the scripture states that disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. There were no special ceremonies and no apostolic conferring procedures described as prerequisite for the designation of Christian for any of them.
C — Antioch Provided the First Recorded Relief Mission
Acts 11 “27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine throughout all the world. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”
Comments: The scripture records that not only did Antioch have Barnabas and Saul in their midst, but there were prophets of God who spoke to them. After the prophet Agabus by the Spirit told of a coming widespread famine, Barnabas and Saul were chosen by the disciples at Antioch to take relief gifts for the brethren in Judaea. From the narrative of the scripture, it is very likely that Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark all knew of Peter's dramatic rescue from prison before Mark accompanied Barnabas and Saul back to Antioch.
D — Antioch Is the First Church to Commission Missionaries
Acts 13 “1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away.”
Comments: Barnabas is at the beginning of the list of prophets and teachers at this unique church in Antioch, and Saul is last in the list. The others represent an interesting diversity. There was ministry and fasting in that church, and the Holy Spirit was active within the body of believers. As it was revealed that Barnabas and Saul were to be separated to a work called by the Holy Spirit, there was more fasting and prayer, followed by a laying on of hands. The scripture states that they were sent forth by the Holy Spirit.
E — From Cyprus Back to the Continent
Acts 13 “9 Then Saul, (who also [is called] Paul,) filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”
Comments: When they arrived at Perga, John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. There is no detail given as to why John Mark left at that point. There is no description of ministry in Perga, and they went from there to Antioch of Pisidia where they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. After the reading of the law, they were invited to speak to the people. Paul's message was effective to those who believed, as it spread throughout the whole region. But eventually Jews who rejected the message mounted strong opposition that resulted in Paul and Barnabas leaving and going to Iconium.
F — Severe Persecution Overcome Through Strength from the Lord
Acts 14 “19 And there came there [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 But, as the disciples stood around him, he rose, and came into the city. 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
Comments: Paul and Barnabas continued to move to other cities spreading the gospel, and in some locations they were under severe persecution and even life threatening circumstances. But they spoke boldly in the Lord, who displayed his grace in them. Paul was finally stoned at Lystra and thought to be dead, but after he revived he went back into the city. When elders were chosen in every church, Paul and Barnabas prayed with fasting and entrusted the leaders to the Lord in whom they had believed.
G — The Return Trip to the Church at Antioch
Acts 14 “26 And from there sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended from to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they had come, and had gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode a long time with the disciples.”
Comments: The scripture states that they had fulfilled the work that was given them by the grace of God. When they arrived they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done with them, and that he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. This would have been good news for the Antioch church since it included Gentiles in the sending body for this missionary trip.
Reflections in Prayer
Lord as I began to concentrate on what scripture contains about this local church in Antioch of Syria, I was surprised at how much your blessings had been bestowed on them. What a significant part they had in demonstrating how a church can be started by dedicated believers who make specific efforts to share the gospel with others, and then join together in fellowship as a body. You brought a representative from the apostles in Jerusalem in those early days to confirm the legitimacy of that church. Barnabas and Saul provided strong teaching for continued growth, and the church demonstrated their compassion for the material needs of other churches when they sent relief during a famine. You enabled them to listen to the Holy Spirit to send out Barnabas and Saul on the first missionary journey commissioned by a local church. I pray Lord that you will continue to use the knowledge of these things in my life to influence me to be a better part of my own local church, and to share in the joy of seeing the spread of the gospel. Hallelujah, Amen!
Published 18 October 2012