The Antioch Revival

Intro

It's not over, it's just begun! Luke recalls the effects of Stephen's death by emphasizing the proclamation of the gospel (Acts 8:4, 11:19).

Paul's testimony combined with the disciples of Antioch’s desire is the demonstration that it is not over and that traumas and tragedies will not stop what God has started in us.

Who was Luke? Luke was a physician, excellent chronicler, and Paul's traveling companion (Colossians 4:14).

Through the book of Acts, Luke recalls:

the revival of Jerusalem,

the revival of Samaria,

the revival of Joppa (Acts 9:42),

the revival of Caesarea,

the revival of Ephesus,

the revival of Malta (Acts 8:9-10 ),

the revival in Rome (Acts 28:30-31), a revival that will also reach the house of the Emperor (Philippians 4:22).

All these revcivals certainly gladdened Luke's heart, but there is nothing that made him more happy than the awakening that took place in Antioch.

Antioch. Antioch was an important city of the Roman Empire, the third in order of importance.

Commercial city, point of reference for free men and scholars.

Antioch was also a vile place, steeped in sin. It was in Antioch that the pagan cult of the goddess Daphne was celebrated through sacred prostitution.

Through Luke's Hometown Revival, I want to encourage each of us to seek out and carry out revival for our hometown.

3 dispositions. On the part of these disciples scattered because of the gospel, their availability for service is undeniable.

In this case we want to underline at least 3 aspects of this availability:

Willing to trespass (Acts 11:19-20);

Willing to submit (Acts 11:21-22);

Willing to be Church (Acts 11:25-26).

N. 1 - Willing to trespass

Acts 11:19–20 NIV

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.

Without limits. During the scattering that occurred because of the killing of Stephen, the disciples proclaimed the gospel in every city (Acts 11:19), but some of them proclaimed the gospel also to the Greeks and Gentiles (Acts 11:20).

They were willing to cross borders, lift those limitations, and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Tonight I want to encourage everyone to be willing to push boundaries and limitations.

What are the limits? What are the boundaries?

This is the time to go beyond them with faith, to cross the physical limits, the limits of space and time.

Jonathan and the squire. The Story of Jonathan and his squire reminds us that someone must perform this act of courage and be willing to rely on the Lord:

1 Samuel 14:6–7 NIV

Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

N. 2 - Willing to submit

Acts 11:21–22 NIV

The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

The trap for every success. We read that the hand of the Lord was upon them (Acts 11:21); therefore it was evident that God was visiting that city.

Despite the evidence, we want to underline the humility that the disciples of Antioch show in submitting to the “mother” church of Jerusalem.

Even if God was revolutionizing a city of at least 500,000 people, they accepted the inspection, the scrutiny, the verification of a Church ministering in a City of perhaps 50,000.

For those who would learn God’s ways, humility is the first thing, humility is the second, humility is the third.

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Preaching Themes: Hypocrisy, Pride

It is said that a certain actor had acted the part of Richard III so admirably, and had thrown his whole soul into it so thoroughly, that he imbibed the idea that he was actually a king, and became so extravagant in his living—and in addition so haughty in his behavior—that he brought himself first to contempt and next to beggary.

Hagar and Sarah. As soon as Hagar learned that she was pregnant with her, she began to despise her mistress Sarah (Genesis 16:4).

Be available for scrutiny. Unfortunately there is this attitude of pride that comes out as soon as we achieve, by the grace of God, some result.

Instead, let us seek that willingness to submit, to be humble and avoid getting too big on our heads.

N. 3 - Williung to be Church

Acts 11:25–26 NIV

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

There is a church in Antioch. After the glorious awakening of the first weeks, Barnabas feels the need to teach these new disciples and asks Paul for help.

In these verses, thanks to brotherly communion and love for biblical teaching, we note the willingness of these disciples not only to experience God's Awakening, but also to live and be part of the church of Jesus Christ.

Revival or Church? Unfortunately, many are ready to eat the fish and the loaves, but as soon as harsh words arrive, everyone flees (John 6:60) and abandons the Church.

What are you willing to live? Just Awakenings?! Harvest seasons only? Or do we want to be part of the Lord's Bride through our constant attendance at Church worship and activities?

Conclusion

They were called Christians. In Acts 11:26 we read that, for the first time, Jesus' disciples were called "Christians".

At the time it was a derogatory term, but now it represents a title that confers honor and prestige.

Indeed, the disciples of Antioch were available just like Christ, who made himself available to:

Crossing every limit: Jesus proclaimed the gospel to tax collectors and prostitutes;

Jesus submitted His life to the will of the Father;

Jesus founded not a Revival, but His Church.