Antioch – The Church was born

DEEPER STUDY # 1

(11:19–30) Antioch: was the third greatest city of the Roman world, following only Rome and Alexandria in size and importance. The city had over a half-million citizens.

1. Note the secular history and nature of the city. The city …

• was founded by Seleucius Nicator around 300 B.C. He named the city after his father Antiochus.

• became the capital of Syria when Rome conquered Syria.

• was dominated by Greek culture and language; however it had a large Syrian and Jewish population.

• was about fifteen miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea, lying on the mouth of the Orontes river. The seaport that supplied the city was Seleucia (cp. Acts 13:4).

• was the third major commercial and cosmopolitan center of the world, always active with the hustle and bustle of worldwide trade and an influx of salesmen, businessmen, laborers, and visitors.

• was tolerant of all religions, forbidding none. But it was the home of the great temple of Daphne, which was the worship of an immoral god. The prophetesses of the temple were sacred prostitutes.

• was a great center for sport and the pursuit of pleasure. It was known as a city gone mad over sport and pleasure. It was a cesspool of license and pleasure, and because of this the name of Antioch became a byword around the world for sensual pleasure. It was bustling day and night with whatever pleasure man desired.

2. Note the importance of the city to Christian history.

⇒ Antioch was the city of the first great Christian church among Gentiles (Acts 11:19–30).

⇒ Antioch was the city and church from which the first worldwide missionaries were sent (Acts 13:1–3). It was the city from which the great mission thrust of Christianity was launched.

⇒ Antioch was the church where believers were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26).

DEEPER STUDY # 2

(11:19–30) Preaching—Witnessing—Exhortation—Teaching: in this passage there are three different Greek words used for witnessing and sharing the Word. They show the ministry of the church, just how believers are to go about sharing Christ.

1. There is the word “preaching” (lalountes, v. 20). This word really means speaking and should be translated speaking. It is the simple sharing of conversation among people. As the believers scattered and traveled about, they “spoke the Word,” shared Christ in ordinary conversation. The picture is that of witnessing one on one, of scattering the seed wherever they went. Christ was the topic of their conversation. They were saved and had received life, both abundant and eternal, and were rejoicing in the glory of the greatest hope imaginable. Their salvation, the presence and power of Christ in their lives, was what was upon their mind; therefore, they were talking about Christ and sharing Him, scattering the glorious message of the gospel everywhere they went.

“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them” (Acts 8:5). “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35).

“And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20).

“The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all)” (Acts 10:36).

“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness” (1 Cor. 1:23).

2. There is the word “preaching [euaggelizomenoi] the Lord Jesus” (v. 20). This word means to declare and proclaim the gospel; to preach the glad tidings of Jesus Christ; to proclaim the Word, the truth about Jesus Christ. It means that the believers who went to Antioch actually entered the city preaching and proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The picture is …

• that of their entering the city to bring the Lord Jesus to its residents. The believers were set on reaching the city for God, and their method was preaching the Lord Jesus.

• that of facing a person or persons, of standing before people and preaching Christ.

3. There is the word “exhorted” (parekalei, v. 23). This word means to admonish, advise, challenge, entreat, call upon, beseech, urge, warn, comfort, and encourage.

a. Note what the message of exhortation concerns: that people “would cleave unto the Lord.” The very focus of exhortation is to challenge, encourage, and warn believers to “cleave unto the Lord.”

b. Note how closely the Greek word is associated with the Greek word for the Holy Spirit (paraclete, see note—Jn. 14:16). The very ministry of the Holy Spirit is exhortation. His very presence and power within the genuine believer is for the purpose of urging, comforting, helping, and warning believers to “cleave unto the Lord” and to bear testimony to His glorious salvation.

c. Note that the minister’s ministry was that of exhortation. Even as the Holy Spirit stood within the church as Another Helper to Christ, so Barnabas was to stand as another helper to Christ. Barnabas was to challenge and encourage and warn the people: they must “cleave unto the Lord.”

“And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying” (Mt. 5:2).

“And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26).

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Tit. 1:9).

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Tit. 2:11–15).

1 (11:19–21) Church, Founded: the church was born. This passage tells what happened to the believers who were forced to flee Jerusalem after the death of Stephen. Saul had launched a terrible persecution against them, attempting to stamp out the name of Christ (see outline and notes—Acts 8:1–4; 9:1–9 for discussion). They scattered all over …

• Phoenicia, which included the important cities of Tyre and Sidon.

• Cyprus (see DEEPER STUDY # 1—Acts 13:4 for discussion).

• Antioch (see DEEPER STUDY # 1, Antioch—Acts 11:19–30).

The point is striking: as the believers scattered, they preached Christ. The picture is that there was not an area left untouched by the gospel. Wherever the believers went, they shared Christ. However, the focus is upon Antioch, the great church that was founded there. Note what it was that gave birth to the great church. There were three essentials.

1. The church was born through lay believers, through their witnessing (v. 19) and preaching (v. 20). (See note, Preaching, pts. 1 and 2—Acts 11:19–30 for discussion.)

2. The church was born by lay believers sharing Christ with everyone, no matter who they were, both Gentile and Jew. Note that some believers witnessed to the Jews only (v. 19), but other believers witnessed to the Gentiles in Antioch (v. 20). The gospel of Christ is for the whole world. It may have begun with the Jew, but God is the God of the universe, of all men. Therefore, He longs for all men to know about the coming of His Son into the world and to be saved through Him. Note also the message preached: the Lord Jesus.

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Is. 45:22).

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Is. 55:1).

“Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage” (Mt. 22:9).

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (Jn. 7:37).

“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him” (Ro. 10:12).

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever wlll, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).

3. The church was born through the hand of the Lord, by His sovereignty and control. God overruled all the trials and opposition and caused the church to be born.

⇒ God overruled the persecution.

⇒ God overruled the fear and trauma of the believers who were having to flee for their lives, to leave their homes and friends and businesses. Discouragement, questioning, unbelief, desertion, denial, silence, and failure to witness—all could have set in upon the persecuted believers who were losing all they had. But God overruled and held them dear to His heart, giving them a very special grace to endure and march through all triumphantly, proclaiming the name of the Lord Jesus.

⇒ God overruled the pleasure-madness and sins of Antioch.

⇒ God overruled and stirred the believers to witness and preach Christ despite all the trials and opposition. God caused the church to be born. His sovereignty, His control, His power—“the hand of the Lord was with them.” The result: “a great number believed, and turned to the Lord.” The first great Gentile church was born, and it was born through God’s sovereignty.

“To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Lk. 1:79).

“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way” (Ps. 25:9). “I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles” (Is. 42:6).

(11:22–26) Another Outline: A True Disciple or Minister.

1. Must see something: the grace of God (v. 23a).

2. Must do something: exhort (v. 23b).

3. Must be something (v. 24).

4. Must recognize something: he needs help (v. 25–26).

2 (11:22–24) Church, Followup—Minister: the church was followed up and taught. Note three significant events that happened.

1. The mother church heard about the witness of the scattered believers. Remember, both the apostles and the first leaders of the church were still in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was still considered the mother church, the one to whom the scattered churches looked for leadership. The church and its leaders wanted to help the new churches springing up all around. The purpose is clearly seen in what Barnabas did. The mother church wanted the new churches …

• to have ministerial help (v. 22)

• to be exhorted (v. 23)

• to be taught (v. 26)

2. A missionary disciple was commissioned to help the new churches. Again, the focus is upon Antioch. Note three things about the missionary Barnabas.

a. His ministry was exhortation (see DEEPER STUDY # 2, Preaching, pt. 3—Acts 11:19–30 for discussion). The message was …

• “with purpose of heart”: a determined, set, focused, resolute, steady, purposed heart.

• to “cleave unto the Lord”: to continue, be constant, loyal, steadfast, persistent, persevering, faithful.

“But cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done unto this day” (Jos. 23:8).

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1).

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Ph. 1:27).

“Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Pt. 5:9).

“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness” (2 Pt. 3:17).

b. His character was striking.

⇒ “Good” (agathos): upright, just, moral, honorable, and pleasing to God. He was what he should be inwardly and outwardly.

⇒ Full of the Holy Spirit: conscious and aware of the spirit’s presence and power, control and discipline, will and purpose, guidance and direction—all the fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22–23; cp. Ro. 8:1).

“Be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).

⇒ Full of faith: believing both in the Lord and in His purpose and power to do whatever He willed and led one to do.

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Mt. 21:22).

“But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead” (Ro. 4:24).

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6).

Thought 1. No disciple of the Lord, certainly no minister of the gospel, should be any less than Barnabas.

3. A tremendous result was experienced. Many were added to the Lord (cp. v. 21, 24, 26).

Thought 1. New churches will reach people—in fact any church will reach people …

• when believers are witnessing faithfully

• when churches are showing interest in the witnessing of believers elsewhere

• when disciples and ministers are exhorting and demonstrating such godly character

3 (11:25–26) Church—Staff: the church sought additional staff—to have an adequate teaching staff. Barnabas is the one who is the focus of attention in this point, but the church was bound to have sensed the need for additional staff and given its approval. The point is this: the need was sensed and the decision was made to seek for help. The only question was who should be secured. A unique person was needed, a person who not only had a Jewish background, but who knew the Greek language and culture and could relate to both Gentile and Jew alike. The person also needed to be fearless and bold in his witness for Christ because of the godless, immoral society of Antioch.

Barnabas knew such a man: Saul of Tarsus. So he set out to find him. The word “seek” (anazeteo) means to search for, to search back and forth, up and down; to make a thorough search. Paul had been busy throughout Syria and Cilicia preaching Christ (Gal. 1:21). Apparently Barnabas had difficulty finding him. But note: he knew God’s will, so he did not give up the search. He kept searching until he found God’s choice.

Thought 1. What a dynamic lesson for all churches in seeking help and in building a church staff!

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19).

“He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone” (Jn. 1:41–42).

“Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (Jn. 1:45).

“Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:25–26).

4 (11:26) Church, Training: the church—many of the believers—met consistently for intensive training (see DEEPER STUDY # 2, Preaching, pt. 3—Acts 11:19–30 for more discussion and verses). Note three facts that are self-explanatory.

1. The purpose for the church meeting together was to be taught about the Lord …

• His death according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3)

• His resurrection according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:4)

• His teachings, doctrines, and instructions (Mt. 28:19–20; cp. Acts 17:11)

2. “Many people” were taught, not just a few. The believers hungered to learn the truth.

3. The church met together consistently for a whole year.

5 (11:26) Christian: the church developed an unbelievable heritage for itself and for Christ. The believers at Antioch were the first to be called “Christians.” Note:

⇒ The name was a nickname given to believers by the unsaved people at Antioch.

⇒ The title was a name for people belonging to Christ, for the followers of Christ.

⇒ The title is used only two other times in the New Testament (Acts 26:28; 1 Pt. 4:16).

⇒ Believers took the name Christian and began applying it to themselves. It was to become the name adopted by the whole world for the followers of Christ.

Thought 1. What a heritage the believers of Antioch left to the world, the very name of being followers of Christ.

Thought 2. Every person who calls himself a Christian should be a true follower of Christ. How tragic that so many are not (Col. 2:6; 1 Jn. 2:6)!

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Col. 2:6).

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Pt. 2:21).

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 Jn. 2:6).

6 (11:27–30) Mission—Evangelism—Church, Vision: the church launched its own worldwide mission. Very simply, some prophets from Jersualem came to help in the ministry of Antioch. We do not know what led them to come: an invitation from Antioch or a commissioning by the Jerusalem church or some direction from the Holy Spirit. Neither do we know how many came, but this one thing is sure: it was God’s will that they came. This is known by what follows.

1. There was a prophecy of great need. One of the prophets, Agabus, predicted a worldwide famine. (Cp. Acts 21:10 for another reference to Agabus.)

⇒ The prophecy was not a deduction, not of the reasoning ability of Agabus. The prophecy was of the Spirit.

⇒ The famine took place during the reign of Claudius Caesar who ruled between A.D. 41–54.

2. There was a sharing of money and supplies. Everyone sent relief to Jerusalem “according to his ability.” The point to note is this: the newly born church at Antioch was now seen launching its own mission project. They were now helping the mother church, the church that had originally helped them (v. 22–24).

3. There was the sharing of ministers. Note who was sent by the church: their two chief ministers, Barnabas and Saul. They delivered the offering to the elders at the Jerusalem church (see DEEPER STUDY # 1, Elders—Tit. 1:5–9). Paul was later to encourage constant giving to the needs of God’s people (Acts 24:17; Ro. 15:25–27; 1 Cor. 16:1–4; 2 Cor. 8:1–15; Gal. 2:10).

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

“That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (1 Tim. 6:18).

“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16).

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed” (Ps. 37:3).

DEEPER STUDY # 3

(11:27) Prophets: this is the first time the title prophets is mentioned in the early church. The function of a New Testament prophet was primarily threefold: to edify, exhort, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3; cp. Acts 15:32). However, he was also given the grace to foretell the future as God willed to reveal it. In the list of New Testament gifts, prophets are listed in order of priority next to apostles (1 Cor. 12:28–29; Eph. 4:11).

⇒ Some early prophets are named (Acts 13:1; 15:32; 11:28; cp. 21:10).

⇒ Prophets were given the spiritual gift of teaching (Acts 13:1).

⇒ The gift of prophecy can be exercised at will by the prophets (1 Cor. 15:32).

⇒ Prophets face a great danger: super-spirituality or pride (1 Cor. 15:37).

⇒ The early prophets were considered as part of the foundation of the church—right along with the apostles (Eph. 2:20).

⇒ The understanding of the mysteries of the church was given to the early prophets by special revelation from the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:5–6).

CHAPTER 12

B. The Jerusalem Church Is Miraculously Protected: God’s Pattern for Deliverance from Persecution,DS1 12:1–25

1. The first political attack against the church

a. By persecution

b. By murder

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

c. By imprisonmentDS2

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

2. God’s pattern for deliverance

a. The pattern of prayer

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

b. The pattern of confidence in God’s will: Peter slept, assured of God’s presence & care

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

c. The pattern of God’s miraculous work & the disciple’s obedience

1) “Get up”: Chains fell off

7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

2) “Get dressed”: Peter did so

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

3) “Get out”: Peter followed

9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

d. The pattern of God’s sovereign will

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

e. The results

1) Reunion of believersDS3

12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

2) Gladness, joy

13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

3) Utter astonishment

15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

4) A declaration of God’s sovereign deliverance

5) Relief from anxiety among the leaders: James & the other leaders

6) Escape & safety

17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

3. God’s sovereign wrath, His vindication of the church

18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

a. The terrible sins of Herod

19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

b. The events leading to the terrible death of Herod

20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country,

21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal ap parel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

4. The church’s triumphant march

a. The Word increased, spread, v. 24

b. The young man Mark was discipled, a young man destined for greatnessDS4

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

B. The Jerusalem Church Is Miraculously Protected: God’s Pattern for Deliverance from Persecution, 12:1–25

(12:1–25) Introduction: God always delivers His people either through or from the trials of this life, including persecution and martyrdom. This passage gives a picture of God’s pattern for deliverance through persecution.

1. The first political attack against the church (v. 1–4).

2. God’s pattern for deliverance (v. 5–17).

3. God’s sovereign wrath, His vindication of the church (v. 18–23).

4. The church’s triumphant march (v. 24–25).

Leadership Ministries Worldwide. (2003). The Acts of the Apostles (pp. 172–178). Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide.