The Spread of the Gospel

The disciples dispersed following Stephen’s death. They took the Gospel with them.

Throughout the Roman Empire

Most were only spreading the Gospel among the Jews.

Here, The Gospel goes beyond Judea, Samaria, and Galilee

Cornelius, a Gentile, had made the first invitation (at God’s nudging).

The church of Antioch

Consisted of believers who gathered from the ministry of those from Cyprus and Cyrene

An Island in the Mediterranean and the north coast of Africa, probably Egypt.

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Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire, behind Rome and Alexandria – BCWT

Founded by one of Alexander’s Generals, Seleucus ~300 BC, absorbed by the Roman Empire by Pompey in 64 BC.

The capital of the province of Syria.

Was known by its fine looking buildings “Antioch the Beautiful” or “Queen of the East”

Size Comparison: Joppa may have had a few hundred or maybe a thousand residents. Jerusalem had perhaps fifty thousand, while Antioch was home to as many as five hundred thousand people!

A city known for its love of pleasure and luxury. Its temple to the goddess Daphne involved ritual prostitution.

Consisted of Romans, Jews, Persians, Indians, and Chinese

The church of Antioch consisted of Jews and Gentiles, probably the first church consisting of people from various ethnic groups.

The Scriptures do not say that the sharing of the Gospel to Antioch was initiated at the direction of God.

After having criticized Peter’s work among Gentiles, The Apostles were not as quick to condemn, but they still acted cautiously.

They wanted to make sure that all was well and possibly nurture the young, multi-cultural church, so decided to send one of their own.

The Apostles sent Barnabas, a Deacon and Hellenistic Jew, someone who was open-minded and generous.

Barnabas was from Cyprus

He taught many, including some who did not know God of the Hebrew Scriptures.

He would have to start at the beginning.

He had his work cut out for him, and he needed help.

When things grow wild, it’s easy to get distracted and divided.

God showed approval by the great number of people who believed and turned to the Lord.

Barnabas was glad, filled with joy for them

Now, God was providing for their leadership and encouragement.

This is known as discipleship.

Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement” was the best choice

Checking self-centeredness, and self-confidence, Barnabas quickly realized that he needed help.

God provided for further expansion of the Good News

Barnabas went to Tarsus to get Saul, knowing of God’s calls of Saul seven years before.

Saul was called to evangelize, to “boast of the Lord”

Tarsus was not far from Antioch, and Saul was influenced by Hellenistic and Pharisaic Judaism

Saul could help teach and lead, and at the same time, Barnabas would mentor Saul

They found great blessing of God on their ministries in Antioch

There was a balance of the church in Antioch:

Evangelism and Discipleship

Ministry to Spiritual and Physical needs

Listening, Speaking, and Doing

Variety of ministries shared among many

Generous people who Gave and Received

The church in Antioch was more concerned with those already starving in Judea than trying to protect themselves.

They entrusted their gifts to their leaders for accountable distribution where it was needed.

The church in Antioch became the springboard for the Christian mission to the whole world.

It is God who draws more people to believe, not missionaries.

Good Teaching by respected leaders keeps us focused on the mission Jesus gave the church.

Courageous Leadership is needed to freely explore new ways to spread the Good News.

When others don’t know God, the Spirit leads us to share the Good News of God.

The Spirit moves us to Always Care for those in need.

These things indicate for others who believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord.

This is why we are called “Christ-ones” or “Christians” Look/Act like Christ.