Textual Studies From The Gospel Of Luke & The Acts Of The Apostles

Lesson 35 – Antioch 11:19-26 Luke again mentions the scattering of disciples due to Stephen’s death v. 19a Some went to Phoenicia, Cyprus, & Antioch preaching only to Jews v. 19b Others (from Cyprus & Cyrene) came to Antioch, preaching to Hellenists v. 20

Lesson 35 – Antioch 11:19-26 They were successful…a “large number who believed turned to the Lord” v. 21 The news of this success reached the apostles in Jerusalem…they sent Barnabas to help vv a cp. 4:36 He was equally successful v. 24b

Lesson 35 – Antioch 11:19-26 He left Antioch, went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and brought him back v. 25 They worked with the Antioch church for a year, teaching considerable numbers v. 26a “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.” v. 26b

Lesson 35 – Antioch 11:19-26 “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.” v. 26b Not a nickname given by other men “To receive a name or title; to be called; to be Divinely commanded” [Thayer] cp. Mt 2:12, 22 Rom 7:3 Heb 11:7

Lesson 35 – More Benevolence 11:27-30 Some prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch vv One named Agabus told of a world-wide famine The Antioch saints sent relief according to their proportional abilities v. 29 Barnabas & Saul carried the Antioch gift

Lesson 35 – More Benevolence 11:27-30 The relief sent by Antioch Christians… It was sent for Judean brethren (not for the world’s needy) It was sent to the Jerusalem elders for them to make distribution

Lesson 35 – More Benevolence 11:27-30 The relief sent by Antioch Christians… It was different than earlier benevolent acts recorded by Luke cp. 2: :32, For members of the same local church Antioch’s gifts were for saints belonging to other local churches of Christ

Lesson 35 – More Benevolence 11:27-30 The relief sent by Antioch Christians… This passages serves as an “authoritative pattern” for sending benevolent aid to brethren elsewhere who are in need

Lesson 36 – Another Jail Cell 12:1-19 Herod “laid hands on” some saints v. 1 Herod Agrippa I He had the apostle James killed v. 2 Seeing this pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter and intended to kill him vv. 3-4 Peter’s 3rd time in prison 4:3 5:18 Lk 21:12

Lesson 36 – Another Jail Cell 12:1-19 The brethren prayed for him v. 5 God sent an angel to free Peter vv The angel brought him outside, led him onto one of the streets, then departed Peter thought he was in a vision, then “came to himself” v. 11

Lesson 36 – Another Jail Cell 12:1-19 Peter visits the praying brethren vv At the home of Mary, John Mark’s mother Peter knocks at the door of the gate, calls out Rhoda (a servant girl) recognizes his voice, informs the brethren Peter is outside They do not believe her

Lesson 36 – Another Jail Cell 12:1-19 Peter visits the praying brethren vv Peter continued to knock…when the brethren opened the gate & saw him, they were amazed Peter motioned for them to be quiet as he related what had taken place…he also wanted them to tell James and the brethren (apostles?)

Lesson 36 – Another Jail Cell 12:1-19 Herod’s anger & punishment vv There was “no small disturbance” re: Peter’s disappearance After searching for Peter and examining the guards, Herod had them executed for failing to keep Peter

Lesson 36 – Herod’s Death 12:20-23 Herod was also angry with the people of Tyre & Sidon…they attempted to regain his favor because he supported them v. 20 He made a speech “in royal apparel” v. 21 Josephus Ù A garment made of silver thread The people claimed he was a “god” v. 22

Lesson 36 – Herod’s Death 12:20-23 Because Herod accepted this “worship” God sent an angel to strike him v. 23 He failed to “give God the glory” He was stricken with worms & died Josephus Ù He suffered and died a painful death within 5 days

Lesson 36 – The Church Grows 12:24 Despite Herod’s efforts, the N.T. church kept growing The “word of the Lord continued to grow and be multiplied”

Lesson 36 – Back In Antioch 12:25 Barnabas & Saul return to Antioch from their benevolent mission to Judea cp. 11:27-30 They bring with them John Mark