T HE N EW T ESTAMENT C HURCH T HE C HURCH A T A NTIOCH

I NTRODUCTION Third largest city in Roman Empire Controlled commerce of Mesopotamian Plain Full of Mythology Potent in commerce Powerful in politics Prominent in history Became center of missionary activity of the New Testament Era.

H ISTORY OF THE E STABLISHMENT OF THE C HURCH IN A NTIOCH Dispersion of the Jerusalem church – Acts 8:3,4 “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”

H ISTORY OF THE E STABLISHMENT OF THE C HURCH IN A NTIOCH Dispersion of the Jerusalem church – Acts 11:19 “Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.”

H ISTORY OF THE E STABLISHMENT OF THE C HURCH IN A NTIOCH Preached Jesus in Antioch – Acts 11:20 “ But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.”

H ISTORY OF THE E STABLISHMENT OF THE C HURCH IN A NTIOCH They “ believed and turned to the Lord ” – Acts 11:21 “ And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.”

H ISTORY OF THE E STABLISHMENT OF THE C HURCH IN A NTIOCH Jerusalem church sends Barnabas out to assist – Acts 11:22 “ Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.”

H ISTORY OF THE E STABLISHMENT OF THE C HURCH IN A NTIOCH Church grows as a result of his exhortation – Acts 11:23,24 “ When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”

H ISTORY OF THE E STABLISHMENT OF THE C HURCH IN A NTIOCH Barnabas secures Paul to aid in Antioch Continue for one year – Acts 11:25,26 “ Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH The name “ Christian ” first given there Not given to the Church—but individual members – Acts 11:26 “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH The Church at Antioch was the first local church to be composed of both Jews and Gentiles generally – Acts 15:23 “ They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.”

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH Energetic and zealous in evangelistic work. Two men preached a whole year – Acts 15:35 “ Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.”

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH Well supplied with teachers ( evidencing growth and development ) making it possible for the church to reach out into other areas – Acts 13:1-3 “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.”

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH A missionary church. One of the most prominent in this work. At home and abroad. Became the base of Paul’s and Barnabas’ efforts to spread the gospel. – Acts 14:26-27 “ From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. Now when they had come and 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.”

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH A missionary church. One of the most prominent in this work. At home and abroad. Became the base of Paul’s and Barnabas’ efforts to spread the gospel. – Acts 15:35,36 “ Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH A benevolent church. Must have been liberal in giving. Sent relief to Jerusalem. First church to send relief to those in another locality. – Acts 11:29,30 “Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH Recognized the local church as the medium through which to work. “Sending to the elders.” – Acts 11:30 “ This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH Recognized the organization of the N.T. Church and respected the eldership. – Acts 15:1,2 “ And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved..."

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH Recognized the organization of the N.T. Church and respected the eldership. – Acts 15:2 “Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question."

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH Recognized the authority of the apostles as final in determining the truth on controversial questions. – Acts 15:2 “Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question."

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH A growing church. “Many added to the Lord.” – Acts 11:24 “ For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord."

C HARACTER OF THE C HURCH They were interested in the study of God’s word. This accounted for their strength and growth. A years revival! – Acts 15:35 “ Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also."