1. A Great Congregation of His Glorious Church Lesson 6: (Acts 11:19 – 13:3)

2. A Great Congregation of His Glorious Church (Acts 11:19 – 13:3) The church of Antioch was saturated with the grace of God (11:19-26). –Barnabas saw in this church “the grace of God” (v. 23). What does grace look like?  Grace is manifested in a SEPARATION from the world (Eph. 2:1-5).  Grace is manifested in a CONNECTION with Christ (Eph. 2:5-10).  The grace of God consists of God’s MERCY, His LOVE and His KINDNESS (Ep. 2:4-7; Tit. 3:4-7).  Do others know our mercy (Lk. 6:36); our love (Mt. 22:37-39) & our kindness (Eph. 4:32)?  Are we growing in “grace” (2 Pet. 3:18)?

3. A Great Congregation of His Glorious Church (Acts 11:19 – 13:3) The church of Antioch cared for those who hurt (11:27-30). –The prophet Agabus foretold to the Antioch church of a great famine in the Roman Empire (v. 28). Notice that church’s response:  “Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief [lit. ministering] to the brethren dwelling in Judea” (v. 29).  They saw themselves as servants, and lovingly cared for others, even though they themselves would also experience the famine (cf. Gal. 5:13).  Three ways to view possessions: “What is yours is mine.” “What is mine is mine.” “What is mine is yours.” (cf. Lk. 10:30-37; Eph. 4:28).

4. A Great Congregation of His Glorious Church (Acts 11:19 – 13:3) The church of Antioch was impartial (13:1). –The diversity of their prophets & teachers shows they believed that every Christian is of equal value and importance  Barnabas—converted Levite, man of substance (Ac. 4:36-37) & very influential in early church (Ac. 15:1-2).  Simeon called Niger—believed to be a man of dark features. But skin color didn’t matter to them.  Lucius of Cyrene—perhaps a Hellenist convert (cf. 2:10), came to Antioch to teach. A foreigner but still accepted.  Manaen, raised with Herod the tetrarch—Herod killed John the Baptist (Mt. 14). Manaen could/would have been of great stature & power, but turned to the Lord.  Saul—from persecutor to accepted teacher  We must live above prejudice! Never to treat some better than others or some worse (Jas. 2:1-9=sinful).

5. A Great Congregation of His Glorious Church (Acts 11:19 – 13:3) The church of Antioch served as a launching pad for “missions” (13:2-3). –Paul’s first (13:3) & third (18:22-23) journeys began in Antioch (and perhaps his 2 nd —15:40-41)  Antioch was a soul-conscious congregation.  We need to have their dedication to (M): –They fasted—This was more than just giving financial support, it was sacrificing self. –They prayed—Do we pray for our (M)? Do we let them know that we are? –They laid hands on them—A vote of confidence & encouragement (cf. 1 Tim. 4:14; 1 Th. 5:11) –They sent them away—Close relationships, sacrifices made, tears shed. Do we have that?

6. A Great Congregation of His Glorious Church (Acts 11:19 – 13:3) Another lesson from another congregation: The church in Jerusalem was a praying church (12:1-19) –Herod Agrippa I had killed James the apostle. He intended to do the same to Peter. The church only knew one thing to do.  The church prayed, but more than that… –They prayed in the middle of the night (v. 4-5) –They prayed earnestly—diligent & intense (v. 5) –They prayed together (v. 12) –Yet, some may have lacked confidence/faith in their prayers (v. 14-16).  A great congregation prays together constantly!