Acts11:19-23, 26 The churches of Christ in the New Testament 2 of 17 the church in Antioch Acts11:19-23, 26 Don R. Taaffe, Gospel preacher, Dunedin, Florida.

The churches of Christ in the New Testament 2 of 17

“the church in Antioch”

Acts11:19-23, 26Acts11:19-23, 26Don R. Taaffe,Gospel preacher,Dunedin, FloridaOctober 18, 2009

Acts 11:19 -- 23Acts 11:19 -- 23 19 Now those who were scattered were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled

as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews but the Jews only. only. 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. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed a great number believed

and turned to the Lord. and turned to the Lord. 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. 23 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 (NKJV)

Acts 11:26Acts 11:2626 And when he had found

him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled assembled

with the churchwith the church and taught a great many people. And the the

disciplesdisciples were first called were first called ChristiansChristians in Antioch. in Antioch. (NKJV)

churches of Christ in the churches of Christ in the New Testament – 17 LessonsNew Testament – 17 Lessons

Origin of Lord’s churchOrigin of Lord’s church The church in AntiochThe church in Antioch The church in Colosse The church in Corinth The church in Crete The church in Ephesus The church in Galatia The church in Jerusalem The church in Laodicea

The church in Pergamum The church in Philadelphia The church in Philippi The church in Rome The church in Sardis The church in Smyrna The church in

Thessalonica The church in Thyatira The church in Dunedin?

“Queen of the East” Antioch was one of the great capitals

of the Roman empire It was the third city after Rome and

Alexandria Made up of Syrians, Greeks, Jews,

Romans Fashion was the only law, pleasure

was the only pursuit, and splendor of dress and furniture was the only distinction of citizens

RomeRomeRomeRome

ConstantinopleConstantinopleConstantinopleConstantinople

AntiochAntiochAntiochAntioch

JerusalemJerusalemJerusalemJerusalem

AlexandriaAlexandriaAlexandriaAlexandria

Colossians 1:18Colossians 1:18Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:2Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:2

Colossians 1:18Colossians 1:18Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:2Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:2

Colossians 1:18 (“He” Christ)18 And He is the head of the body, the churchhead of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (NKJV)

Acts 14:2323 So when they had appointed elders in elders in every every church,church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (NKJV)

1 Peter 5:22 Shepherd the flock of God Shepherd the flock of God which is among youwhich is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; (NKJV)

The Beginning of the The Beginning of the church in Antiochchurch in Antioch

How did the church begin and how did it fare in this evil environment – (Acts 11:19-Acts 11:19-23;23; Acts 13:14-50; 14:6-20Acts 13:14-50; 14:6-20)

Started basically as a Jewish church – Acts Acts 11:1911:19

Not a wealthy church, though threatened by the famine of Jerusalem they sent relief to others. They learn the great principle of our Lord, (Acts 20:35Acts 20:35)

After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. the church in Antioch became the center for Christianity

Acts 11:19 (Barnabas and Saul [Paul])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 but the Jews onlyJews only.. (NKJV)

EXPLANATION OF GROWTHEXPLANATION OF GROWTH But how do we explain the

phenomenal success of the gospel in Antioch over that of other cities?

Three Biblical characteristics: 11stst - - A teaching church A teaching church (EdificationEdification) –

Acts 11:19, 20, 23, 26Acts 11:19, 20, 23, 26 – These brethren believed in the power of the word and of the Lord!

• Preaching is always teaching; teaching is not always preaching. Antioch was a preaching/teaching church – Acts 4:2; Acts 4:2; (13:5, 38; 15:36; 17:3, 13; 1 Cor. 9:1413:5, 38; 15:36; 17:3, 13; 1 Cor. 9:14)

Acts 11:19-20, 23, 2619 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 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 Jesuspreaching the Lord Jesus.23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 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.taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (NKJV)

Acts 4:22 being greatly disturbed that they they taught taught the people the people and and preached preached in Jesus in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (NKJV)

EXPLANATION OF GROWTHEXPLANATION OF GROWTH Lessons for usLessons for us Don’t be discouraged when people reject the

gospel Look for new opportunities for the gospel --

Acts 22:21;Acts 22:21; (Acts 11:19-23; 15:35Acts 11:19-23; 15:35) Good and honest hearts still exist and will

hear and believe the gospel -- Acts 11:24Acts 11:24 Christ will still bless the faithful work of his

servants -- Acts 11:21, 24, 26Acts 11:21, 24, 26 Christians belong to Christ not the world --

Acts 11: 26; Galatians 3:28-29Acts 11: 26; Galatians 3:28-29

Acts 22:2121 Then He said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.'" (NKJV)

Acts 11:2424 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added a great many people were added to the Lord. (NKJV)

Acts 11:21, 24, 26; 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great a great number believed number believed and turned to the Lord. 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.a great many people were added to the Lord. 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.taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 15:3535 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. with many others also. (NKJV)

Galatians 3:28-2928 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.according to the promise. (NKJV)

God’s pattern for the work of the local churchGod’s pattern for the work of the local church Caring for needy saints - Caring for needy saints - 1 Timothy 5:161 Timothy 5:16 Evangelism - Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:81 Thessalonians 1:8 Edification - Edification - Acts 20:28; Acts 20:28; ((1 Corinthians 14:26;1 Corinthians 14:26;

Eph. 4:11-12Eph. 4:11-12) ) If no order, then no disorderIf no order, then no disorder ( (11

Cor. 14:40Cor. 14:40))

PATTERN OF PATTERN OF SOUND WORDSSOUND WORDS2 Timothy 1:132 Timothy 1:13

WORK OF THE WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCHLOCAL CHURCHEphesians 4:11-

12

77

2 Timothy 1:1313 Hold fast the Hold fast the pattern of sound words pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

Ephesians 4:11-1211 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 forfor the equipping of the saints equipping of the saints forfor the work of ministry,work of ministry, forfor the edifying edifying of the bodyof the body of Christ,(NKJV)

1 Timothy 5:1616 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. (NKJV)

1 Thessalonians 1:88 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. (NKJV)

Acts 20:2828 "And now beware! Be sure that you feed that you feed and shepherd God's flock-his church, purchased with his blood-for the Holy Spirit is holding you responsible as overseers. (TLB)28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the churchshepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (NKJV)

God’s Pattern for Cooperation in God’s Pattern for Cooperation in EdificationEdification Accomplished locally - Accomplished locally - 1 Peter 5:21 Peter 5:2

•EldersElders•Deacons Deacons •Saints Saints •Preachers/TeachersPreachers/Teachers


COOPERATION COOPERATION OF CHURCHESOF CHURCHES

2323

LocalLocalChurchChurchLocalLocal

ChurchChurch

1 Peter 5:22 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you,which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; (NKJV)

What Antioch PracticedWhat Antioch Practiced

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Acts 13:1-3; Philippians 4:15-16Acts 13:1-3; Philippians 4:15-162 Corinthians 11:82 Corinthians 11:8

11

Acts 13:1-31 Now in the church that was at Antioch in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas,teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said,"Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. (NKJV)

Philippians 4:15-1615 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no no church church shared with me shared with me concerning giving and receiving concerning giving and receiving but you only.but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities (NKJV)

2 Corinthians 11:88 I robbed other churches,I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. (NKJV)

Not Practiced in True churchesNot Practiced in True churches

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EXPLANATION OF GROWTHEXPLANATION OF GROWTH

Three Biblical characteristics: 22ndnd - - A benevolent churchA benevolent church – Acts 11:29-Acts 11:29-

3030 – This was done without a special call from Judea!• This was a congregation of God’s

people that cared.• Our Father has a way of blessing

those who minister unto the needy.• Many today “pass by on the other

side,” (Luke 10:31Luke 10:31)

Acts 11:29-3029 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (NKJV)

Local Church is SufficientLocal Church is Sufficient

Relieve itsRelieve itsNeedy Needy SaintsSaints

BENEVOLENCEBENEVOLENCE

Local Local Church Church (elders)(elders)

Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37; 1 Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; (2 Cor 8:12-15; Corinthians 16:1-4; (2 Cor 8:12-15;

9:12-15; Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30)9:12-15; Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30)

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Acts 2:44-4544 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all,divided them among all, as anyone had need. (NKJV)

Acts 4:34-3734 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 16:1-41 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. (NKJV)

Local Church is SufficientLocal Church is Sufficient

Relieve itsRelieve itsNeedy SaintsNeedy Saints

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BENEVOLENCEBENEVOLENCECC

Local Local Church in Church in

need need (to elders)(to elders)

Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-27;Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-27;(1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-4, 13-15; (1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-4, 13-15;

9:1, 12-14)9:1, 12-14)

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Acts 11:27-3027 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (NKJV)

Romans 15:25-2725 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make make a certain contribution for the poor among the a certain contribution for the poor among the saints saints who are who are in Jerusalem. in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. (NKJV)

Local Church is Local Church is notnot Sufficient! Sufficient!

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Local Christians are SufficientLocal Christians are Sufficient

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James 1:26-27; (Luke 10:25-36; James 1:26-27; (Luke 10:25-36; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 20:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1

Peter 1:17; Galatians 6:10)Peter 1:17; Galatians 6:10) 7

James 1:26-2726 If anyone anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit to visit (AID (AID drt) drt) orphans and widows in their trouble,orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself oneself unspotted from the world. (NKJV)

EXPLANATION OF GROWTHEXPLANATION OF GROWTH Three Biblical characteristics:

3rd - 3rd - A missionary churchA missionary church (Evangelism) (Evangelism) – Ephesians Ephesians 4:124:12 ASV– Paul uses “building up” same word Jesus used in (Matt. 16:18Matt. 16:18) used in a since of planting, establishing it when it is not known, extending the borders of the kingdom by taking it into new territory by “evangelism”, preaching of the gospel.

They fully recognize that the great commission of Christ contained six “all’s” all power, all ye, all the world, all nations, all things, all the days.

The two great missionaries of this church where the apostle Paul and the evangelist Barnabas.

The missionary movement that began in Antioch and Jerusalem swept over the whole world. (Romans 1:8Romans 1:8)

Paul summed it up “to live is Christ,” (Philippians 1:2Philippians 1:2)

Ephesians 4:1212 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up building up (Edifying NKJV) of the body of (Edifying NKJV) of the body of Christ;Christ; (NASU)

God’s Pattern for Cooperation in God’s Pattern for Cooperation in EvangelismEvangelism

Church sendsChurch sends

preacherspreachers

Acts 11:30;Acts 11:30;

Matthew 28:19-20Matthew 28:19-20


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Acts 11:3030 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (NKJV)

Matt 28:19-2019 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (NKJV)

God’s Pattern for Cooperation in God’s Pattern for Cooperation in EvangelismEvangelism

Church supportsChurch supports

preacherspreachers

Philippians 4:14-16;Philippians 4:14-16;

2 Corinthians 11:8-92 Corinthians 11:8-9


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Philippians 4:14-1614 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. (NKJV)

2 Corinthians 11:8-98 I robbed other churches,I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. (NKJV)

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APOSTASY IN ANTIOCHAPOSTASY IN ANTIOCH

By 380 A. D. bishops in the church were writing of the great fall of this church

All can be lost in a generation’s time. It could’ve been said of Antioch, what

was said to Ephesians by our Lord and Savior, “you have left your first love remember, repent and do your first or work” (Revelation 2:4-5)Revelation 2:4-5)

History Warns of ApostasyHistory Warns of Apostasy

Luke 8:13Luke 8:131 Tim. 4:11 Tim. 4:1Heb. 3:12Heb. 3:12

Luke 8:13Luke 8:131 Tim. 4:11 Tim. 4:1Heb. 3:12Heb. 3:12

1 Cor. 10:11-121 Cor. 10:11-12

Conclusion: The churchConclusion: The church in Antioch in Antioch

The Church of Antioch was indeed a model church, it’s zeal, evangelism, benevolence, and edification, made it outstanding.

It followed the plan of salvation perfectly: HEAR - HEAR - John 6:45John 6:45 BELIEVE - BELIEVE - John 8:24John 8:24 CONFESS - CONFESS - Roman 10:9-10Roman 10:9-10 REPENT - REPENT - Acts 17:30Acts 17:30 BE BAPTIZED - BE BAPTIZED - Acts 22:16Acts 22:16

“ “to the to the Church” Church” Acts 2:47Acts 2:47

“ “to the to the Church” Church” Acts 2:47Acts 2:47

BE FAITHFUL BE FAITHFUL Luke 6:40, 46Luke 6:40, 46

Acts11:19-23, 26 The churches of Christ in the New Testament 2 of 17 the church in Antioch Acts11:19-23, 26 Don R. Taaffe, Gospel preacher, Dunedin, Florida.

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