The churches of Christ in the New Testament 2 of 17 “the church in Antioch” Acts11:19-23, 26

1. 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 October 18, 2009

2. Acts 11:19 -- 23 • 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. 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 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)

3. Acts 11:26 • 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.(NKJV)

4. Origin of Lord’s church The 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? churches of Christ in the New Testament – 17 Lessons

5. “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

6. Acts 14:23 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (NKJV) 1 Peter 5:2 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; (NKJV) Colossians 1:18 (“He” Christ) 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (NKJV) Constantinople Rome Antioch Jerusalem Colossians 1:18 Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:2 Alexandria

7. The Beginning of the church in Antioch • How did the church begin and how did it fare in this evil environment – (Acts 11:19-23;Acts 13:14-50; 14:6-20) • Started basically as a Jewish church – Acts 11:19 • 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 20:35) • 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 Jews only.(NKJV)

8. EXPLANATION OF GROWTH Acts 11:19-20, 23, 26 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. 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. 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. 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. (NKJV) Acts 4:2 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (NKJV) • But how do we explain the phenomenal success of the gospel in Antioch over that of other cities? • Three Biblical characteristics: • 1st - A teaching church (Edification) – Acts 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; (13:5, 38; 15:36; 17:3, 13; 1 Cor. 9:14)

9. EXPLANATION OF GROWTH Acts 11:21, 24, 26; 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great 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. 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. Acts 15:35 35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. (NKJV) Acts 22:21 21 Then He said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.'" (NKJV) Acts 11:24 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. (NKJV) Galatians 3:28-29 28 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 according to the promise.(NKJV) • Lessons for us • Don’t be discouraged when people reject the gospel • Look for new opportunities for the gospel -- Acts 22:21; (Acts 11:19-23; 15:35) • Good and honest hearts still exist and will hear and believe the gospel -- Acts 11:24 • Christ will still bless the faithful work of his servants -- Acts 11:21, 24, 26 • Christians belong to Christ not the world -- Acts 11: 26; Galatians 3:28-29

10. WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCHEphesians 4:11-12 PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 1:13 2 Timothy 1:13 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (NKJV) Ephesians 4:11-12 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry,for the edifying of the body of Christ, (NKJV) 1 Thessalonians 1:8 8 For from you 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) 1 Timothy 5:16 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. (NKJV) • God’s pattern for the work of the local church • Caring for needy saints - 1 Timothy 5:16 • Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:8 • Edification - Acts 20:28; (1 Corinthians 14:26; Eph. 4:11-12) If no order, then no disorder (1 Cor. 14:40) Acts 20:28 28 "And now beware! Be sure 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 church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (NKJV) 7

11. COOPERATION OF CHURCHES PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 1:13 • God’s Pattern for Cooperation in Edification • Accomplished locally - 1 Peter 5:2 • Elders • Deacons • Saints • Preachers/Teachers 1 Peter 5:2 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; (NKJV) Local Church 23

12. What Antioch Practiced Acts 13:1-3 1 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. 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) EDIFICATION Philippians 4:15-16 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 you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities (NKJV) C $ 2 Corinthians 11:8 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. (NKJV) Preach and Teaching The Gospel $ Preacher Teacher C $ C Acts 13:1-3; Philippians 4:15-16 2 Corinthians 11:8 11

13. Not Practiced in True churches EDIFICATION C $ Teach or Preach Gospel Teacher $ Sponsoring Organization $ C Preacher $ C Scripture Please! NOT THIS! 12

14. Okay Not Practice by True churches EDIFICATION C $ Preach And Teach Gospel $ Bible School Preachers Teachers $ C $ C Scripture Please! NOT THIS! 13

15. EXPLANATION OF GROWTH • Three Biblical characteristics: • 2nd - A benevolent church – Acts 11:29-30 – 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 10:31) Acts 11:29-30 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined 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)

16. Local Church is Sufficient BENEVOLENCE 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 1 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) Acts 4:34-37 34 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) Acts 2:44-45 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (NKJV) Local Church (elders) $ Relieve its Needy Saints Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; (2 Cor 8:12-15; 9:12-15; Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30) 6

17. Local Church is Sufficient Acts 11:27-30 27 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 brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (NKJV) Romans 15:25-27 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are 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) BENEVOLENCE C $ Local Church in need (to elders) $ $ Relieve its Needy Saints C $ C Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-27; (1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-4, 13-15; 9:1, 12-14) 7

18. Local Church is not Sufficient! BENEVOLENCE C $ $ $ $ Relieve Needy INSTITUTION Need C $ C Scripture Please! NOT THIS! 8

19. Local Christians are Sufficient BENEVOLENCE James 1:26-27 26 If 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 (AID drt) orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (NKJV) d $ Relieve Needy of the World (Non Christians) $ d $ d James 1:26-27; (Luke 10:25-36; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 1:17; Galatians 6:10) 7

20. EXPLANATION OF GROWTH • Three Biblical characteristics: • 3rd - A missionary church (Evangelism) – Ephesians 4:12 ASV– Paul uses “building up” same word Jesus used in (Matt. 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 1:8) • Paul summed it up “to live is Christ,” (Philippians 1:2) Ephesians 4:12 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up (Edifying NKJV) of the body of Christ;(NASU)

21. COOPERATION OF CHURCHES – THE WAY ANTIOCH DID IT PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 1:13 • God’s Pattern for Cooperation in Evangelism Church sends preachers Acts 11:30; Matthew 28:19-20 Matt 28:19-20 19 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) Acts 11:30 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (NKJV) P P C P 22

22. COOPERATION OF CHURCHES – THEWAY ANTIOCH DID IT PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 1:13 • God’s Pattern for Cooperation in Evangelism Church supports preachers Philippians 4:14-16; 2 Corinthians 11:8-9 Philippians 4:14-16 14 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 you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 11:8-9 8 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) P $ C P 21

23. CHURCH SUPPORT OF A HUMAN ORGANIZATION?? ? PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 1:13 P C $ Missionary Society P $ C $ P C 13

24. SPONSORING CHURCH ARRANGEMENT?? ? PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 1:13 P C $ Sponsoring Church P $ C $ P C 15

25. APOSTASY 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)

26. History Warns of Apostasy Luke 8:13 1 Tim. 4:1 Heb. 3:12 Adam & Eve Days of Noah Israel 1 Cor. 10:11-12 Antioch

27. Conclusion: The church 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 - John 6:45 • BELIEVE - John 8:24 • CONFESS - Roman 10:9-10 • REPENT - Acts 17:30 • BE BAPTIZED - Acts 22:16 “to the Church” Acts 2:47 BE FAITHFUL Luke 6:40, 46