Acts 11:19-30 The Church in Antioch = February 6

The Church in Antioch
Acts 11:19-30

What is the farthest from home you have ever been? Why were you there?

The Church in Antioch

19Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists^c also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

27Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers^d living in Judea. 30And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• Why up until now had they told the Good News only to Jews according to Acts 11:19?
• Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman empire. What might the apostles feel as they hear the Gospel is taking root there in Acts 11:23? 
• Why did Barnabas seek Paul’s help at Antioch?
• Write a character reference for Barnabas based on Acts 11:22-26 (also 4:36-37). From this profile, why did Barnabas recruit Saul Acts 9:27-28?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• With whom do you associate that no minister would normally contact? How do you share the Gospel with those people? 
• Would these people be comfortable in your church? 
• What is the most unusual thing the Holy Spirit has done in your life?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

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Acts 11:19-30

#Gospel #Barnabas
C.         The Gospel Spreads In The Gentile World,                 11:19-30 The Church in Antioch The Gospel Comes to Antioch (11:19-30)
Synopsis:         The persecution which followed the death of Stephen proved to be a blessing in as much as the disciples who were scattered preached the gospel and churches were established.  In Antioch, for the first time they began to preach to the Gentiles.  The elders in Jerusalem heard of this and sent Barnabas to investigate.  He was thrilled at the spread of the gospel and encouraged them.  He went to find Saul of Tarsus and brought him to Antioch.  The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.  A famine was forecast throughout the world.  The Gentile Christians sent a contribution to the Jewish Christians in Judaea by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
The early church’s mission continues to the Gentiles, as demonstrated in Antioch and the reintroduction of Saul to the Acts narrative.
19	They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews.
	19Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.
	Meanwhile, the believers who had fled from Jerusalem during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the Good News, but only to Jews.NLT
		Jesus had told the apostles before he died that the gospel would be preached first in Jerusalem, then in Judea, then in Samaria and then to the uttermost parts of the world.  After Stephen was put to death, the Christians who were scattered preached the word as indicated in this verse; however, they preached only to the Jews.  God taught them through the conversion of Cornelius that the gospel needed to be preached to the Gentiles as well.  These Jews went to the above cities which were Gentile cities; however, they preached the gospel only to the Jews.
		Antioch (11:19) – Antioch on the Orontes in Syria was the third largest urban center of antiquity (after Rome and Alexandria), with an estimated population of half a million, and was the headquarters of Rome’s Syrian legion. With a famous cult center of Apollo within walking distance and Seleucia, its port city off the Mediterranean coast, only a brief river journey, it boasted numerous mystery cults and was known for its pagan religious diversity. (BBC) Under Augustus and Tiberius, aided by Herod the Great, [Antioch] was enlarged and beautified in the Roman manner, the road systems extending from it were improved, and its seaport of Seleucia Pieria further developed. Thus the communications of Antioch with the Levant[1] and, indeed, with the whole of the empire, were made far more rapid and secure than they had been before. This was to prove useful to the church. (NIBC, 203) The winds of persecution which were stirred at the death of Stephen bore the followers of the Way all the way to Cyprus and Antioch (cf. 8:1). Again Luke reiterates that persecution spreads the gospel both to Jew and to gentile (11:20). The gospel is like a wildfire—stamp upon it in one place, it will ignite in another. Now it burns brightly with nothing to hold it back, for even the barrier between gentile and Jew has been surmounted. As elsewhere, the evangelistic success of the apostolic preaching is not of solely human creation. “The hand of the Lord was with them, …” (v. 21). (IBCTP, 105)
		as far as Phoenicia The mission of the early church extends into the region of Phoenicia—in modern-day Lebanon, north of Israel along the Mediterranean coast—beyond Caesarea (8:40) and to areas besides Damascus (9:1–2). Cyprus A large Mediterranean island that figures prominently in Acts (e.g., 4:36; 15:39; 21:3; 27:4). Antioch The Roman military and administrative capital of its region in southern Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). except Jews alone Luke (the narrator) underlines the culturally limited scope of the church’s witness beyond Jerusalem prior to this point. See 8:4.
		Phoenicia. A country about 15 miles wide and 120 miles long stretching along the northeastern Mediterranean coast (modern Lebanon). Its important cities were Tyre and Sidon. Cyprus. An island in the northeastern Mediterranean; the home of Barnabas (4:36). Antioch. The third city of the Roman empire (after Rome and Alexandria). It was 15 miles inland from the northeast corner of the Mediterranean. The first largely Gentile local church was located here, and it was from this church that Paul's three missionary journeys were launched (13:1-4; 15:40; 18:23).
The Value of Non-prominent Christians (11:19-21) – The fact that non-prominent Christians did such significant work for Christ reminds us that the famous are not necessarily the most significant or most important people in the church. The famous have gifts that put them into the limelight—and that is not wrong. But neither is it necessarily great. Some of the most significant work for the kingdom has been done by unknown witnesses who are obedient to Christ right where they are and where they do not attract much attention. … Our aim in life is not to get our name in the papers, but to hear the Master say, “Well done.” It is the prospect of this reward that thrills true Christians. (NIVAC, 353,354)
20	But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
	20But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenistsc also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
	But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. NRSV
		The men of Cyprus and Cyrene who went to Antioch of Syria were Jewish Christians. They were Hellenist Jews which means they grew up outside of Palestine. They realized that the gospel needed to be preached to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.  When they came to Antioch, they preached to the Gentiles. This was the beginning of the great missionary church in Antioch. The following verses tell about this great church.
		Cyrene A city in northern Africa (modern-day Libya) settled by Greeks, which in the first century had a large Jewish population. Hellenists Referring to Greek-speaking non-Jews, as opposed to traditional Jewish people and Greek-speaking Jews, to whom Christians had primarily been spreading the gospel message. Compare note on 6:1.
		Cyrene. See note on 2:10. Greeks. Not Greek-speaking Jews, but Gentiles.
An Awesome Task (11:20-21) – Antioch (of Syria) was a huge city—cosmopolitan, commercialized, and corrupt. With over half a million people (and most of them pagan in their beliefs), this godless metropolis might have intimidated the followers of Christ who had fled there. Not so! The believers arrived in Antioch with the Good News on their lips. They permeated the entire city, so much so that they earned the nickname “Christians” (Christ’s ones). And the church that God raised up there became the church that commissioned and supported Paul in his worldwide missionary work. Wherever we live, we should trust God for that same kind of boldness and that same impact. Our eyes must be ever outward to the world in need of the message. (LABC)
21	And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number that believed turned to the Lord.
	21And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
	The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord.NRSV
		When we do things God's way and in accordance with his will, he will be with us.  A great number believed and were baptized.  These were Gentiles who became Christians.
		The Lord’s hand (11:21) – The Lord’s role in the process of conversion is stressed (the Lord’s hand was with them), together with a clear statement of the human response involved (and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord). Here, as in 4:30–31, the context suggests that the Lord’s hand is manifested in the work of the Holy Spirit (cf. 11:17–18). Repentance and faith are the essential requirements for salvation, baptism being the outward expression of a turning to Christ as Saviour and Lord (cf. 2:38; 3:19–21; 11:17–18). As Luke begins to describe the growth of the church in Antioch, he speaks of a great number, recalling the initial growth of the church in Jerusalem (cf. 2:41, 7; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7). In v. 24 he also speaks of many people being ‘added to the Lord’…, just as in 2:41, 47; 5:14. Further parallels are noted below in connection with 11:26–30, suggesting a deliberate attempt to show how God worked in Antioch as he did initially in Jerusalem. (PNTC, 353) Lord's hand. Cf. 4:30; 13:11; cf. also Lk 1:66. It indicates divine approval and blessing, sometimes evidenced by signs and wonders (see Ex 8:19). A great number (11:21) – Evidently this small beginning turned Antioch into a place where the believers aggressively preached to the Gentiles. Philip had preached in Samaria (8:5), but the Samaritans were part Jewish. Peter had preached to Cornelius, but he already worshiped God (10:2). Believers who were scattered after the outbreak of persecution in Jerusalem spread the gospel to other Jews in the lands where they had fled (11:19). Finally, the believers began actively sharing the Good News with Gentiles, with great results. (LABC) large number who believed In Acts, a large number of converts often accompanies the gospel reaching new regions (e.g., 2:41; 5:14; 6:7).
22	And the report concerning them came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas as far as Antioch:
	22The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
	When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. NLT
		Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire. Therefore, it was the third greatest city in the world at that time (Rome and Alexandria, Egypt were larger).  The city was near the mouth of the river, Orontes, fifteen miles from the Mediterranean Sea.  The city was famous for her luxurious immorality.  It was a worldly city and the center of the worship of Daphne.
		They sent Barnabas (11:22) – The problem with unknown people doing significant things is that they lack credentials for others to accept the validity of what they are doing. Therefore, a known and respected person was sent by the Jerusalem church. (NIVAC, 348) Barnabas. See notes on 4:36; 9:27. Antioch. See note on v. 19. The sending of Barnabas was apparently in keeping with the Jerusalem church's policy of sending leaders to check on new ministries that came to their attention (see 8:14).
23	who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord:
	23When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,
	When he arrived and saw this proof of God's favor, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.NLT
		Barnabas was called the "son of encouragement."  They could not have picked a better man for the job.  He was a Cypriote Jew by birth, like some of these who had begun to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.  When he saw Gentiles obeying the gospel and becoming Christians, he rejoiced and encouraged them in what they were doing.  He urged them to be faithful to the Lord.
		Grace of God (11:23) – His ability to discern the grace of God at work in others gave him a generous and encouraging spirit. This enabled him to facilitate the ministry of Saul in Jerusalem, when others were suspicious of his intentions (9:26–29), and John Mark when he had previously abandoned his missionary partners (15:36–39). The ministry of encouragement exercised by Barnabas in Antioch is further explained in terms of the fact that he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (v. 24 is linked to the preceding verse by hoti [‘because’], which TNIV obscures). Note how Stephen is similarly described in 6:5. It was the work of the Spirit, enabling Barnabas to recognize and trust in the grace of God that made him a good man. (PNTC, 355) Encouraged (11:23) – One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement …. “It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.” —William Barclay (LABC) Attributes of Encouragers (11:23) – Encouragers … 1.       Are easily gladdened – they are not threatened by other’s success. 2.       Urge perseverance – they realize the Christian walk is often a marathon. 3.       Have character – they are good people, that is people of integrity. 4.       Are full of the Spirit – they derive their power not from self, but from the Spirit. 5.       Have faith – they put their belief in the promises of God. 6.       Enlist the help of capable people – they know others can to some things better than they themselves can do them. 7.       Forge missionary partnerships – unity of the body is a reality for them. (Adapted from NIVAC, 354-359)
24	for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and much people were added unto the Lord.
	24for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
	He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.NIV
		Luke introduces Barnabas first in Acts 4:35-36.  He was described in much the same way as Stephen was in Acts 6:5.  He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.  There was no better way of saying that he was a faithful dedicated servant of the Lord.             Many people were added to the Lord.  It was recorded in Acts 2:38-47 that when people obeyed the gospel by believing in Jesus as the Son of God, repenting of their sins, confessing their faith in Christ, and being baptized for the remission of their sins, the Lord added them to the church.  This was true in Antioch just as it is true today.  Men do not join the church; they are added to the church by the Lord when they obey the gospel.  Many people obeyed the gospel in Antioch, and the Lord added them to the church.
		…He (11:24) – The NIV unfortunately does not translate the first word of verse 24, hoti, meaning “because.” That word connects Barnabas’s ministry of encouragement (v. 23) to his Christian character as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (v. 24).  (NIVAC, 349)
		full of the Holy Spirit and faith. See the description of Stephen (6:5).
25	And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul;
	25So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
	Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, NRSV
		Barnabas felt that the work in Antioch had great potential if the right man was there to work with him.  He decided that the man they needed was Saul, so he went to find him.
		Tarsus. See 9:11,30 and note on 22:3.
26	and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch.  And it came to pass that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people; and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
	26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
	and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians."NRSV
		Barnabas found Paul and brought him to Antioch.  The year was about A.D. 42. It had been nine years since Luke last mentioned Saul as he was escaping by way of Caesarea to Tarsus (Acts 9:30).  Barnabas and Saul worked together and the Lord blessed their work.  Many people were taught the gospel.             It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.  This literally means "people of Christ."  There was much debate whether this is a God-given name or a name given in derision by their enemies.  It is this writer's conviction that this is the God-given name prophesied in Isaiah 62:2.  It is the distinct name of God's people in the Christian era. All other names of followers of Christ, but this name, were used by children of God in the Old Testament. This is the new name.  It honors Christ.  People today should be people of Christ, nothing else.
		Making Disciples (11:26) – Barnabas and Saul stayed at Antioch for a full year, teaching the new believers. They saw the importance of follow-through and training. Have you helped someone to believe in Christ? Spend time teaching and encouraging that person. Spiritual birth is only the beginning; spiritual growth must follow. Are you a new believer? Remember, you are just beginning your Christian life. Your faith needs to grow and mature through consistent Bible study and teaching. (LABC) Barnabas and Saul (11:26) – Time would show the brilliant and uniquely equipped Saul outstripping Barnabas in evangelistic success. Barnabas likely knew it would happen before he sought him to be his partner at Antioch. His concern was for the success of the gospel, and there is no evidence that he was ever bothered by taking a secondary role. (Shelly, 139) ·         At this point the two-man team has Barnabas list first in order or prominence. Soon, however, Paul will assume the prominent role and be listed first. In 13:9 Saul has his name changed to Paul and assumes the dominant role going forward (cf. 13:42). Christians (11:26) – “Christians” occurs in the New Testament only here, as a nickname given by outsiders, and in 1 Peter 4:16, as something like a legal charge. The title is formed on the analogy of adherents to a political party: the “Caesarians,” the “Herodians,” the “Pompeianians” and so forth. Antiochans were known for making fun of people, but Christians in the second century decided to adopt the title with pride. No one would have guessed how long the name would last! (BBC) Christians The Greek term used here, christianos, which may be literally rendered “of Christ” or “belonging to Christ,” refers to “Christ followers.” The community began to be known as a distinct movement from Judaism that was loyal to Jesus as Messiah (or Christ) and Lord (compare 2:36 and note; 10:36). Titles in Acts for the Redeemed People of God o    Believers – 1:15; 2:44; 4:32; 5:12; 9:41; 10:45; 15:2, 23; 16:1, 15; 21:25 o    The church – 5:11; 8:1, 3; 9:31; 11:22; 12:1, 5; 13:1; 14:23; 15:3-4, 41; 16:5; 18:22; 20:17 o    Disciples – 6:1-2, 7; 9:1, 10, 19, 26, 36; 11:29; 13:52; 14:20-22; 18:23; 19:9; 21:4-5, 16 o    Brother/brothers – 6:3; 9:17, 30; 10:23; 11:1, 29; 12:17; 14:2; 15:3, 22, 32-33, 36; 16:2, 40; 17:6, 10; 18:18, 27; 21:7,17; 28:14-15 o    The Way – 9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:22 o    The Lord’s people – 9:32 o    Christians – 11:26; 26:28 o    Follower/followers – 17:34; 22:4; 24:14 o    The flock – 20:28-2 (LABC)
		whole year. Luke notes definite periods of time (18:11; 19:8,10; 24:27; 28:30). Christians. Whether adopted by believers or invented by enemies as a term of reproach, it is an apt title for those "belonging to Christ" (the meaning of the term).
27	Now in these days there came down prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
	27Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch
	During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. NIV
		These days mean during this year that Barnabas and Saul were in Antioch which would be A.D. 43. Prophets were inspired preachers who were guided by the Holy Spirit in what they spoke.  They came from Jerusalem to Antioch.
		prophets. The first mention of the gift of prophecy in Acts. Prophets preach, exhort, explain or, as in this case, foretell (see 13:1; 15:32; 19:6; 21:9-10; Ro 12:6; 1Co 12:10; 13:2,8; 14:3,6,29-37; see also notes on Jnh 3:2; Zec 1:1; Eph 4:11).
HIGHLIGHT: Acts 11:28 During the Reign of...                 The historian Luke is the only New Testament author who dates his books by referring to Roman emperors. He refers to Claudius three times in Acts; the events in Luke’s Gospel occur during the reigns of Tiberius and Augustus.
28	And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius.
	28And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).
	One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)NIV
		Agabus predicted a great famine during the days of Claudius.  Claudius was the Roman Emperor from A.D. 41-54. History records the severe crop failures and famines in various parts of the empire during his reign. Agabus This prophet appears again in 21:10. Agabus. Later foretells Paul's imprisonment (21:10). In Acts, prophets are engaged in foretelling (v. 27; 21:9-10) at least as often as in "forthtelling" (15:32).
		Famine (11:28) – The plight of the Judean Christians would have been especially desperate in these famine years, for among those most likely to have fled Judea during the persecution would have been those best able to support themselves elsewhere. The church may have been deprived of its more wealthy members at the very time when their help was needed most. How welcome these gifts from Antioch must have been! (NIBC, 207)
		in the time of Claudius Claudius was emperor of Rome from ad 41–54. The famine may have begun in ad 40, but reached its pinnacle in ad 44–48, as reported by the first-century Jewish historian Josephus (Josephus, Antiquities 3.320; 20.101).
29	And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judaea:
	29So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothersd living in Judea.
	So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, NLT
		The Christians in Antioch believed the prophet's prediction and each of them determined to send relief to Judaea even before the famine occurred.  Churches today send help to other Christians when natural disasters strike.
		Decided to provide help (11:29) – What is significant here is that the believers act in advance of the famine through faith in the prophecy (cf. Gen 41:33-36). (BBC) This act of generosity, like many others in Acts, shows the proper use of possessions. (Niccum) Brothers (11:29) – Luke’s language is designed to show the unity between these two groups of believers. (NIBC, 207) determined to send financial aid for support The new Gentile believers in Antioch desired to show the same grace that they had been shown, by helping to relieve the suffering of their Jewish Christian brothers and sisters.
Generous Giving (11:29-30) – The people of Antioch were motivated to give generously because they cared about the needs of others. This is the “cheerful” giving that the Bible commends (2 Corinthians 9:7). Reluctant giving reflects a lack of concern for people and a worldly focus (Matthew 6:19-21). When you remember how much God has done for you and when you focus your concern on the needy, you will be motivated to give. (LABC)
30	which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
	30And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
	everyone giving as much as they could. This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.NLT
		They sent the money by personal couriers, Barnabas and Saul.  It was sent to the elders.  This is the way it should be done as the elders are the overseers of the local congregation.  Luke does not explain about elders here.  Since he was writing around A.D. 64 Christians understood the office and work of elders.  For a fuller discussion of elders see I Timothy 3.
		Barnabas and Saul Two of the most vital people in the Church’s call to establish the Gentile mission and move it forward. Compare Rom 15:25–27; 2 Cor 8–9.
		elders. First reference to them in Acts (see notes on 1Ti 3:1; 5:17). Since the apostles are not mentioned, they may have been absent from Jerusalem at this time.
Charity (11:29-30) – One senses a declining emphasis upon philanthropy within today’s church. An older generation of Christians, nurtured in concepts of tithing of income and generosity toward the mission of the church, appears to be passing. Today we look to the government or to private philanthropic agencies to spread the wealth and to care for the unfortunate. We denigrate yesterday’s “charity” as ineffective, paternalistic, and self-serving. Yet how much material responsibility do we feel for the less fortunate—even those within the church? My money is my business. What I give is a purely private affair. Pass more social legislation and spend someone else’s tax money rather than call upon me for charity. We are more adept than Ananias and Sapphira (5:1–11) in deceiving ourselves about our selfishness and our acquisitiveness. (IBCTP, 110-11)