The Model of Antioch

Born in persecution, the church at Antioch is often referenced as the first place the disciples were known as “Christians” (Acts 11:26). That immediately marks it as special and worthy of note, having members who were so clearly and distinctively disciples of Christ as to be named after him. But that’s not the only reason they were special. The Bible gives us other reasons to pay attention to this local church and its practices.
First, we should notice it was a Gentile church. Specifically, the Bible says it was a church of Grecians (Acts 11:20). Saved through the preaching of persecuted Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene, we read that a “great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” Here, we see something God would teach us through the church at Antioch. Understanding the message of Calvary to be for all men everywhere, they were able to overcome centuries of prejudice. Jews, orthodox, God-fearing, synagogue attending Jews did not associate much with Gentiles. Carrying over all the way from the entrance to Canaan, Jews believed all other races and nations to be inferior and cursed. The church at Antioch, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit of God, loved enough to reach beyond their prejudice and tradition.
Second, they were true disciples. Newly saved, they were so hungry for the Word of God that Barnabus had to go and get help to teach them. And what help! Paul, a converted Pharisee, linguist and preacher, came and helped teach the believers in Antioch. It was after a year of such teaching and obedience that they came to be called “Christians”.
Third, they were a giving church. Nowhere is the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the headship of Christ more readily apparent than in this matter of generosity. A Gentile church, previously persecuted by Jews, was led of the God to send financial assistance to the very ones who had earlier scorned them (Acts, 11:29; Romans 12:21).
Next, they were a praying church. In Acts 13, we find a list of church leaders along with the statement “as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted…”. Realizing their tremendous need for the Lord in everything they undertook, they regularly sought his face through times of prayer and fasting. They did not rely on their own wisdom, but cried out to God in humility and need, trusting Him to provide all things necessary for the success of His church.
Finally, we discover that the church at Antioch was chosen by God to be a sending church. Continuing in Acts 13, as they prayed and fasted, God spoke, directing them to separate Paul and Barnabus for a special misssion. The church at Antioch thus became the first missionary sending church.
Why did God choose the church at Antioch to be the sending agency for the first great missionary effort. It’s not hard to guess if you but look at their history. Here was a body of believers who loved the lost, followed hard after Jesus, was quick to give and quicker to pray. May God find us so.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom