The Churches Of The First Century The Churches

The Churches Of The First Century

The Churches Of The First Century Antioch Cyprus

The Churches Of The First Century Antioch

The Churches Of The First Century Antioch • This city was 15 miles from the Mediterranean Sea. 300 miles north of Jerusalem. • Was founded about 300 B. C. • Antioch was the capital of Syria. Seleucia was considered the sea port for Antioch (Acts 13: 1 -4). • Syrians, Greeks, and Romans made up the population.

The Churches Of The First Century Antioch The citizens were “vigorous, turbulent … notorious for the commercial aptitude … licentiousness … and the scurrility of their wit. Literature and arts were not neglected. ” (ISBE, Vol. 1, p. 157).

The Churches Of The First Century Antioch Gods of the People: • Tyche – goddess of fortune/luck (“Fortuna”) • Daphne – nymph, changed into a laurel tree by Apollo. The city of “Daphne” was 5 miles from Antioch. “Pleasure resort. ” • Apollo – god of light, healing, music, poetry, and manly beauty. • Artemis – virgin huntress, associated with the moon (“Diana”)

The Churches Of The First Century Antioch When we read the book of Acts, we see Antioch was one of the first places the Lord’s church was established outside of Jerusalem. Acts 11: 19 -20 show us how Jews and Greeks were interested in the truth. Of note: Nicolas was from Antioch (Acts 6: 1, 3, 5). Antioch was the starting point for Paul’s 3 Journeys (Acts 13: 1, 15: 36, 18: 22 -23).

The Churches Of The First Century The Church In Antioch The origin of this church: Acts 11: 19 -26 It had its beginning when persecution came to Jerusalem (Acts 11: 19 -20, 7: 51 -8: 4). Men came from the south to preach the gospel in this area. What happened? _______ These people stand out because they showed great willingness to hear God’s word!

The Churches Of The First Century The Church In Antioch When word got to Jerusalem about this church, they sent __________ to teach and encourage. What happened as a result? Barnabas then got ______ (v. 25). How long did they stay there?

The Churches Of The First Century The Church In Antioch It is here that we first read of the disciples wearing a new name (Acts 11: 26). What is it? ___________________ This was not a name given in derision or mockery, but a name given by God. “Were called” = a name given to them by God.

The Churches Of The First Century The Church In Antioch The name given to God’s people – “Christian” Fulfillment: Prophecy: Isaiah 56: 5 – “better” Acts 11: 26 – “Christian” Isaiah 62: 2 – “new” Acts 26: 28 – Isaiah 65: 15 – “another” “Christian” I Peter 4: 16 – “Christian”

The Churches Of The First Century The Church In Antioch The church was known for their generosity in helping needy saints (v. 27 -30). Agabus the prophet (Acts 11, 21) was there to warn them and have them offer up goods for the Christians in the famine. These people anticipated the need and sent funds ahead of the catastrophe.

The Churches Of The First Century The Church In Antioch We see this church has had a key role in church history. Not only in what we have learned, but also … • This was where Paul started all three of his trips (Acts 13, 15, 18). • This church was one of those addressed in Jerusalem’s letter (Acts 15: 22 -29). • This is where Paul confronted Peter (Gal. 2: 11 -14).