The Church in Antioch

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Church in Antioch

Date: Aug. 26, 2025

Passage

Acts 11:19-30 (ESV)

19 Now 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. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When 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, 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. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and 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.

27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And 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). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 11:26

and 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.

Many who had been scattered after the death of Stephen became effective witnesses, spreading the message far and wide. Most spoke only to Jews, yet a few from Cyprus and Cyrene went to the Greeks in Antioch, telling them about the Good News of Jesus. God blessed their decision and opened a great work among the Gentiles. Barnabas was pleased to see God's grace and encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was full of the Holy Spirit and faith. While he was there a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Barnabas realized he needed help and went to find Saul in Tarsus. He knew Saul's zeal and tremendous potential as a Bible teacher, and the two of them worked closely for a whole year teaching great numbers of people. These new believers were so passionate for Christ that they were the first to be known as Christians. They were also a giving church. It seems they learned Barnabas' heart to support the wider community of believers. God would establish the Antioch church at the heart of world mission.

Prayer: Father, please help me to raise disciples to follow Christ. Bless our church community to be passionate for Jesus and to share with others materially and sacrificially.

One Word: They were the first to be called Christians

God, the Shepherd of My Life

Genesis 47:27-48:22

Key Verse: 47:48:15-16

And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed.

Today's Question

What does the tenth commandment require?

See answer and references