1. Don R. Taaffe, Gospel preacher, Dunedin, Florida October 18, 2009
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 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. churches of Christ in the New Testament – 17 Lessons
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?

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. Colossians 1:18 Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:2 1 Peter 5:2 Acts 14:23
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)
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)
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
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)
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
It started to fall into apostasy and continued until it’s demise.

8. EXPLANATION OF GROWTH Acts 4:2
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)
EXPLANATION OF GROWTH
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)
A teaching church – they were particularly adapt at seeing the opportunities that presented itself as an capitalizing on it. mattered not whether it was on the street corner, by the Riverside, in a synagogue, or in a private home, they were continually proclaiming the word of the Lord. Today, we preach first principles to an audience of 98% Christians and leaned back with a sigh of contentment and say we have preached the gospel. These early preachers and teachers would be appalled at the lack of boldness and depth in our present day teaching programs. There was a day in which we believed in preaching the gospel by radio, but today not many congregations are continuing their programs. Yet today radio audiences are larger than ever before. We need to flood the airwaves with the gospel. Newspaper advertising can be very expensive but we need to go after the free ads and art and write articles for the paper that are free. Television programs are very expensive so congregations have formed unscriptural arrangements to meet these cost, but we must remember that and never justifies the means. You cannot do evil that good may come. The teaching program of the church in Antioch is an indictment against our generation. The church that has an aggressive teaching program is a church that grows.

9. EXPLANATION OF GROWTH Lessons for us Acts 22:21 Acts 11:24
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)
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
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)

10. WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH Ephesians 4:11-12
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS
2 Timothy 1:13
WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH Ephesians 4:11-12
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)
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)
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)
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)
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) 7

11. COOPERATION OF CHURCHES
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS
2 Timothy 1:13
COOPERATION OF CHURCHES
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)
God’s Pattern for Cooperation in Edification
Accomplished locally - 1 Peter 5:2
Elders
Deacons
Saints
Preachers/Teachers
Local
Church
Charges of Saddam Lord’s 23

12. EDIFICATION What Antioch Practiced Acts 13:1-3; Philippians 4:15-16
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. Not Practice by True churches
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 Acts 11:29-30
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)
Saul was preaching in Judea - Galatians1:22; Acts 11:27–30;12:25; 26:20.
A famine came on the land of Judea and Antioch responded. Determined according to their ability to send relief to the elders at Judea.

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 Ephesians 4:12
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)
Saul was preaching in Judea - Galatians1:22; Acts 11:27–30;12:25; 26:20.
A famine came on the land of Judea and Antioch responded. Determined according to their ability to send relief to the elders at Judea.

21. COOPERATION OF CHURCHES – THE WAY ANTIOCH DID IT
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS
2 Timothy 1:13
COOPERATION OF CHURCHES – THE WAY ANTIOCH DID IT
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 – THE WAY ANTIOCH DID IT
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS
2 Timothy 1:13
COOPERATION OF CHURCHES – THE WAY ANTIOCH DID IT
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)
God’s Pattern for Cooperation in Evangelism
Church supports
preachers
Philippians 4:14-16;
2 Corinthians 11:8-9
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