Acts 11:19-30

Syrian Antioch is located in what is now Lebanon.

• Established by Seleucus in honor of his Father in 300 BC (along with another 15 cities named the same)
• 3rd Largest City in the Roman Empire (500,000)
• Large community of Jews here from the diaspora
  
• A friendly environment between the Jews and Gentiles
• A large community began here of the people of the Way (Christians) from the dispersion of the Christians amid the persecutions happening in Jerusalem/Judea
  
• The Church grew quickly among them.
• Unique Item: The Church was mixed and was known for its inclusion without requiring Jewish lifestyle for Gentile Christians.
• Maintained solidarity with the Jerusalem Church
  

Why was the Christian community growing so rapidly in Antioch?
Christians (people of the Way) were moving away from Judea because of the persecutions by people like Saul.
Their ministry began in the synagogues and grew quickly for several reasons.

• The Jewish/Gentile relationships that had already formed (they trusted one another.)
• The power of the Holy Spirit was being experienced by all of them
• Grace was being lived out in a tangible way.
• (it's why Barnabas was sent there, to check it out.)
  

It was here that the term Christian is first used. Why?
There was something unique going on here, the Grace of God was prevalent. These people were living in a Christ-like way, breaking down traditional barriers between Jewish and Gentile peoples. It was miraculous and it was seen as God-centered. Hence the name, people like Christ, Christian.

One act of grace by Barnabas was to bring Saul of Tarsus to begin his ministry there. Because he was the reason many of these Christians came to Antioch, it was a perfect place for him to grow in the grace of others and for him to hone his ministry that will begin after this year of "training."

We can learn much from Barnabas and the inhabitants of Antioch.

• They were all "seers of grace." Not just givers, but seers. They were given the opportunity to see the reality of the Gospel lived out; to be a part of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
• Grace (or the unconditional love and forgiveness of God) isn't only found in church! Which is why Barnabas was sent to Antioch, to see if what was happening was the real thing. It was! But that created a dilemma. How can we control where and when God will pour out God's Spirit and God's grace? The truth is, we cannot! That means that God's grace will happen outside of the church even today. It's the church's responsibility (Which means the responsibility of all who make up the church, people like you and me.) to notice where Grace is and identify it.
  
• When people talk of blessings or good fortune, it's our job to help them to see that it is not just fate at work, but the hand of God, because God works in ALL people's lives to bring them into relationship. It's just true that many (if not most) don't see it that way.
• We are to be witnesses of God's grace, wherever it happens.

One other thing: Saul begins a practice that the Church continues with still today...Mission giving.

• After the prophet's words about a coming famine, a collection was taken to help support the church. (or the people of the church)
• Other than giving cash to needs, what are the mission responsibilities of the church today?
• Resourcing other congregations, both local and beyond
• partnering with local churches not our own denomination
• Support church in other parts of the world with donations (cash and non-cash)

There is so much God requires of us. The study of the Book of Acts is a reminder that as the church began it discovered practical practices that helped the Gospel to spread quickly and deeply in the hearts of people. It is these very practices that the church must reclaim. Ministry is not kept by the church, but is shared through the church. It's about grace.

Peace ><> PC