Lesson 15 : The Church in Antioch, the First Apostle Martyred & Herod’s Death (11:19-12:24)

1. Lesson 15:The Church in Antioch, the First Apostle Martyred & Herod’s Death (11:19-12:24)

2. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The church continued to spread, in spite of and as a result of persecution (11:19-21). • Phoenicia: about 7 miles wide & ran 150 miles N of Mt. Carmel • Cyprus: island (140 mi x 6 mi) about 60 miles W of the Syrian coast • Antioch of Syria: about 300 miles N of Jerusalem; population 500,000 • The church was transitioning evangelistically, from Jews only to Gentiles also (11:20). • But, their message did not change – the Lord Jesus. • Their means of success did not change – “hand of the Lord” • Their results did not change – “a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” • The act of turning to the Lord, contextually, takes place in baptism (see Acts 3:19).

3. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Barnabas & Saul worked together in Antioch for a year before their journeys (11:22-26). • Barnabas was sent by the Jerusalem church to help the brethren in Antioch (11:22). • He saw God’s grace (Gk, charis) & was “glad” (Gk, chairo) (11:23) • Barnabas did what Barnabas always did – “encouraged” (11:23). • “Great” results through the grace of God (11:21, 24, 26). • Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to work in Antioch (11:25). II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • New Christians (all Christians) must be urged to continue with the Lord (11:23).

4. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The disciples of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch of Syria (11:26). • “Christian” only 3 x’s in N.T. – Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16 II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • God gave the disciples a new name to wear: “Christians” (11:26; cf. Isa. 62:2). • The Book of Mormon claims there were Christians in 73 B.C. God says “first” in 11:26. • “Called” is used exclusively in the N.T. of Divine callings, so this was of God, not man. • Rather than a denominational name, “Christian” should be all that we seek to wear!

5. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Agabus prophesied a great famine, during which the church helped each other (11:27-30). • The famine happened in the days of the 4th Roman Emperor, Claudius. • The church in Antioch ministered to the brethren in Judea (11:29). • The elders of the Jerusalem church received and handled the distribution (11:30). • This is the first mention of church elders in Acts (cf. 12:25 + 14:23) II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • Christians are not required to tithe, but each one give “according to his ability” (11:29). • “According to what one has…not to what he does not have” (2 Co. 8:12) • “Ability” is a combination of his resources and his opportunities.

6. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Herod Agrippa (The First) exercised terrible violence against the church (12:1-4). • This Herod = grandson of Herod the Great (Matt. 2:1-12) • Nephew of Herod Antipas (beheaded John the Baptist) • Father of Herod Agrippa II ( “almost persuaded” by Paul) • Herod Agrippa beheaded the apostle James, the first apostle martyred for Christ (12:2). • Herod also seized Peter, with the intent to kill him for the Jews also (12:3-4). • Josephus: Herod was very ambitious to please the people (cf. 12:3) • Herod delayed the killing b/c it was the time of Passover (12:3-4) • Days of Unleavened Bread = 7 days following Passover (Ex. 23:15) • Herod delivered Peter to 16 soldiers (4 squads of 4) • The word at the end of verse 4 is “Passover,” not “Easter” (KJV).

7. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The Lord freed Peter from prison, causing a stir in the church and with Herod (12:5-19). • Peter was constantly guarded & church constantly prayed (12:5) • Night before execution, Peter miraculously freed from heavily-guarded prison (12:6-11). • The church had gathered at Mary’s house to pray; that’s where Peter went (12:12-17). • The church seemed to lack faith in their prayers, not believing Peter was there (12:14-17). • Peter walked them thru how the Lord had delivered him (12:17) • James, Jesus’ half-bro, becoming a real leader (12:17; 15:13) • Herod put the guards to death for losing their prisoner (S.O.P. for Rome, cf. 16:27).

8. II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • Christians need to have prayer meetings and then trust in the power of prayer (12:5-17). • Christians in Acts 12 were gathered in the late night/early morning to pray together. • “Have confidence toward God,” for “whatever we ask we receive” (1 Jn. 3:21-22). • “The confidence we have in Him…if we ask anything acc. to His will…” (1 Jn. 5:14-15). • “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” (Jas. 1:6-8; Heb. 11:6; Mark 11:22-24).

9. I. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Herod’s arrogant pride led to his gruesome death (20-23) • Herod delighted himself in adulation from citizens and some were anxious to give it. • Receiving praise due unto deity, “The voice of a god,” he did not refuse it (12:22-23). • Scripture gives the reason Herod was killed, “He did not give glory to God” (12:23). • Josephus said that Herod got a pain in his stomach and suffered for 5 days (age 54). • In spite of Herod’s attempts, the cause of Jesus continued to grow (12:24). • Two imperfects (continued to grow & continued to multiply) show steady progress. • It seems that the more the disciples were persecuted, the faster the church grew.

10. III. Practical Points of Application for Our Lives • When the hand of the Lord is with us, great things can and will happen! • When we teach a great many people, a great many people can turn to the Lord! • Our confidence in God can let us sleep, knowing that He does not sleep (Psa. 121:3-4)! • When we seek the praise of men more than the praise of God, we are doomed! • The church can either grow in spite of our efforts or in accord with our efforts!