Lessons from Antioch Church

2. Lessons from Antioch Church Acts: The Unfinished Story of the Church Series [24] Acts 11:19-30 August 26, 2012 Pastor Paul K. Kim

3. PROGRESSIVE EXPANSION OF THE GOSPEL IN THE EARLY CHURCH The gospel was preached… • To native Jews [Hebraic Jews] (2:41). • To Jews with Greek culture [Hellenistic Jews] (6:1-7). • To half Jews [Samaritans] (8:4-24). • To a Gentile with Jewish beliefs [Ethiopian Eunuch] (8:26-40). • To Gentiles with Jewish beliefs [“God-fearers”/Cornelius and his household] (10:1-11:18). • To Gentiles with Greek culture [Hellenists] (11:19-30)

4. WHAT KEY LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM ANTIOCH CHURCH? 1) On lifestyle as Christians (vs.19-21): They lived out a missional lifestyle, reaching out to and sharing with the Gentiles as well. 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. (vs.19-21) • Christians in Antioch lived as “Christ-sent” people—their life was missional without a title or position. • Their witness for Christ was unstoppable and inclusive for all peoples—Gentiles and Jews. • This is also Christ’s call for us to live out our life as “Christ-sent” people into the city in which we live.

5. Living as “Christ-sent” People in the World When the persecuted believers arrived in Antioch, they did not at all feel intimidated by the magnificence of the buildings or the pride of the citizens. The Word of God was on their lips and the hand of God was on their witness, and “a great number” of sinners repented and believed. It was the thrilling work of God’s wonderful grace. - Warren Wiersbe

6. WHAT KEY LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM ANTIOCH CHURCH? 2) On church leadership (vs. 22-26a): Barnabas & Saul’s character as well as competence were instrumental for the church. 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. (vs.22-26a) • Barnabas’ three noted qualifications were (1) good character, (2) full of the Spirit, and (3) full of faith. Why? • The humility and spiritual vitality are key to church leadership even more than giftedness and competence. • This ought to be also our standard for the church in our days.

7. WHAT KEY LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM ANTIOCH CHURCH? 3) On identity as believers (v.26b): The unbelieving public’s epithet for the believers shows their radical Christ-centeredness in word and deed. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (v.26b) • The word, “Christian” [Gk. Christianoi] was given by outsider unbelievers as a derogatory nickname such as “Jesus freaks” but they embraced it with gladness. Why? • Their faith and life was all about Christ—the reality of being a Christ’s man/woman was a honor to them. • We must redeem this name for us by living out radically centered lives before the world. • In our days, there are two wrong practices that we should avoid: (1) being a cultural Christian only by name and (2) being a savvy believer who is ashamed of the name.

8. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Romans 14:7-9 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

9. WHAT KEY LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM ANTIOCH CHURCH? 4) On love in action (vs. 27-30): Their faith was real in showing their concern and care for the Jerusalem church in need. 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. (vs.27-30) • Their faith was holistic—i.e., following Jesus in all and everyday—rather than compartmentalized. • Each one of them responded with cheerful generosity to give to their Jewish brothers & sisters in Christ. • So is our faith validated as alive or dead according to how we respond to brothers and sisters in need.

10. THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE • What first steps do I need to take in order to change my lifestyle from a spiritual consumer to a missional disciple? • How can I embrace my “Christian” identity by living out radically Christ-centered life in word and deed? • What is one thing I can do to practice Christian love in action these days?