The Church at Antioch (Acts 11:1-30)

Lesson Objectives
 Relate Peter’s discussions with the church in Jerusalem.
 Explain the significance of this discussion.
 Describe the activities of the Church at Antioch.
 Explain lesson drawn from the Church at Antioch.
 Peter’s discussions with Jerusalem church (Acts 11: 1-18)

 Accusation by the circumcision party (A group of Jewish Christians who believed that Christianity was an extension of
Judaism. Gentiles could therefore be accepted only through believing in Christ and obeying the Jewish laws and customs. )
 Peter’s account of the sheet from heaven
 Peter’s account of Gentile Pentecost
 Quotation from Luke 3:16 (John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit)
 They were silenced
 They glorified God
 Significance of the discussion

 Formal acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian church.

 Led to unity and peace in the church.
 Reminder of the command (Acts 1:8).
 Resolved the conflict that threatened to divide the church.
 The church at Antioch

About Antioch
 Gentile city; about 650 km north of Jerusalem.
 The centre of government for the Roman province of Syria and Cilicia.
 The 3rd greatest city in the world at the time.
 Rich in cultural diversity.
 Bad morals and strange religions (a variety of religious groups).
 Christianity came as a result of Stephen’s persecution.
 Activities of the Antioch church (Acts 11:19-30)

 preached to both Jews and Gentiles.

 Church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas.
 He taught them.
 Barnabas brought Saul from Tarsus (more about Tarsus in next slide)
 Prophet Agabus foretold a great famine,
 Sent relief to the brethren who lived in Judea.
NB: Characteristics of the early church
 About Tarsus

 Capital of the province of Cilicia under Romans, on the Southeast coast of Asia Minor, with a culture heavily influenced by
the Greeks.
 A free city under Augustus Caesar (enjoyed self-governance and tax-exempt status).
 Centre of learning, with schools competing with those of Alexandria.
 Centre for the garment and tent making industries (Paul may have picked up this trade as a boy).
 A sizable Jewish population and synagogue by the 1 st century.
 About the church at Antioch of Syria

 Followers of Jesus were called Christians for the 1 st time (started as a mockery and later became a name of honour)
 diverse community, united by belief in Christ, Christ-like behaviour
 1st city to have a Gentile congregation.
 1st city to provide relief to another congregation.
 1st city to send out missionaries.
 Characterization

Peter: wise, eloquent and assertive, honest

Barnabas: obedient, collaborative, motivational(Son of Encouragement; Acts 4:36)

Church at Antioch: committed, generous, Christ-like behaviour

 Lessons drawn

 Be committed to your faith.

 Be generous.
 Live a Christ-like life.
 Collaborate with like-minded people.
 Assessment

1. (a) (i) Relate Peter’s encounter with the Jerusalem church after the Gentile Pentecost.(6)
(ii) Explain any three reasons why the discussion was important. (6)
(b) Do you think the church today should accept outsiders? Give reasons for your answer and show you have thought about
different points of view. (8)
 Responses

1. (a) (i) Relate Peter’s encounter with the Jerusalem church after the Gentile Pentecost.(6)
Accusation by the circumcision party; Peter’s account of the sheet from heaven; Peter’s account of Gentile Pentecost; Quotation
from Luke 3:16 ; They were silenced; They glorified God.
 Responses

(ii) Explain any three reasons why the discussion was important. (6)
 Formal acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian church.
 Led to unity and peace in the church.
 Reminder of the command (Acts 1:8).
 Responses

(b) Do you think the church today should accept outsiders? Give reasons for your answer and show you have thought about
different points of view. (8)
Yes: The gospel is universal; Jesus commanded the disciples to take the gospel to all people(Acts 1:8)
No: Outsiders tend to ‘pollute’ the gospel; Some outsiders tend to come with their evil practices and disgrace the church.
 Additional Assessment

2. (a) (i) Outline the activities of the church at Antioch of Syria. (6)
(ii) Explain any three lessons that can be drawn from the church at Antioch. (6)
(b) The church at Antioch of Syria was better than the church at Jerusalem. To what extent do you agree? Give reasons for your
answer and show you have thought about different points of view. (8)
 Responses

 2. (a) (i) Outline the activities of the church at Antioch of Syria. (6)
Preached to both Jews and Gentiles; Church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas; He taught them; Brought Saul from Tarsus; Prophet
Agabus foretold a great famine; Sent relief to the brethren who lived in Judea.
 Responses

 (ii) Explain any three lessons that can be drawn from the church at Antioch. (6)
Be committed to your faith; Be generous; Live a Christ-like life; Collaborate with like-minded people.
 Responses

(b) “The church at Antioch of Syria was better than the church at Jerusalem”. To what extent do you agree? Give reasons
for your answer and show you have thought about different points of view. (8)
Yes: Remarkable Christ-like lifestyle; Generous; Pace setters; The first to send out missionaries.
No: Sent Barnabas to take care of Antioch; Sent prophets to Antioch, It was the main church.