A Church’s Profile : Antioch

CHURCH ARTICLE
Sean Cavender | Bald Knob, Arkansas

The idea of profiling is sometimes met with resistance and controversy, and yet it takes place all the time. We may examine the behaviors, opinions, statements, and dress of a person and arrive at some conclusions based upon our keen observation. Sometimes we are right; other times we are wrong.

In the Bible, several examples have been preserved for us. We can read and understand what people did, why they did it, and the results of their choices. In other words, we profile them. And in doing so, we are able to accurately understand the kind of character they had. This is true for both individuals and groups of people.

For congregations of God’s people, it would be wise to closely examine the character of New Testament churches. If we understand what early local churches did then we will learn from their examples. We’ll learn what we ought to do, or what we ought not do. Perhaps the most effective local church we can read of in the pages of the New Testament was the church in Antioch of Syria.

They Preached To Those Who Needed The Gospel
After the death of Stephen and the persecution from Saul of Tarsus, the Jerusalem church was dispersed (Acts 8:1-4). However, the dispersion did not silence the preaching of the gospel. Instead, it carried the gospel to places it had not yet been. However, a problem became evidence, “those who were scattered” were “speaking the word to no one except the Jews” (Acts 11:19).

Then some of the dispersed Christians who arrived in Antioch began to do something that had never been done by any local church – they preached to the Hellenists (Acts 11:20). Hellenists were Jews who had adopted Gentile practices, like speaking the Greek language. The Lord blessed them in this work and “a great number believed and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:21).

When we abandon our prejudices and simply allow the word of God to be proclaimed, then the truth will be effective. The first century Christians were limiting the scope of the gospel to those that were just like them: people with the same ethnicity, members of the same socio-economic class, or those of the same race. These are still the issues that limit the work of local churches today.

What would happen if we abandon prejudice and just go out preaching the gospel to anyone who will hear us? Would the hand of the Lord be with us? Would many turn to the Lord? The gospel is designed to unify all people by faith in Jesus Christ. The distinctions that divide people in the world should not be found among God’s people (Galatians 3:28).

The church in Antioch made its mission to further the gospel throughout the world. They sent Paul and Barnabas on a preaching trip (Acts 13:1-3; 14:26-28). The apostle Paul continued to preach the gospel on subsequent trips, being sent by the disciples in Antioch (Acts 18:22). This church understood the importance of going into all the world and preaching the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).

Antioch’s dedication to spreading the gospel is a great example for us. In Acts 19:20 the Scripture states, “so mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.” This dedicated group of Christians in Antioch had a mighty impact upon the expansion of the Lord’s kingdom. Just consider what you can do in your local town!

They Sent Relief To Needy Brethren
The church in Antioch, being filled with both Jews and Gentiles, heard of the needy disciples in Jerusalem and helped them (Acts 11:27-30). They gave as they were able and in proportion to their income (Acts 11:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2). They gave cheerfully and out of brotherly love; they were not forced nor compelled to provide for these brethren (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

Churches should be concerned about the welfare of Christians in other areas. It is our duty to look after physical needs (not luxuries) during times of hardship (Romans 15:27). When disasters (flood, famine, fire, etc.) affect faithful brethren, local churches should be willing to help. Motivated by love and compassion, we should see that needs are met.

When we share with one another, help one another, and give to those in need, it reinforces our bond of fellowship. We are made “partakers” of one another (Romans 15:27). The church in its infancy exemplified this (Acts 2:41-47). Churches should not be stingy with their money, but should be eager to help Christians as they have opportunity and ability.

They Developed Teachers For Themselves
The church in Antioch was not solely dependent upon the apostle Paul. In fact, Paul and Barnabas were gone from Antioch often, whether delivering collected funds to minister to needy saints in Jerusalem, or preaching the gospel in other areas on preaching trips. Acts 13:1 mentions only five men in the church at Antioch, including Paul and Barnabas. The three who remained in Antioch were capable teachers, committed to doing the work of Christ (Acts 13:1).

Churches need to urge their members to develop as teachers and preachers. The outcome will benefit the kingdom of God. When churches are committed to developing the talents of their members, responsibilities can be shared among several, and opportunities to employ those who are capable of teaching will be available.

Many churches fall into the trap of depending upon the preacher to do everything. Some expect the preacher to teach the Sunday morning Bible class, a Wednesday night class, preach two sermons on Sunday, make gospel meeting flyers, pass those flyers out, design visitor cards, fix the leaky water fountain, study in his office all week, have Bible studies with non-Christians, etc.. Just imagine what churches might expect of a great preacher and teacher like the apostle Paul, if he were present today! He might be expected to do all this and much more!

God’s plan for the church has always involved shared responsibilities. Each local church is to have a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23). The work of the church is not the sole responsibility of the preacher. The Lord expects every member to do their part, which will cause growth and edification in the body (Ephesians 4:16). Some may dedicate their lives to preaching the gospel, but no one person can (or should be expected to) perform all the functions of the local church.

How many men are available in most churches today? Probably at least three! The church at Antioch functioned adequately and efficiently without Paul and Barnabas there. Many modern churches could take a lesson from the church in Antioch. Men need to step up, take initiative, study, learn and grow in knowledge. They need to develop themselves so they may teach. However, men will not do this unless congregations encourage, admonish, and challenge them to do so. Churches should provide opportunities for men to grow and learn.

The pulpit at Antioch was not exclusively for Paul and Barnabas. They shared it with others who were capable of preaching and teaching (Acts 15:35). Just imagine the possibilities and opportunities if churches had three, four or five men capable of preaching and teaching God’s word.

Conclusion
The church in Antioch leaves a grand example for churches today. Their example of faith, commitment, growth and diligence is something the church of the 21st century should strive to follow. If more churches were like Antioch, just think what we could accomplish as we share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

* All passages quoted from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.

17.10.03 | GROW magazine