Context

The Book of Acts can be divided into three sections: (1) Evangelism in Jerusalem (Acts 1:1–8:4), (2) Evangelism in Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:5–12:25), (3) Evangelism to the ends of the earth (Acts 13:1–28:31). From chapter 13 onward, the third section begins. Geographically, the Gospel extends beyond the land of Israel and spreads throughout the Roman world. Paul’s missionary journeys were conducted in three phases: (1) The First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:1–14:28), (2) The Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22), (3) The Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23–21:16). Although the term “missionary journey” does not appear in the Book of Acts, it is a helpful term for study purposes. The Antioch church served as the home base for these journeys. Each journey began and ended with Paul returning to Antioch, except for the final journey, which ended when Paul arrived in Caesarea. The First Missionary Journey lasted about a year and a half, from the spring of AD 48 to the fall of AD 49.

Leaders of the Antioch church

“Now there were prophets and teachers at Antioch, in the church that was there: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” (1) The word “now” refers to around March of AD 48. (a) About six years had passed since Barnabas brought Saul from Tarsus to Antioch. (b) During this time, the Antioch church grew both in quality and quantity. The growth of a church has a purpose. (c) Although the Jerusalem church remained the mother church, Antioch became the base for Gentile missions. (2) In the Antioch church, five leaders were jointly pastoring the congregation. These leaders came from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating that good discipleship was taking place in this church. (3) The church had a cosmopolitan character. In this community, skin color and origins were not issues. What mattered was that they all believed in the same God. (4) Luke lists the names of the five leaders, including Barnabas and Saul (will study in detail next time). The church in Antioch became the first church to embark on global missions. Let us remember there is a purpose in church growth. Those who receive blessings are entrusted with the mission to bless others.