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Chapter 41—In the Regions Beyond
This chapter is based on
Acts 13:1-4
and
15:1-31
.
The apostles and disciples who left Jerusalem during the
fierce persecution that raged there after the martyrdom of Stephen,
preached Christ in the cities round about, confining their labors to
the Hebrew and Greek Jews. “And the hand of the Lord was with
them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.”
Acts
11:21
.
When the believers in Jerusalem heard the good tidings they
rejoiced; and Barnabas, “a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost
and of faith,” was sent to Antioch, the metropolis of Syria, to help
the church there. He labored there with great success. As the work
increased, he solicited and obtained the help of Paul; and the two
disciples labored together in that city for a year, teaching the people
and adding to the numbers of the church of Christ.
Antioch had both a large Jewish and Gentile population; it was a
great resort for lovers of ease and pleasure, because of the health-
fulness of its situation, its beautiful scenery, and the wealth, culture,
and refinement that centered there. Its extensive commerce made it
a place of great importance, where people of all nationalities were
found. It was therefore a city of luxury and vice. The retribution of
God finally came upon Antioch, because of the wickedness of its
inhabitants.
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It was here that the disciples were first called Christians. This
name was given them because Christ was the main theme of their
preaching, teaching, and conversation. They were continually re-
counting the incidents of His life during the time in which His
disciples were blessed with His personal company. They dwelt un-
tiringly upon His teachings, His miracles of healing the sick, casting
out devils, and raising the dead to life. With quivering lips and tear-
ful eyes they spoke of His agony in the garden, His betrayal, trial,
and execution, the forbearance and humility with which He endured
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