Chapter 16—The Gospel Message in Antioch
This chapter is based on
Acts 11:19-26
;
13:1-3
.
After the disciples had been driven from Jerusalem by persecution,
the gospel message spread rapidly through the regions lying beyond
the limits of Palestine; and many small companies of believers were
formed in important centers. Some of the disciples “traveled as far as
Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word.” Their labors
were usually confined to the Hebrew and Greek Jews, large colonies
of whom were at this time to be found in nearly all the cities of the
world.
Among the places mentioned where the gospel was gladly received
is Antioch, at that time the metropolis of Syria. The extensive com-
merce carried on from that populous center brought to the city many
people of various nationalities. Besides, Antioch was favorably known
as a resort for lovers of ease and pleasure, because of its healthful
situation, its beautiful surroundings, and the wealth, culture, and re-
finement to be found there. In the days of the apostles it had become a
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city of luxury and vice.
The gospel was publicly taught in Antioch by certain disciples from
Cyprus and Cyrene, who came “preaching the Lord Jesus.” “The hand
of the Lord was with them,” and their earnest labors were productive
of fruit. “A great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.”
“Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which
was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as
far as Antioch.” Upon arrival in his new field of labor, Barnabas saw
the work that had already been accomplished by divine grace, and
he “was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they
would cleave unto the Lord.”
The labors of Barnabas in Antioch were richly blessed, and many
were added to the number of believers there. As the work developed,
Barnabas felt the need of suitable help in order to advance in the open-
ing providences of God, and he went to Tarsus to seek for Paul, who,
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