Gospel Message in Antioch
105
after his departure from Jerusalem some time before, had been labor-
ing in “the regions of Syria and Cilicia,” proclaiming “the faith which
once he destroyed.”
Galatians 1:21, 23
. Barnabas was successful in
finding Paul and in persuading him to return with him as a companion
in ministry.
In the populous city of Antioch, Paul found an excellent field of
labor. His learning, wisdom, and zeal exerted a powerful influence over
the inhabitants and frequenters of that city of culture; and he proved
just the help that Barnabas needed. For a year the two disciples labored
unitedly in faithful ministry, bringing to many a saving knowledge of
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Jesus of Nazareth, the world’s Redeemer.
It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
The name was given them because Christ was the main theme of their
preaching, their teaching, and their conversation. Continually they
were recounting the incidents that had occurred during the days of His
earthly ministry, when His disciples were blessed with His personal
presence. Untiringly they dwelt upon His teachings and His miracles
of healing. With quivering lips and tearful eyes they spoke of His
agony in the garden, His betrayal, trial, and execution, the forbearance
and humility with which He had endured the contumely and torture
imposed upon Him by His enemies, and the Godlike pity with which
He had prayed for those who persecuted Him. His resurrection and
ascension, and His work in heaven as the Mediator for fallen man,
were topics on which they rejoiced to dwell. Well might the heathen
call them Christians, since they preached Christ and addressed their
prayers to God through Him.
It was God who gave to them the name of Christian. This is a royal
name, given to all who join themselves to Christ. It was of this name
that James wrote later, “Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name
by the which ye are called?”
James 2:6, 7
. And Peter declared, “If any
man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify
God on this behalf.” “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy
are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.”
1 Peter
4:16, 14
.
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The believers at Antioch realized that God was willing to work in
their lives “both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
Philippians
2:13
. Living, as they were, in the midst of a people who seemed