A. INTRODUCTION
1. Tradition claims that Barnabas the outcast was the rich young ruler. Because of this he tended to help other outcasts: Paul, the outcast church at Antioch and John Mark.
2. The city of Antioch was:
a. A trade center.
b. International.
c. Third largest in the Roman Empire.
3. The church was founded when Saul’s persecution forced Christians from Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-2).
4. Saul had been in Tarsus for ten years.
B. THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH (MODEL CHURCH) – ACTS 11:19-30; 13:1-4
1. A preaching church. “. . . traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only” (Acts 11:19). “. . . when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:20).
2. An evangelistic church. “. . . a great number believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21).
3. A fellowshipping church. “. . . they assembled with the church” (Acts 11:26).
4. A teaching church. “. . . and taught a great many people” (Acts 11:26).
5. A giving church “. . . determined to send relief to the brethren . . . This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:29-30).
6. A praying church. “Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away” (Acts 13:3).
7. A worshipping church. “As they ministered (liturgy) to the Lord . . .” (Acts 13:2).
8. A sending church. “They . . . laid hands on them, sent them away” (Acts 13:3).
9. A growing church. “And a great many people were added to the church” (Acts 11:24).
C. HEROD’S ATTACK ON THE CHURCH – ACTS 12:1-12
1. Caligula attacked religions in the empire (i.e., Jews) and decreed emperor worship. Jews stopped persecuting the church.
2. Claudius became emperor in A.D. 41.
a. Conciliation with Jews.
b. Jews attacked the church. “Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church” (Acts 12:1).
3. James was killed. “The he killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:2).
4. Peter was arrested. “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” (Acts 12:5).
5. Delivered by an angel.
6. There was unbelief in the church. “Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished” (Acts 12:16).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
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