Acts 11:19-30

Introduction:

1. The church at Syrian Antioch is a church worthy of emulation.

2. Interestingly, a church planted by those Saul scattered later served as Paul’s outpost for various works (Acts 8:4; 11:19; 13:1-3; 14:26-15:3).

3. From this text we can see the keys to creating a vibrant church.

Discussion:

I. Their Beginning

A. Those who planted the church at Antioch were immersed in the word of the Lord (11:19-20; 4:20; Jeremiah 20:9; Matthew 28:18-19).

B. For this, “…the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord” (11:21).

II. Their Spiritual and Numerical Growth

A. The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to build them up (11:22-23).

B. His main qualification was simple Christlikeness (11:24; 4:36-37).

C. Barnabas sought Saul/Paul to further strengthen them, and they spent a full year teaching the people (11:25-26).

D. This fulfills the final phase of the great commission (Matthew 28:20).

E. They entered the doors the Lord opened (Colossians 4:3), preached the word He gave (Mark 16:15), and God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:5-7).

III. Their Penchant for Generosity

A. Hearing of a coming famine, the church at Antioch “…determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea” (11:27-29).

B. This was the circumstance leading to Paul’s commandments for the church at Corinth and Galatia (1 Corinthians 11:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8-9).

C. The heart of a mature disciple is a heart ready to spend and be spent for the souls of others (Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 8:8-9; 9:6-15; 12:15 Galatians 6:10).

Conclusion:

1. The church at Syrian Antioch is a shining example of the process of the birth, maturation, and subsequent growth of a congregation.

2. If we would emulate their success, we must follow their pattern of:

a. Being immersed in the word and willing to spread it.

b. Having mature Christians training up the younger Christians.

c. Being willing to spend and be spent for the sake of other souls.