Topical Bible: Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Antioch

◄ Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Antioch ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Antioch, an ancient city located in what is now modern-day Turkey, holds a significant place in the history of early Christianity. It was one of the first major centers of the Christian faith outside of Jerusalem and played a crucial role in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world. The church in Antioch is frequently mentioned in the New Testament and is noted for its vibrant and diverse congregation.

Biblical Foundation and Historical Context

The city of Antioch was founded in 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals. By the time of the New Testament, it had become a major urban center in the Roman Empire, known for its cultural diversity and strategic location along trade routes. This cosmopolitan environment made Antioch an ideal place for the early Christian message to take root and flourish.

The Establishment of the Church

The establishment of the church in Antioch is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the persecution that arose after Stephen's martyrdom, believers were scattered, and some traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, spreading the word to Jews only. However, some men from Cyprus and Cyrene began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. "The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord" (Acts 11:21).

Barnabas and Saul (Paul) in Antioch

The church in Jerusalem, upon hearing of the growing number of believers in Antioch, sent Barnabas to encourage and teach the new converts. Barnabas, recognizing the need for additional help, went to Tarsus to find Saul (later known as Paul) and brought him to Antioch. Together, they taught a large number of people for an entire year. It was in Antioch that "the disciples were first called Christians" (Acts 11:26).

A Missionary Hub

Antioch became a pivotal center for missionary activity. The church there was instrumental in sending out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. The Holy Spirit directed the church to "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" (Acts 13:2). This commissioning marked the beginning of a series of missionary endeavors that would spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

Diversity and Unity

The congregation in Antioch was notable for its diversity, comprising both Jews and Gentiles. This diversity was a testament to the unifying power of the Gospel, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers. The church's leadership reflected this diversity, with prophets and teachers such as Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul (Acts 13:1).

Theological Significance

The church in Antioch played a crucial role in the early theological development of Christianity. It was from Antioch that the issue of Gentile inclusion in the church was addressed, leading to the pivotal Jerusalem Council. The council's decision affirmed that Gentile believers did not need to adhere to the full Mosaic Law, a decision that was communicated back to the church in Antioch (Acts 15:22-35).

Legacy

The legacy of the Antioch church is profound. It served as a model of missionary zeal, theological clarity, and cultural inclusivity. Its impact on the early church and its role in the spread of Christianity to the Gentile world cannot be overstated. The church in Antioch stands as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in building the early Christian community.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:1
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Church of Rome in the Third Century.
... It does not appear in the list of his writings ... of Cornelius, that there were now
fourteen congregations [355:5 ... to surrender the property of the Church of Antioch ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter v the church of.htm

The Constitution of the Church in the Second Century.
... When several congregations with a plurality of preaching elders existed ... a transition
period in the history of the Church. ... then goes on to give a list of others ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the constitution of.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Galerius in his persecution of the Christians, seems likewise ... important series of
events in Church history, the ... of Paul of Samosata through Lucian of Antioch. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The New Testament Canon in the First Three Centuries.
... The canonical list was not fixed immovably in the time ... The idea of the church was
that of inward fellowship ... in the first instance, to the congregations to whom ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter vi the new testament.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... When she was staying for a time in Antioch, she sent for him ... as to localities in
Spain where there were Christians and bishops placed over the Church. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... After giving a list of creeds put forth by various ... Lord with the covetous within
the Church and with ... of Easter, but also daily among our congregations; so that ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

Christianity in Rome.
... 496] Several names in the list of Roman ... The composition of the church of Rome has
been a matter of ... It no doubt was, like most congregations outside of Palestine ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 36 christianity in rome.htm

Introduction
... his missionary responsibility, extended to such congregations as existed in ... of the
peace of the Church, as his ... confusing shift in numbering the list of bishops ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/introduction 8.htm

The Earlier New Testament Writings.
... in their councils, teaching in their congregations, can make ... The long list of personal
greetings with which ... his acquaintance in the Roman church, and, doubtless ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter viii the earlier new.htm

part ii.
... appointed limits, and all the Presbyters had congregations in them ... to God, and have
embraced the unity of His Church. ... the list of Mareotic clergy supr., p. 72. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part ii 2.htm