Topical Bible: The Poor: Regard For: Church at Antioch

◄ The Poor: Regard For: Church at Antioch ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The early Christian community at Antioch is a significant example of the Church's regard for the poor, as evidenced by their actions and the teachings they embraced. Antioch, located in present-day Turkey, was one of the first major centers of Christianity outside Jerusalem and played a pivotal role in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world.

Biblical Context and Actions

The Church at Antioch is notably mentioned in the Book of Acts, where it is described as a vibrant and diverse community of believers. This church was instrumental in the early missionary efforts, including the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas. However, their commitment to the faith extended beyond evangelism to include a profound concern for the poor and needy.

In Acts 11:27-30 , we read about a significant event that underscores the Antioch church's regard for the poor:

> "In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul."

This passage highlights several key aspects of the Antioch church's response to poverty and need:

1. Prophetic Insight and Response: The church at Antioch was attentive to the prophetic word delivered by Agabus, which foretold a coming famine. Their response was immediate and practical, demonstrating a readiness to act upon divine revelation for the welfare of others.

2. Collective Action: The believers in Antioch took collective action, each contributing according to their ability. This reflects a communal approach to addressing poverty, where the burden is shared among the community, ensuring that aid is provided without undue strain on any single individual.

3. Support for Distant Brethren: The relief was specifically directed to the brothers in Judea, indicating a concern that transcended local needs. The Antioch church recognized the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and extended their support to fellow believers in a different region, embodying the principle of Christian charity and unity.

4. Organized and Accountable Giving: The gifts were sent to the elders in Judea through trusted leaders, Barnabas and Saul (Paul). This organized approach ensured that the aid reached its intended recipients and was distributed appropriately, reflecting a sense of accountability and stewardship in their charitable efforts.

Theological Implications

The actions of the Antioch church are consistent with the broader biblical mandate to care for the poor and needy. Throughout Scripture, God's people are called to demonstrate compassion and justice, reflecting God's own heart for the marginalized. The Antioch church's response to the famine aligns with teachings found in both the Old and New Testaments, where believers are encouraged to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

Furthermore, the Antioch church's regard for the poor serves as an early model for Christian communities, illustrating how faith in action can address physical needs while also strengthening the spiritual bonds within the body of Christ. Their example encourages believers to remain vigilant and responsive to the needs of others, trusting in God's provision and guidance as they serve.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 11:29,30
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers which dwelled in Judaea:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
... us all the light we have in regard to its ... heard Peter's explanation of his course
the church glorified God ... to Jerusalem to carry gifts to the poor and returned ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xix from the ascension.htm

Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called...
... The Church is not a theatre, that we should listen for ... vanity of the life that now
is, and regard all gold ... Therefore the king had need of the poor man, and he ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii spoken in antioch.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... This Homily was delivered in the Old Church [997] of Antioch ... And if such be the case
with regard to a ... shrine; and whilst conveying money to the poor, met with a ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

The First Preaching at Antioch
... In regard to worldly good the instinct, except when overcome ... work of the ascended
Christ in and for His Church. ... know what will become of our poor work, under ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/the first preaching at antioch.htm

Antioch
... had accepted the needs of the poor saints in ... They came inevitably to regard themselves
as the members ... of the gospels very obviously means the Christian Church. ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/iii antioch.htm

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
... that the blessing of God should be poured out more abundantly among those poor,
wretched people ... If there is one thought with regard to the Church of Christ ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/separated unto the holy ghost.htm

We have Decreed that the Poor and those Needing Assistance Shall ...
... The poor who need ... a special recommendation, in order to be received in another church
into the ... With regard to this much-vexed point, authorities are so divided ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xi we have decreed.htm

Church Government.
... the deacons in the care of the poor, and of ... continually going to Rome and returning,
the Church of the ... not take too much upon themselves, great regard was paid ...
/.../chapter xvii church government.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... and others that they were divided with regard to the ... The Jerusalem Church Council
decides that Gentiles need not be ... 14; ix.36; xii.12; xvii.4), the poor (Acts 2 ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter vii the acts of.htm

To Polycarp
... I give my life as a sacrifice (poor as it is ... me that, thanks to your prayers, the
church at Antioch ... council and appoint somebody whom you regard as especially ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/to polycarp.htm