Topical Encyclopedia Antioch, located in ancient Syria, was one of the most significant cities in early Christianity. It served as a pivotal center for the spread of the Gospel and the early church's missionary activities. The city was founded near the end of the 4th century BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, and quickly grew to become a major hub of commerce and culture in the Roman Empire. By the time of the New Testament, Antioch was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire, following Rome and Alexandria.Barnabas and Paul Make Second Visit To Antioch Antioch holds a special place in the history of the early church, particularly as the location where the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). It was in this vibrant and diverse city that Barnabas and Paul (formerly Saul) made their second visit, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. After their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch to report on the work God had done among the Gentiles. Acts 14:26-28 states, "From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. And they spent a long time there with the disciples." This second visit to Antioch was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was a time of rest and fellowship with the believers who had initially sent them out. The church in Antioch had been instrumental in supporting their missionary endeavors, and this return allowed Paul and Barnabas to strengthen the bonds of unity and share the fruits of their labor. Secondly, Antioch became a center for theological discussion and debate, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentile believers in the church. The issue of whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish customs, such as circumcision, was a pressing concern. This debate eventually led to the Jerusalem Council, as described in Acts 15, where the apostles and elders gathered to seek God's guidance on this matter. The second visit of Barnabas and Paul to Antioch underscores the city's role as a launching pad for missionary work and a place where critical theological issues were addressed. It highlights the dynamic and growing nature of the early church, as it navigated the challenges of expanding beyond its Jewish roots to embrace a diverse and multicultural body of believers. Nave's Topical Index Acts 14:26-28And there sailed to Antioch, from where they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. Nave's Topical Index Library From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem. The Acts of the Apostles Paul's Missionary Labors. The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ... The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Acts XV The Epistles of Paul. Acts xi. 19 Acts XX Acts xv. 35 Resources What is Nestorianism? Who were the Nestorians? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Agabus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was John Chrysostom? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Antioch: A City of Pisidia--Persecutes Paul Antioch: A City of Syria: Barnabas and Paul Make Second Visit To Antioch: A City of Syria: Disciples First Called Christians In Antioch: A City of Syria: Dissension Within the Congregation of Antioch: A City of Syria: Paul and Peter's Controversy At Antioch: A City of Syria: The Congregation In Related Terms |
    |