Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: The People of Antioch

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The city of Antioch holds a significant place in the early Christian narrative, particularly concerning the development and expression of faith in Christ. Located in ancient Syria, Antioch was a major center of Hellenistic culture and commerce, making it a strategic location for the spread of the Gospel. The faith of the people of Antioch is noteworthy for several reasons, as recorded in the New Testament.

The Birthplace of the Term "Christian"

Antioch is famously recognized as the first place where the followers of Jesus were called "Christians." Acts 11:26 states, "And when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch." This designation marked a significant development in the identity of the early believers, distinguishing them from other Jewish sects and highlighting their faith in Christ as the Messiah.

A Hub for Early Christian Mission

The church in Antioch played a pivotal role in the missionary activities of the early church. It was from Antioch that Paul and Barnabas were sent out on their first missionary journey. Acts 13:2-3 records, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." The faith of the Antioch believers was characterized by obedience to the Holy Spirit and a commitment to spreading the Gospel beyond their own community.

A Diverse and Unified Church

The church in Antioch was notable for its diversity and unity in Christ. Acts 11:20-21 describes how some of the believers, "men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." This passage highlights the inclusive nature of the Antioch church, where both Jews and Gentiles came to faith in Christ, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers.

A Model of Generosity and Support

The faith of the Antioch believers was also demonstrated through their generosity. When a famine was predicted to affect the region, the church in Antioch responded with compassion and support. Acts 11:29-30 states, "So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul." Their faith was not only a matter of belief but was also expressed through tangible acts of love and support for fellow believers.

A Center for Theological Development

Antioch was a center for theological development and debate, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith. The church in Antioch was involved in the pivotal council at Jerusalem, where the question of whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish law was addressed. Acts 15:1-2 recounts, "Some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, 'Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.' And after Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, the church appointed Paul and Barnabas and some others to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this issue." The faith of the Antioch believers was marked by a commitment to the truth of the Gospel and the unity of the church.

In summary, the faith of the people of Antioch was characterized by a strong identity in Christ, a commitment to mission, a spirit of generosity, and a dedication to theological clarity. Their example continues to inspire believers in their walk of faith and their witness to the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 11:21-24
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Tome or Synodal Letter to the People of Antioch.
... them to our beloved Paulinus and his people, without requiring ... a Creature and separate
from the Essence of Christ. ... removed on all hands, and the faith of the ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/tome or synodal letter to.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... Living, as they were, in the midst of a people who seemed to care but ... so, in the
various walks of life, they daily bore testimony of their faith in Christ. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

Concluding Reflections. Faith and Criticism.
... He himself was crucified by the hierarchy of his own people, whom he came to ... high
he may be raised in the scale of beings, and the faith in Christ as the ...
/.../section 102 concluding reflections faith.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... by Paul when, in addressing the people of Antioch ... in himself, but that the righteousness
of Christ is communicated ... that man is justified by faith, inasmuch as ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

The Definition of Faith.
... the full knowledge and confirmation of the orthodox faith. ... operation in the two natures
of Christ our true ... novel terms, amongst the orthodox people, an heresy ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the definition of faith.htm

The Letter of Cyril to John of Antioch.
... almost all the opposition to us concerning the faith, arose from ... He shall save his
people from their sins ... For when we say our Lord Jesus Christ descended from ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the letter of cyril to.htm

The Pious Old Man Rejoices that He Read Plato and the Scriptures ...
... Holy Ghost....And when the president has given thanks, and all the people have
expressed ... 3), "was always followed by a profession of faith in Christ, as it ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii the pious old man.htm

Letter ccxxii. To the People of Chalcis.
... I beseech the people to continue to show you the respect and honour due to ... you may
keep your strength and the foundation of your faith in Christ; that God's ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxxii to the people.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... saying, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the people that forget ...
by-way who, if it be not settled judgment that faith in Christ entirely sets ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 35 the law established.htm

Concerning the Cross and Here Further Concerning Faith.
... tree bringing salvation to those who in faith saw their ... the day unto a faithless
and rebellious people [2375 ... this [2376] obtain a part in Christ the crucified. ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xi concerning the cross and.htm