Topical Encyclopedia The period of Paul's teaching at Antioch in Syria marks a significant chapter in the early Christian church's history, highlighting the development of a vibrant and influential Christian community. This event is primarily documented in the Acts of the Apostles, specifically in Acts 11:25-26, which states: "Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch" .Historical Context Antioch, located in present-day Turkey, was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and a melting pot of cultures and religions. It served as a strategic location for the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities, reaching Gentiles and establishing a diverse congregation. The church at Antioch became a pivotal center for missionary activity and theological development. Paul's Role and Contributions Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). After his conversion, Paul spent time in Arabia and then returned to Damascus and Jerusalem, where he began preaching the Gospel. However, it was in Antioch that Paul, alongside Barnabas, engaged in a sustained period of teaching and ministry. During this year-long ministry, Paul and Barnabas focused on instructing the believers in the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the implications of the Gospel for both Jews and Gentiles. This period was crucial for the theological grounding of the church, as it navigated the challenges of integrating diverse cultural backgrounds into a unified faith community. Significance of Antioch The church at Antioch holds a special place in Christian history as the first community where believers were called "Christians." This designation, likely intended as a term of distinction, underscored the unique identity of the followers of Christ, setting them apart from other religious groups. Antioch also became the launching point for Paul's missionary journeys, which would further spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Legacy and Impact Paul's teaching in Antioch laid the foundation for the church's growth and its role as a center for missionary outreach. The collaboration between Paul and Barnabas exemplified the importance of partnership in ministry and the effective discipleship of new believers. The Antioch church's commitment to teaching and evangelism serves as a model for Christian communities, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of sound doctrine. In summary, Paul's year of teaching at Antioch was a formative period that contributed significantly to the early church's expansion and doctrinal development. It highlights the importance of strategic locations, effective teaching, and the integration of diverse believers in the mission of the church. Nave's Topical Index Acts 11:26And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Nave's Topical Index Library Paul and Barnabas in Lystra. Council of Constantinople. The Gospel of Luke The Gospel According to St. Luke Excursus on the Word Theotokos . The Ignatian Epistles and their Claims. The Internal Evidence. Synodical Letter from the Council at Constantinople. John. On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ... Rufinus's Epilogue to Pamphilus the Martyr's Apology for Origen Resources Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the account of Paul and Silas? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
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