Topical Bible: Glorifying God: Gentiles at Antioch

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The account of the Gentiles glorifying God at Antioch is a significant event in the early Christian church, marking a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Acts, which details the expansion of the early church and the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith.

Biblical Context

The city of Antioch, located in ancient Syria, was one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire and a major center of commerce and culture. It was here that the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). The church at Antioch became a crucial hub for missionary activity and the spread of Christianity to the Gentile world.

The Spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles

The inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith was a fulfillment of the prophetic vision that God's salvation would reach all nations. In Acts 11:19-21 , it is recorded that after the persecution following Stephen's martyrdom, believers were scattered and traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, spreading the word among Jews. However, some men from Cyprus and Cyrene began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about 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 at Antioch

The church in Jerusalem, upon hearing of the Gentile conversions, sent Barnabas to Antioch to encourage and strengthen the new believers. Acts 11:23-24 describes Barnabas as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, who rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts. As a result, "a great many people were brought to the Lord" (Acts 11:24).

Recognizing the need for further teaching and leadership, Barnabas sought out Saul (later known as Paul) in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch. For a whole year, they met with the church and taught a large number of people (Acts 11:25-26). This partnership between Barnabas and Saul was instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for the church at Antioch and furthering the mission to the Gentiles.

Theological Significance

The events at Antioch underscore the universality of the Gospel message and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers within the early church. The Gentiles' acceptance of the Gospel and their subsequent glorification of God highlight the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring (Genesis 22:18).

The church at Antioch serves as a model of diversity and unity in Christ, demonstrating that the Gospel transcends cultural and ethnic divisions. The believers' response to the Gospel, characterized by faith and glorification of God, reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit at work among them.

Impact on Early Christianity

The inclusion of Gentiles at Antioch had a profound impact on the early Christian movement. It set a precedent for the church's mission to the Gentiles and laid the groundwork for Paul's missionary journeys, which would further spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. The church at Antioch also played a crucial role in the early church's decision-making, as seen in the sending of relief to the believers in Judea during a time of famine (Acts 11:27-30).

In summary, the glorification of God by the Gentiles at Antioch represents a significant milestone in the history of the early church, illustrating the expansive reach of the Gospel and the inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

First Latin Form.
... I was at Antioch, and now I am here. ... of their sins and the gathering together of
the Gentiles. ... the belt which they had put about her, glorifying God, all asked ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the passing of mary/first latin form.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... account given in Acts of the Church at Antioch. ... that he is writing as a Gentile for
Gentiles. ... Gospel we find such expressions as "glorifying God," "praising God ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

Acts XX
... among Churches composed chiefly of Gentiles, for the ... the saints, but also superabounds
to God, by means of many thanksgivings (they glorifying God, through the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xx.htm

Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God ...
... that I shall fall short of glorifying Him worthily ... judges, and having assembled an
audience of Gentiles, lest if ... Theology: it meant the "Unity of God," as the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture vi concerning the unity.htm

Ephesians i. 14-Nov
... Jews did not listen that He called the Gentiles, nor was ... are wholly done away and
in the glorifying of the ... sets in the doxa of the children of God."--Meyer.--GA ...
/.../homily ii ephesians i 14-nov.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Gentiles, once were "dogs," but the Jews had now taken ... by fleeing from it,
[1495]217; of God to impart ... for Christ, [1497]ib.; great, of glorifying God, [1498] ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. )
... I have called them." The apostolate to the Gentiles, begun in ... descent of the Comforter
with the glorifying of the ... the energies of the Man whom God had exalted ...
/.../ 113 the catholic apostolic.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... refers all arts to God; yea, and the Gentiles also ascribe ... I say one, true God and
man, as touching his divine ... to be a true body after his glorifying, or that ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... of Antioch, and thus avoided the first attack. (b) Justinian, Novella VI "Preface.".
Church and State according to Justinian. Among the greatest gifts of God ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm