Topical Encyclopedia The Church of Antioch holds a significant place in early Christian history, particularly noted for its spirit of liberality and generosity. This church, located in Antioch of Syria, was one of the first to embrace Gentile converts and played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.Biblical Context and Historical Background Antioch was a major city in the Roman Empire, known for its cultural diversity and strategic location. It became a central hub for early Christian activity, second only to Jerusalem. The church in Antioch is first mentioned in the Book of Acts, where it is described as a thriving community of believers. Acts 11:19-21 states, "Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews. But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and 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." Liberality in Action The Church of Antioch is particularly noted for its generous spirit, as evidenced by its response to the needs of the broader Christian community. In Acts 11:27-30 , we read about a prophetic message delivered by Agabus, who predicted a severe famine. "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 the church's commitment to supporting fellow believers in need, demonstrating a profound sense of unity and compassion. The members of the Antioch church gave according to their ability, reflecting the biblical principle of cheerful and willing giving as outlined in 2 Corinthians 9:7 : "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." Missionary Zeal and Generosity The Church of Antioch was also instrumental in the missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 13:1-3 describes how the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which they were called, and the church sent them off with prayer and fasting. "Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. 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." This act of sending out missionaries underscores the church's commitment to spreading the Gospel and its willingness to support such endeavors, both spiritually and materially. The liberality of the Antioch church was not limited to financial aid but extended to the sharing of human resources and spiritual gifts for the advancement of God's kingdom. Legacy of Liberality The Church of Antioch's example of liberality has left a lasting legacy in Christian thought and practice. Its actions serve as a model for Christian communities to support one another, to give generously, and to participate actively in the mission of the church. The liberality of the Antioch church is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which compels believers to act with compassion and generosity toward others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 11:29,30Then 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. Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called... A Good Man's Faults Work Written by Julian Entitled "Aversion to Beards. " Daphne in ... The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ... Testimonies of the Ancients in Favor of Eusebius. The Church of Rome in the Third Century. Acts XX The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
    |