The Church at Antioch

Those who were scattered by the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews (Acts 11:19). However, some men from Cyprus and Cyrene came to Antioch and spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. A great number of people believed and turned to the Lord, and the hand of the Lord was with them (Acts 11:21). When reports of these events reached the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. Upon his arrival, he saw the grace of God and was glad, exhorting the believers to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.

Barnabas then departed for Tarsus to look for Saul. After finding him, he brought him to Antioch, where the two remained for an entire year meeting with the church and teaching a great many people (Acts 11:26). During this period in Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians. The text does not say who first applied this name to the group or what specific doctrines were taught during the year, other than the preaching of the Lord Jesus.

In these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world, which took place in the days of Claudius (Acts 11:28). In response, the disciples determined to send relief to the brothers living in Judea, each according to his ability. This contribution was sent to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:30). The text does not say how the funds were collected or the specific route taken for the delivery.