THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH

Image Source

DATE:
Monday, May 28, 2018.

DISCUSSION TOPIC:
The Church In Antioch

BIBLE READING:
Acts 11: 19-30

---

Qs. 2. See Questions HERE.

---

DISCUSSION:

Observe that expansion of the gospel outreach beyond Jerusalem was as a result of persecution (vs. 19-21). Can this be a positive effect of persecution (Romans 8:28)? Churches in different parts of the world are going through one kind of persecution or the other. Are you in such a location? Can you think of any positive effect of what is happening to Christianity in your nation or region and on individual Christian?

The believers that went from Jerusalem to establish the church in Antioch seem to be ordinary Christians. They were not apostles or some prominent members, but they allowed God to use them as they were running for safety. What the Jerusalem church did by sending Barnabas to Antioch is worthy of note.

Read vs. 22-25 again and note the role Barnabas played to encourage and develop the church at Antioch. V. 26 is a result of tireless labour on the new believers by Barnabas and Saul. Young converts need mature Christians who will labour on them in discipleship until Christ is formed in them. Vs. 27-30 speak of the natural product of proper discipleship. When people have proper follow-up/discipleship, caring for others and supporting God's work will not be difficult for them.

---

And so:

Will you offer yourself as a labourer to harvest souls into the kingdom of God?

---

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for my mentors in the faith. Help me to be an effective mentor of the younger generation of believers.