The churches of Christ in the New Testament 2 of 17

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The churches of Christ in the New Testament 2 of
17the church in AntiochActs1119-23, 26

• Don R. Taaffe,
• Gospel preacher,
• Dunedin, Florida
• October 18, 2009

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Acts 1119 -- 23

• 19 Now those who were scattered after the
  persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as
  far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching
  the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some
  of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who,
  when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the
  Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the
  hand of the Lord was with them, and a great
  number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 Then
  news of these things came to the ears of the
  church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas
  to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had
  seen the grace of God, he was glad, and
  encouraged them all that with purpose of heart
  they should continue with the Lord (NKJV)

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Acts 1126

• 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to
  Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they
  assembled with the church and taught a great many
  people. And the disciples were first called
  Christians in Antioch. (NKJV)

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churches of Christ in the New Testament 17
Lessons

• Origin of Lords church
• The church in Antioch
• The church in Colosse
• The church in Corinth
• The church in Crete
• The church in Ephesus
• The church in Galatia
• The church in Jerusalem
• The church in Laodicea

• The church in Pergamum
• The church in Philadelphia
• The church in Philippi
• The church in Rome
• The church in Sardis
• The church in Smyrna
• The church in Thessalonica
• The church in Thyatira
• The church in Dunedin?

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Queen of the East

• Antioch was one of the great capitals of the
  Roman empire
• It was the third city after Rome and Alexandria
• Made up of Syrians, Greeks, Jews, Romans
• Fashion was the only law, pleasure was the only
  pursuit, and splendor of dress and furniture was
  the only distinction of citizens

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Colossians 118 (He Christ) 18 And He is the
head of the body, the church, who is the
beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in
all things He may have the preeminence. (NKJV)
Acts 1423 23 So when they had appointed elders
in every church, and prayed with fasting, they
commended them to the Lord in whom they had
believed. (NKJV)
1 Peter 52 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is
among you, serving as overseers, not by
compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain
but eagerly (NKJV)
Constantinople
Rome
Antioch
Jerusalem
Colossians 118 Acts 1423 1 Peter 52
Alexandria
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The Beginning of the church in Antioch
Acts 1119 (Barnabas and Saul Paul) 19 Now
those who were scattered after the persecution
that arose over Stephen traveled as far as
Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the
word to no one but the Jews only. (NKJV)

• How did the church begin and how did it fare in
  this evil environment (Acts 1119-23 Acts
  1314-50 146-20)
• Started basically as a Jewish church Acts 1119
• Not a wealthy church, though threatened by the
  famine of Jerusalem they sent relief to others.
  They learn the great principle of our Lord, (Acts
  2035)
• After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. the
  church in Antioch became the center for
  Christianity

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EXPLANATION OF GROWTH
Acts 1119-20, 23, 26 19 Now those who were
scattered after the persecution that arose over
Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and
Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the
Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from
Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to
Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the
Lord Jesus. 23 When he came and had seen the
grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them
all that with purpose of heart they should
continue with the Lord. 26 And when he had found
him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that
for a whole year they assembled with the church
and taught a great many people. And the
disciples were first called Christians in
Antioch. (NKJV)
Acts 42 2 being greatly disturbed that they
taught the people and preached in Jesus the
resurrection from the dead. (NKJV)

• But how do we explain the phenomenal success of
  the gospel in Antioch over that of other cities?
• Three Biblical characteristics
• 1st - A teaching church (Edification) Acts
  1119, 20, 23, 26 These brethren believed in
  the power of the word and of the Lord!
• Preaching is always teaching teaching is not
  always preaching. Antioch was a
  preaching/teaching church Acts 42 (135, 38
  1536 173, 13 1 Cor. 914)

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EXPLANATION OF GROWTH
Acts 1121, 24, 26 21 And the hand of the Lord
was with them, and a great number believed and
turned to the Lord. 24 For he was a good man,
full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a
great many people were added to the Lord. 26 And
when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.
So it was that for a whole year they assembled
with the church and taught a great many people.
And the disciples were first called Christians
in Antioch. Acts 1535 35 Paul and Barnabas also
remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the
word of the Lord, with many others also. (NKJV)
Acts 2221 21 Then He said to me, 'Depart, for I
will send you far from here to the Gentiles.'"
(NKJV)

• Lessons for us
• Dont be discouraged when people reject the
  gospel
• Look for new opportunities for the gospel --
  Acts 2221 (Acts 1119-23 1535)
• Good and honest hearts still exist and will hear
  and believe the gospel -- Acts 1124
• Christ will still bless the faithful work of his
  servants -- Acts 1121, 24, 26
• Christians belong to Christ not the world --
  Acts 11 26 Galatians 328-29

Acts 1124 24 For he was a good man, full of the
Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many
people were added to the Lord. (NKJV)
Galatians 328-29 28 There is neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is
neither male nor female for you are all one in
Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then
you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to
the promise. (NKJV)
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WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCHEphesians 411-12
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 113
2 Timothy 113 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound
words which you have heard from me, in faith and
love which are in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
Ephesians 411-12 11 And He Himself gave some to
be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the
equipping of the saints for the work of
ministry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ, (NKJV)
1 Thessalonians 18 8 For from you the word of
the Lord has sounded forth, not only in
Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place.
Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we
do not need to say anything. (NKJV)
1 Timothy 516 16 If any believing man or woman
has widows, let them relieve them, and do not
let the church be burdened, that it may relieve
those who are really widows. (NKJV)
Acts 2028 28 "And now beware! Be sure that you
feed and shepherd God's flock-his church,
purchased with his blood-for the Holy Spirit is
holding you responsible as overseers. (TLB) 28
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the
flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to shepherd the church of God which
He purchased with His own blood. (NKJV)

• Gods pattern for the work of the local church
• Caring for needy saints - 1 Timothy 516
• Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 18
• Edification - Acts 2028 (1 Corinthians 1426
• Eph. 411-12) If no order, then no disorder
  (1
• Cor. 1440)

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COOPERATION OF CHURCHES
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 113
1 Peter 52 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is
among you, serving as overseers, not by
compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain
but eagerly (NKJV)

• Gods Pattern for Cooperation in Edification
• Accomplished locally - 1 Peter 52
• Elders
• Deacons
• Saints
• Preachers/Teachers

Local Church
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What Antioch Practiced
Acts 131-3 1 Now in the church that was at
Antioch there were certain prophets and
teachers Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger,
Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up
with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they
ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy
Spirit said,"Now separate to Me Barnabas and
Saul for the work to which I have called them."
3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands
on them, they sent them away. (NKJV)
EDIFICATION
Philippians 415-16 15 Now you Philippians know
also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I
departed from Macedonia, no church shared with
me concerning giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once
and again for my necessities (NKJV)

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2 Corinthians 118 8 I robbed other churches,
taking wages from them to minister to you. (NKJV)
Preach and Teaching The Gospel

Preacher Teacher
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Acts 131-3 Philippians 415-16 2 Corinthians
118
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Not Practiced in True churches
EDIFICATION
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Teach or Preach Gospel
Teacher

Sponsoring Organization

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Preacher

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Scripture Please!
NOT THIS!
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Okay
Not Practice by True churches
EDIFICATION
C
Preach And Teach Gospel


Preachers Teachers
Bible School

C

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Scripture Please!
NOT THIS!
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EXPLANATION OF GROWTH

• Three Biblical characteristics
• 2nd - A benevolent church Acts 1129-30 This
  was done without a special call from Judea!
• This was a congregation of Gods people that
  cared.
• Our Father has a way of blessing those who
  minister unto the needy.
• Many today pass by on the other side, (Luke
  1031)

Acts 1129-30 29 Then the disciples, each
according to his ability, determined to send
relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30
This they also did, and sent it to the elders by
the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (NKJV)
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Local Church is Sufficient
BENEVOLENCE
Acts 434-37 34 Nor was there anyone among them
who lacked for all who were possessors of lands
or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of
the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at
the apostles' feet and they distributed to each
as anyone had need. 36 And Joses, who was also
named Barnabas by the apostles (which is
translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of
the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it,
and brought the money and laid it at the
apostles' feet. (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 161-4 1 Now concerning the
collection for the saints, as I have given
orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must
do also 2 On the first day of the week let each
one of you lay something aside, storing up as he
may prosper, that there be no collections when I
come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by
your letters I will send to bear your gift to
Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go
also, they will go with me. (NKJV)
Acts 244-45 44 Now all who believed were
together, and had all things in common, 45 and
sold their possessions and goods, and divided
them among all, as anyone had need. (NKJV)
Local Church (elders)

Relieve its Needy Saints
Acts 244-45 434-37 1 Corinthians 161-4 (2
Cor 812-15 912-15 Acts 61-6 1127-30)
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Local Church is Sufficient
Acts 1127-30 27 And in these days prophets came
from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them,
named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit
that there was going to be a great famine
throughout all the world, which also happened in
the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the
disciples, each according to his ability,
determined to send relief to the brethren
dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and
sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas
and Saul. (NKJV)
Romans 1525-27 25 But now I am going to
Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it
pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make
a certain contribution for the poor among the
saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them
indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the
Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual
things, their duty is also to minister to them in
material things. (NKJV)
BENEVOLENCE

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Local Church in need (to elders)

Relieve its Needy Saints

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Acts 1127-30 Romans 1525-27 (1 Cor. 161-3 2
Cor. 81-4, 13-15 91, 12-14)
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Local Church is not Sufficient!
BENEVOLENCE

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Relieve Needy


Need
INSTITUTION
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Scripture Please!
NOT THIS!
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Local Christians are Sufficient
BENEVOLENCE
James 126-27 26 If anyone among you thinks he is
religious, and does not bridle his tongue but
deceives his own heart, this one's religion is
useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before
God and the Father is this to visit (AID drt)
orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep
oneself unspotted from the world. (NKJV)
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Relieve Needy of the World (Non Christians)

d

d
James 126-27 (Luke 1025-36 Matthew 2531-46
Revelation 2011-15 2 Corinthians 510 1 Peter
117 Galatians 610)
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EXPLANATION OF GROWTH

• Three Biblical characteristics
• 3rd - A missionary church (Evangelism)
  Ephesians 412 ASV Paul uses building up same
  word Jesus used in (Matt. 1618) used in a since
  of planting, establishing it when it is not
  known, extending the borders of the kingdom by
  taking it into new territory by evangelism,
  preaching of the gospel.
• They fully recognize that the great commission of
  Christ contained six alls all power, all ye,
  all the world, all nations, all things, all the
  days.
• The two great missionaries of this church where
  the apostle Paul and the evangelist Barnabas.
• The missionary movement that began in Antioch and
  Jerusalem swept over the whole world. (Romans
  18)
• Paul summed it up to live is Christ,
  (Philippians 12)

Ephesians 412 12 for the equipping of the saints
for the work of service, to the building up
(Edifying NKJV) of the body of Christ (NASU)
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COOPERATION OF CHURCHES THE WAY ANTIOCH DID IT
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 113

• Gods Pattern for Cooperation in Evangelism
• Church sends
• preachers
• Acts 1130
• Matthew 2819-20

Matt 2819-20 19 Go therefore and make disciples
of all the nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things
that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (NKJV)
Acts 1130 30 This they also did, and sent it to
the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
(NKJV)
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COOPERATION OF CHURCHES THEWAY ANTIOCH DID IT
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 113
Philippians 414-16 14 Nevertheless you have done
well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you
Philippians know also that in the beginning of
the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no
church shared with me concerning giving and
receiving but you only. 16 For even in
Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my
necessities. (NKJV)

• Gods Pattern for Cooperation in Evangelism
• Church supports
• preachers
• Philippians 414-16
• 2 Corinthians 118-9

2 Corinthians 118-9 8 I robbed other churches,
taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And
when I was present with you, and in need, I was a
burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren
who came from Macedonia supplied. And in
everything I kept myself from being burdensome
to you, and so I will keep myself. (NKJV)
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CHURCH SUPPORT OF A HUMAN ORGANIZATION??
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PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 113
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Missionary Society

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SPONSORING CHURCH ARRANGEMENT??
?
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 2 Timothy 113
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Sponsoring Church

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P
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APOSTASY IN ANTIOCH

• By 380 A. D. bishops in the church were writing
  of the great fall of this church
• All can be lost in a generations time.
• It couldve been said of Antioch, what was said
  to Ephesians by our Lord and Savior, you have
  left your first love remember, repent and do your
  first or work (Revelation 24-5)

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History Warns of Apostasy
Luke 813 1 Tim. 41 Heb. 312
Adam Eve
Days of Noah
Israel
1 Cor. 1011-12
Antioch
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Conclusion The church in Antioch

• The Church of Antioch was indeed a model church,
  its zeal, evangelism, benevolence, and
  edification, made it outstanding.
• It followed the plan of salvation perfectly
• HEAR - John 645
• BELIEVE - John 824
• CONFESS - Roman 109-10
• REPENT - Acts 1730
• BE BAPTIZED - Acts 2216

to the Church Acts 247
BE FAITHFUL Luke 640, 46