Lesson 15:The Church in Antioch, the First Apostle Martyred & Herod’s Death (11:19-12:24)

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

A. The church continued to spread, in spite of and as a result of persecution (11:19-21).1. Phoenicia: about 7 miles wide & ran 150 miles N of Mt. Carmel2. Cyprus: island (140 mi x 6 mi) about 60 miles W of the Syrian coast3. Antioch of Syria: about 300 miles N of Jerusalem; population 500,0004. The church was transitioning evangelistically, from Jews only to

Gentiles also (11:20).a) But, their message did not change – the Lord Jesus.b) Their means of success did not change – “hand of the Lord”c) Their results did not change – “a great number believed and turned

to the Lord.”

5. The act of turning to the Lord, contextually, takes place in baptism (see Acts 3:19).

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Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

B. Barnabas & Saul worked together in Antioch for a year before their journeys (11:22-26). 1. Barnabas was sent by the Jerusalem church to help the

brethren in Antioch (11:22).a) He saw God’s grace (Gk, charis) & was “glad” (Gk, chairo) (11:23)b) Barnabas did what Barnabas always did – “encouraged” (11:23).c) “Great” results through the grace of God (11:21, 24, 26).

2. Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to work in Antioch (11:25).

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A. New Christians (all Christians) must be urged to continue with the Lord (11:23).

II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

C. The disciples of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch of Syria (11:26).1. “Christian” only 3 x’s in N.T. – Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16

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B. God gave the disciples a new name to wear: “Christians” (11:26; cf. Isa. 62:2).

1. The Book of Mormon claims there were Christians in 73 B.C. God says “first” in 11:26.

2. “Called” is used exclusively in the N.T. of Divine callings, so this was of God, not man.

3. Rather than a denominational name, “Christian” should be all that we seek to wear!

II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

D. Agabus prophesied a great famine, during which the church helped each other (11:27-30).1. The famine happened in the days of the 4th Roman Emperor, Claudius.2. The church in Antioch ministered to the brethren in Judea (11:29).3. The elders of the Jerusalem church received and handled the

distribution (11:30).a) This is the first mention of church elders in Acts (cf. 12:25 + 14:23)

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C. Christians are not required to tithe, but each one give “according to his ability” (11:29).1. “According to what one has…not to what he does not have” (2 Co. 8:12)2. “Ability” is a combination of his resources and his opportunities.

II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

E. Herod Agrippa (The First) exercised terrible violence against the church (12:1-4).1. This Herod = grandson of Herod the Great (Matt. 2:1-12)

a) Nephew of Herod Antipas (beheaded John the Baptist)b) Father of Herod Agrippa II ( “almost persuaded” by Paul)

2. Herod Agrippa beheaded the apostle James, the first apostle martyred for Christ (12:2).

3. Herod also seized Peter, with the intent to kill him for the Jews also (12:3-4).1. Josephus: Herod was very ambitious to please the people (cf. 12:3)2. Herod delayed the killing b/c it was the time of Passover (12:3-4)3. Days of Unleavened Bread = 7 days following Passover (Ex. 23:15)4. Herod delivered Peter to 16 soldiers (4 squads of 4)5. The word at the end of verse 4 is “Passover,” not “Easter” (KJV).

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Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

F. The Lord freed Peter from prison, causing a stir in the church and with Herod (12:5-19).1. Peter was constantly guarded & church constantly prayed (12:5)2. Night before execution, Peter miraculously freed from heavily-

guarded prison (12:6-11).3. The church had gathered at Mary’s house to pray; that’s where

Peter went (12:12-17).4. The church seemed to lack faith in their prayers, not believing

Peter was there (12:14-17).a) Peter walked them thru how the Lord had delivered him (12:17)b) James, Jesus’ half-bro, becoming a real leader (12:17; 15:13)

5. Herod put the guards to death for losing their prisoner (S.O.P. for Rome, cf. 16:27).

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D. Christians need to have prayer meetings and then trust in the power of prayer (12:5-17).1. Christians in Acts 12 were gathered in the late night/early

morning to pray together.2. “Have confidence toward God,” for “whatever we ask we

receive” (1 Jn. 3:21-22).3. “The confidence we have in Him…if we ask anything acc. to

His will…” (1 Jn. 5:14-15).4. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” (Jas. 1:6-8; Heb.

11:6; Mark 11:22-24).

II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

G. Herod’s arrogant pride led to his gruesome death (20-23)1. Herod delighted himself in adulation from citizens and some were

anxious to give it.2. Receiving praise due unto deity, “The voice of a god,” he did not refuse

it (12:22-23).3. Scripture gives the reason Herod was killed, “He did not give glory to

God” (12:23).4. Josephus said that Herod got a pain in his stomach and suffered for 5

days (age 54). H. In spite of Herod’s attempts, the cause of Jesus continued to

grow (12:24).1. Two imperfects (continued to grow & continued to multiply) show

steady progress.2. It seems that the more the disciples were persecuted, the faster the

church grew.

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A. When the hand of the Lord is with us, great things can and will happen!

B. When we teach a great many people, a great many people can turn to the Lord!

C. Our confidence in God can let us sleep, knowing that He does not sleep (Psa. 121:3-4)!

D. When we seek the praise of men more than the praise of God, we are doomed!

E. The church can either grow in spite of our efforts or in accord with our efforts!

III. Practical Points of Application for Our Lives