Transcript The churches of Christ in the New Testament 2 of 17 “the

Don R. Taaffe,
Gospel preacher,
Dunedin, Florida
October 18, 2009
The churches of
Christ in the New
Testament 2 of 17
“the church in
Antioch”
Acts11:19-23, 26
Acts 11:19 -- 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)

Acts 11:26
 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)
churches of Christ in the
New Testament – 17 Lessons









Origin of Lord’s 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?
“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

Colossians
Acts
14:23
1
Peter
5:2 1:18 (“He” Christ)
18
And
He is
the
head
theConstantinople
body,
So
when
they
had
appointed
elders
inchurch,
every
223
Shepherd
the
flock
ofof
God
which
isthe
among
you,
who is the
beginning,
the
the dead,
church,
andoverseers,
prayed
with
fasting,
theyfrom
commended
serving
as
not
byfirstborn
compulsion
but
Rome
Antioch
that to
in all
things
may have
the
them
the
Lord
inHewhom
they
willingly,
not
for dishonest
gainhad
butbelieved.
eagerly; (NKJV)
preeminence. (NKJV)
Jerusalem
(NKJV)
Colossians 1:18
Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:2
Alexandria
The Beginning of the
church in Antioch
Acts 11:19
(Barnabas and Saul [Paul])
 How did the church begin and how did it
fare who
in this
evilscattered
environment
– (Acts
19 Now those
were
after
the 11:1923; Acts 13:14-50; 14:6-20)
persecution
that
arose
over
Stephen
traveled
as
far
 Started basically as a Jewish church – Acts
as Phoenicia,
Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the
11:19
 Not
wealthy
church,
word to no
oneabut
the Jews
only.though
(NKJV)threatened by

the famine of Jerusalem they sent relief to
others. They learn the great principle of our
Lord, (Acts 20:35)
After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
the church in Antioch became the center for
Christianity
Acts 11:19-20, 23, 26
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that
OF GROWTH
arose overEXPLANATION
Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia,
Cyprus, and
Antioch,
the word
to noexplain
one but the
 But how
do we
theJews only. 20
Acts 4:2preaching
But
somegreatly
ofphenomenal
themdisturbed
were men from
Cyprus
and
Cyrene,
who, in
success
of the
gospel
2 being
that
they taught
the
people
when they had
come to over
Antioch,
spoke
to
the Hellenists,
Antioch
that
of
other
cities?
and
preached
in
Jesus
the
resurrection
from
the
dead.
preachingthe
Lord Jesus.
Three
Biblical characteristics:
(NKJV)
23 When he came
and had seen the grace of God, he was glad,
st
 1 - A teaching church (Edification) –
and encouraged
them11:19,
all that20,
with23,
purpose
heart they
Acts
26 – of
These
should continue
with the Lord.
brethren
believed in the power of the
26 And when heword
had found
he brought
and him,
of the
Lord! him to Antioch. So
it was that for a •whole
year they
assembled
with theteaching
church
Preaching
is always
teaching;
not always
Antioch
was
a
and taught a greatismany
people.preaching.
And the disciples
were
first
preaching/teaching
called Christians in
Antioch.
(NKJV) church – Acts 4:2;
(13:5, 38; 15:36; 17:3, 13; 1 Cor. 9:14)
EXPLANATION
Acts 11:21,
24, 26;
OF GROWTH
21 And the
hand
of the Lord
was
with them, and a great

Lessons
for
us
Acts
11:24
Galatians
3:28-29
Acts
22:21
number
believed
and turned to the Lord.
 was
Don’t
be
discouraged
when
people
reject
the
24
For
he
a
good
man,
full
of
the
Holy
Spirit
and
of
28
There
is neither
Jew 'Depart,
nor
Greek,
there
issend
neither
21
Then
said
to
me,
for
I
will
you
far
24 For
he He
was
a
good
man,
full
of
the
Holy
Spirit
and
of
faith.
gospel
faith.
Andfree,
amany
great
many
people
were
added
to theforLord.
slave
nor
there
iswere
neither
male
nor
female;
And
great
people
added
to the
Lord.
froma here
to
the
Gentiles.'"
(NKJV)
 Look for new opportunities for the gospel -(NKJV)
26
he had
found him,
he brought
to Antioch.
So
youAnd
arewhen
allActs
one
in22:21;
Christ
Jesus.
29 And him
if you
are
(Acts
11:19-23;
15:35)
it
was that then
for a whole
year
they assembled
with
theheirs
church
Christ's,
you
are
Abraham's
seed,
and
 Good and honest hearts still exist and will
and
taught
a
great
many
people.
And
the
disciples
were
first
according hear
to theand
promise.
believe(NKJV)
the gospel -- Acts 11:24
called Christians in Antioch.
 Christ will still bless the faithful work of his
Acts 15:35
servants -- Acts 11:21, 24, 26
35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and
Christians
belong
Christ
the also.
world(NKJV)
-preachingthe
word of the
Lord, to
with
manynot
others
Acts 11: 26; Galatians 3:28-29
WORK OF THE LOCAL
EphesiansCHURCH
4:11-12
PATTERN OF
SOUND WORDS
2
1:13
1 Timothy
Thessalonians
1:8
2
Timothy
1:13
Ephesians
4:11-12
1
11Timothy
And He5:16
Himself gave some to be apostles, some
13
Hold
fast
the
pattern
ofthe
sound
words
which you
8Acts
For
from
you
the
word
of
Lord
has
sounded
forth,
20:28
16
If any believing
man or woman
has widows,
let
them
prophets,
some
evangelists,
and
some
pastors
and
have
heard
from
me,Beinsure
faith
and
which
areevery
in
not
only
in
Macedonia
and
Achaia,
but
also
in
28 "And
now
beware!
that
youlove
feed
and
shepherd
relieve
them,
andthe
do
not
letwork
theofchurch
be
burdened,
teachers,
12
for
equipping
the
saints
for
the

God’s
pattern
for
the
of
the
local
church
Christ
Jesus.
(NKJV)
God's
flock-his
church,
purchased
with
his blood-for
the Holy
place.
Your
faith
toward
God
has
gone
out,
so
that
we
that
itis
relieve
those
whoasare
really
(NKJV)
work
ofmay
ministry,
for
the edifying
of
the widows.
body
of Christ,
Spirit
holding
you
responsible
overseers.
(TLB)
needy
saints(NKJV)
- 1 Timothy 5:16
do 
notCaring
need toforsay
anything.
(NKJV)
28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock,
 Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:8
among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to
 Edification
Acts
(1 purchased
Corinthians
shepherd
the church- of
God20:28;
which He
with14:26;
His own
blood.Eph.
(NKJV)
4:11-12) If no order, then no disorder (1
Cor. 14:40)
7
COOPERATION OF
CHURCHES
PATTERN OF
SOUND WORDS
2 Timothy 1:13
1 Peter 5:2

God’s Pattern
forof
Cooperation
Edification
2 Shepherd
the flock
God which isinamong
you,
serving
as overseers, locally
not by compulsion
but willingly,
 Accomplished
- 1 Peter 5:2
not for•Elders
dishonest gain but eagerly; (NKJV)
•Deacons
•Saints
•Preachers/Teachers
Local
Church
23
What Antioch Practiced
Acts 13:1-3
EDIFICATION
1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain
prophets
and
teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called
$ 4:15-16
Philippians
C
Niger,
Lucius
of
Cyrene,
Manaen
who
had
been
brought
up
Preach
and
15
Now
you
Philippians
know
also
that
in
the
beginning
2
Corinthians
11:8
$
Preacher
with
Herod
the
tetrarch,
and Saul. 2 As they ministered
to the
Teaching
C
of
gospel,
when
I
departed
from
Macedonia,
no
8Lord
Ithe
robbed
other
churches,
taking
wages
from
them
to
Teacher
and fasted,
the
Holy
Spirit
said,"Now
separate
to
Me
The
Gospel
$
church
shared
with
me
concerning
giving
and
receiving
minister
to
you.
(NKJV)
Barnabas
and
Saul
for
the
work
to
which
I
have
called
them."
C
but
youhaving
only. 16
For and
evenprayed,
in Thessalonica
youonsent
aidthey
3 Then,
fasted
and laid hands
them,
Acts
13:1-3;
Philippians
4:15-16
once
and again
for my necessities
(NKJV)
sent them
away.
(NKJV)
2 Corinthians 11:8
11
Not Practiced in True churches
EDIFICATION
C
C
C
$
$
$
Sponsoring
$
Organization
Teacher Teach or
Preach
Preacher Gospel
Scripture
Please!
12
Not Practice by True churches
EDIFICATION
C
C
$
$
$
Bible
School
$
Okay
Preachers
Teachers
Preach
And
Teach
Gospel
C
Scripture
Please!
13
EXPLANATION OF GROWTH

Three Biblical characteristics:
2nd - A benevolent church – Acts 11:29Acts 11:29-3030 – This was done without a special
call fromeach
Judea!
29 Then the disciples,
according to his ability,
• Thisrelief
was to
a congregation
of God’sin
determined to send
the brethren dwelling
people
cared.
Judea. 30 This they
also that
did, and
sent it to the elders by
• Our Father
has a(NKJV)
way of blessing
the hands of Barnabas
and Saul.
those who minister unto the needy.
• Many today “pass by on the other
side,” (Luke 10:31)

Local Church is Sufficient
BENEVOLENCE
1Acts
Corinthians
4:34-37 16:1-4
134
Now
the collection
thewho
saints,
as I for
have
Norconcerning
was there anyone
among for
them
lacked;
allgiven
who
Acts
orders
to the churches
of Galatia,
sosold
you must
also:
2 On
were 2:44-45
possessors
of lands
or houses
them,do
and
brought
$
Local
Church
Relieve
itsthem
44
Now
all
who
believed
were
together,
had
all at
the
first
day
of
the
week
let
each
one
of you35
layand
something
the proceeds of the things that were
sold,
and
laid
Needy
Saints
(elders)
aside,
storing
up
as
he
may
prosper,
that
there
be
noanyone
the
apostles'
feet;
and
they
distributed
to
each
as
things in common, 45 and sold their possessions
and
collections
when
3who
And
when
I come,
whomever
you
had need.
AndI come.
Joses,
was
also
named
Barnabas
by
goods,
and36
divided
them
among
all,
as anyone
had
approve
by
your
letters
I
will
send
to
bear
your
gift
to
the
apostles
(which
is
translated
Son
of
Encouragement),
a
need.
(NKJV)
Actsof the
2:44-45;
4:34-37;
1 land,
Corinthians
Jerusalem.
4 But
if it is
that
go also,
theysold
willit,
goand
with
Levite
country
offitting
Cyprus,
37 Ihaving
me.
(NKJV)
brought
the money
and laid
it at the apostles'
feet. (NKJV)
16:1-4;
(2 Cor
8:12-15;
9:12-15;
Acts
6:1-6; 11:27-30)
6
Local Church is Sufficient
Acts
11:27-30
Romans
15:25-27
BENEVOLENCE
27
in these
cametofrom
Jerusalem
25 And
But now
I amdays
goingprophets
to Jerusalem
minister
to thetosaints.
Antioch.
28
one offrom
them,Macedonia
named Agabus,
stoodto
upmake
and
$ Then those
26C For it pleased
and Achaia
showed
the SpiritLocal
that
wasamong
going to
a great
Church
a certainby$contribution
forthere
the
poor
thebesaints
who are
$ happened
Relieve
its
famine
throughout
all
the
world,
which
also
in
the
in
need
inCJerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their
Needy
Saints
days
of
Claudius
Caesar.
29
Then
the
disciples,
each
debtors. For
have been partakers of their
$ if the Gentiles
(to elders)
according
to his their
ability,
determined
to send relief
to the
C
spiritual
things,
duty
is also to minister
to them
in
brethren
dwelling(NKJV)
in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it
material things.
Acts
11:27-30;
to the
elders
by the hands ofRomans
Barnabas and15:25-27;
Saul. (NKJV)
(1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-4, 13-15; 9:1,
12-14)
7
Local Church is not Sufficient!
BENEVOLENCE
C
C
C
$
$
$
INSTITUTION
$
Need $
Relieve
Needy
Scripture
Please!
8
Local Christians are Sufficient
BENEVOLENCE
26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does
James 1:26-27
d
$
not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart,
this
Relieve
one's
is useless. 27 Pure andNeedy
undefiled
d religion
of the World
$
religion before God and the Father is this:
to Christians)
visit (AID
(Non
$
d orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep
drt)
oneself unspotted from the world. (NKJV)
James 1:26-27; (Luke 10:25-36;
Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15;
2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 1:17;
Galatians 6:10)
7
EXPLANATION OF GROWTH

Three Biblical characteristics:
3rd - A missionary church (Evangelism) – Ephesians
4:12 ASV– Paul uses “building up” same word Jesus
used in (Matt. 16:18) used in a since of planting,
establishing
it when it is not known, extending the
Ephesians
4:12
borders of the kingdom by taking it into new territory
12 for thebyequipping
of the
saintsofforthethe
work of
“evangelism”,
preaching
gospel.
They
fully
recognize
that the great
commission
of of
service, to
the
building
up
(Edifying
NKJV)
of
the
body
Christ contained six “all’s” all power, all ye, all the
world, all nations, all things, all the days.
Christ; (NASU)
 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 1:8)
 Paul summed it up “to live is Christ,” (Philippians 1:2)

COOPERATION OF
CHURCHES – THE
WAY ANTIOCH DID IT

PATTERN OF
SOUND WORDS
2 Timothy 1:13
God’s Pattern for Cooperation in Evangelism
Matt 28:19-20
Church
sends
Acts
11:30
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
P
30
This they
alsoindid,
sent
it toFather
the elders
bythe
the
preachers
baptizing
them
the and
name
of the
and of
hands
ofof
Barnabas
Saul.
Son and
the Holyand
Spirit,
20(NKJV)
teaching themPto
C
observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo,
Acts
11:30;
P age."
I am with you always, even to the end of the
Matthew
28:19-20
Amen.
(NKJV)
22
COOPERATION OF
CHURCHES – THE
WAY ANTIOCH DID IT
PATTERN OF
SOUND WORDS
2 Timothy 1:13
Philippians 4:14-16

Pattern
in Evangelism
14God’s
Nevertheless
youfor
haveCooperation
done well that you
shared in my
distress.
15 Now
you Philippians know also that in the
2 Corinthians
11:8-9
beginning
the
gospel, when
I departed
fromthem
Macedonia,
8 I Church
robbed of
other
supports
churches,
taking
wages from
to minister
P
no
church
shared
mepresent
concerning
giving
and
buta
to you.
9 And
whenwith
I was
with you,
and
in receiving
need, I was
preachers
you
only.to16
even
Thessalonica
sent aidwho
once
and
C theyoubrethren
burden
noFor
one,
for in
what
I lacked
came
P myself from
again
for my necessities.
(NKJV)
from
Macedonia
supplied.
And
in
everything
I
kept
Philippians
4:14-16;
being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. (NKJV)
$
2 Corinthians 11:8-9
21
CHURCH SUPPORT
OF A HUMAN
ORGANIZATION??
C
C
C
?
PATTERN OF
SOUND WORDS
2 Timothy 1:13
P
$
$
$
P
Missionary
Society
P
13
SPONSORING
CHURCH
ARRANGEMENT??
C
C
C
?
PATTERN OF
SOUND WORDS
2 Timothy 1:13
P
$
$
$
P
Sponsoring
Church
P
15
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 generation’s time.
 It could’ve 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 2:4-5)

History Warns of Apostasy
Luke 8:13
1 Tim. 4:1
Heb. 3:12
1 Cor. 10:11-12
Conclusion: The church
in Antioch







The Church of Antioch was indeed a model
church, it’s zeal, evangelism, benevolence, and
edification, made it outstanding.
It followed the plan of salvation perfectly:
HEAR - John 6:45
BELIEVE - John 8:24
CONFESS - Roman 10:9-10
REPENT - Acts 17:30
BE BAPTIZED - Acts 22:16
“to the
Church”
Acts 2:47
BE FAITHFUL
Luke 6:40, 46