Bible Study on Acts 11, verses 19 to 26, the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch

 

Acts 11:19 ¶  Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20  And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21  And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22  Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23  Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25  Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26  And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

 

The phrase scattered abroad appears to be a reference to the Jews and Jewish Christians that were dispersed by persecution in various diasporas. It is used in John 11:52; Acts 8:1,4; and in James 1:1 although the phrase is also used in the Old Testament regarding the building of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:4, the Hebrews having to collect stubble for straw in Exodus 5:12, but also referring to the Jews in Esther 3:8.

 

Phenice was located on the island of Crete. Here it is not Phoenicia located in the vicinity of modern-day Lebanon although that has the same name. See chapter 15. The context is important.

 

Acts 27:12  And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

 

Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean. Cyrene was, according to most commentators, was located in North Africa in the northern part of present-day Libya.

 

The Christian community is growing now due to God’s work and Barnabas, extolled as a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and faith is sent by the elders at Jerusalem to Antioch. It is here that Christians are first called as such. God uses Barnabas to add much people to the Lord.

 

Antioch became known for its Christians’ literal interpretation of the Bible as opposed to Alexandria, Egypt’s Christian’s allegorical interpretation. One side says the Bible says what it says and the other side insists that what it says means something else. You decide which is a better bet.

 

Antioch will recommend Paul’s work among the Gentiles later. He spends a year here at Antioch teaching to the new Christians. What Bible classes they must have had!