In this message, Max continues exploring the Church in Antioch, using Acts 11–13. He revisits its birth, its leaders, and its legacy as a model for today’s churches. The church in Antioch was not born out of a grand campaign, but through persecution and simple obedience to the Holy Spirit.
1. The Birth of the Church in Antioch
After Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 7, a wave of persecution scattered believers from Jerusalem (Acts 8).
Many relocated to Antioch, where they began sharing the Gospel, especially with Gentiles unfamiliar with the God of Israel.
This dispersion marked the beginning of the Gospel reaching the “ends of the earth,” as Jesus had instructed in Acts 1:8.
2. The Gospel Message: Good News Built on Bad News
Max outlined the core gospel as the early church would’ve explained it to Gentiles:
Bad news: Sin entered through Adam, resulting in spiritual death and separation from God.
Good news: Jesus became our propitiation—a substitute who bore God’s wrath—died for our sins, and rose again, offering us new life.
The same Spirit who raised Jesus now raises us into spiritual life.
3. Leadership in Antioch
Five key leaders are mentioned in Acts 13:1—Barnabas, Simeon (called Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul (Paul).
Focus on Barnabas:
His real name was Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus who sold his land and gave the proceeds to the church (Acts 4).
Nicknamed “Barnabas” (Son of Encouragement) for his prophetic and uplifting ministry.
He boldly vouched for Saul (Paul), risking his reputation to help launch Paul’s ministry.
He mentored Paul in a practical, Spirit-led, life-on-life way, setting a model for discipleship.
Max challenges the audience: What’s your nickname in the church? What are you known for? Are you mentoring or being mentored?
4. The Antioch Church’s Distinct Character
Unified Body: Unlike today’s fragmented church landscape, Antioch is described simply as “the church in Antioch,” not multiple churches.
Spirit-led, mission-minded: They fasted, prayed, and responded to the Spirit’s leading to send Paul and Barnabas on mission.
Culturally diverse leadership: Gentiles and Jews served side-by-side.
Disciples were first called “Christians” here—not by themselves, but by outsiders—because of their Christ-like behavior and lifestyle.
5. Christlikeness as the Goal of Teaching
Max emphasized that:
True teaching leads to transformation, not just information.
Antioch’s teaching culture produced believers who embodied Jesus, hence the name “Christian.”
Discipleship isn’t just meetings—it’s doing life together. The fruit of such relationships was seen in Paul’s later mentorship of Timothy, Titus, and many others.
6. Final Questions & Reflection
Max closes by urging reflection:
Are we more focused on our own congregation or on multiplying disciples across our city?
Do we allow the Spirit to lead us collectively and personally?
Are we known to be Christians, not by label, but by our likeness to Christ?
He calls the church to follow Antioch’s example: to be vibrant, mission-driven, and fully submitted to the Spirit’s leading.