Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Repentance Unto Life"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
The title of today’s message is the last verse from last week, Acts 11: 18.
Jesus’ offering of salvation cost Him everything of His life on Earth. As the Apostles and Disciples traveled and moved to distant places, world evangelism had begun. Heaven had opened to the Gentiles, whom the Jews considered like unclean dogs.
Meanwhile, those still back in Jerusalem, ministered to the Jews of Jerusalem and Judea, by showing them “a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12: 31). A more excellent way to what, one may ask… Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It is the way to Jesus; the way to eternal life; the way to heaven, peace, and eternal joy.
This is the whole purpose of the entire Bible. As we have strayed from our Maker, our Maker has inspired some men to teach, and to guide us back to our Maker, through His own words. It is yet another of God’s gifts to those He has created. The Bible is God’s love story written to those who desire a way back to Him.
The Jews thought that it was a privilege reserved for them, for following the Levitical Law and its Ordinances. But the Apostles knew from watching Jesus during His ministry on Earth that this new “way” was for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. The Jewish view of humanity was “Gentiles vs. Jews,” because of their being His Chosen People. But “chosen” for what?
Genesis 3:15 speaks of a battle between the serpent, and “the seed of the woman.” At its foundation, this is the war between good and evil. And mankind must choose whom they want to follow. And the battle boiled down to “Rules vs. Love.” We are told that “God so loved the world, that He gave us His only begotten (human born) Son. They were chosen to bring the seed of the woman into the world, for all mankind.
“One Lord, one faith, one baptism…” - Ephesians 4:5
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
The title of today’s message is the last verse from last week, Acts 11: 18.
Jesus’ offering of salvation cost Him everything of His life on Earth. As the Apostles and Disciples traveled and moved to distant places, world evangelism had begun. Heaven had opened to the Gentiles, whom the Jews considered like unclean dogs.
Meanwhile, those still back in Jerusalem, ministered to the Jews of Jerusalem and Judea, by showing them “a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12: 31). A more excellent way to what, one may ask… Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It is the way to Jesus; the way to eternal life; the way to heaven, peace, and eternal joy.
This is the whole purpose of the entire Bible. As we have strayed from our Maker, our Maker has inspired some men to teach, and to guide us back to our Maker, through His own words. It is yet another of God’s gifts to those He has created. The Bible is God’s love story written to those who desire a way back to Him.
The Jews thought that it was a privilege reserved for them, for following the Levitical Law and its Ordinances. But the Apostles knew from watching Jesus during His ministry on Earth that this new “way” was for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. The Jewish view of humanity was “Gentiles vs. Jews,” because of their being His Chosen People. But “chosen” for what?
Genesis 3:15 speaks of a battle between the serpent, and “the seed of the woman.” At its foundation, this is the war between good and evil. And mankind must choose whom they want to follow. And the battle boiled down to “Rules vs. Love.” We are told that “God so loved the world, that He gave us His only begotten (human born) Son. They were chosen to bring the seed of the woman into the world, for all mankind.
“One Lord, one faith, one baptism…” - Ephesians 4:5
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version
Sunday Morning Message:
Acts 11:19-30 - "Repentance Unto Life"
Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:
Travel back with me to the Golden city of the Roman empire.
Antioch was called the Queen city of the east. It’s main street was more than four miles long - paved entirely with marble, and lined on both sides by marble columns.
The Roman author, Cicero described it as a place of scholarly citizens and classical studies.
In addition to that, Antioch rivaled Corinth in it’s sinfulness. It would have been a combination of Las Vegas and New Orleans combined. It was the only city in the ancient world that had its streets lit at night.
Chariot racing, gambling and the pursuit of physical pleasure was the action in this city. In fact, even its chief religion at the Temple of Daphne was nothing more than immorality and prostitution.
Antioch was sin city - any vice, any god, any pleasure, was within walking distance.
The streets of Antioch were never quiet, this city never slept.
If there was a city in the Roman empire that you would never imagine to be the place for an evangelistic crusade - it was Antioch.
If there was ever a city that would ignore the gospel - it was First Century New York city.
And yet, out of the next few verses in our study through the Book of Acts, what we discover is an incredible example - an example of Christianity - an example of God’s grace - an example of godly living in the midst of ungodly temptation - believe it or not - an example of a New Testament church.
Acts 11:19–30 describes the growth of the early church in Antioch, marking the shift of the gospel message to the Gentile world and the birth of the term "Christians."
Believers scattered by the persecution following Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. While many spoke only to Jews, men from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching the Good News of Jesus to Gentiles (Greeks) as well, and many turned to the Lord.
When the church in Jerusalem heard about the growth in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to investigate. Seeing God's grace at work, he rejoiced and encouraged the new believers to stay faithful.
Barnabus travelled to Tarsus to find Saul (later known as Paul) and brought him back to Antioch. They spent a full year teaching large crowds and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
In the last couple of verses, a prophet by the name of Agabus predicted a severe worldwide famine that happened during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. In response, the Antioch believers decided to send financial relief to their brothers and sisters in Judea, delivering it through Barnabas and Saul to the elders in Jerusalem
Let’s pick our study back up with chapter 11, verse 19.
Sunday Morning Audio Message: Coming Soon!
They Which Were Scattered Abroad (11:19) - This takes us back to Acts chapter 8 referring to events that took place among the Jews and it occurred "after the persecution that arose over Stephen."
Persecution (11:19) - the persecution these early believers face led to tribulation. Because of this, these Jewish believers traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.
Phenice (Phoenicia) (11:19) - The coastal region directly north of Judea, containing the trading ports of Tyre and Sidon. The name is believed to come from the Greek word phoinix, meaning a palm tree, most especially the date palm. Albert Barnes describes the location, saying, “Phenice, or Phoenicia, was a province of Syria, which in its largest sense comprehended a narrow strip of country lying on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, and extending from Antioch to the borders of Egypt. But Phenice Proper extended only from the cities of Laodicea to Tyre, and included only the territories of Tyre and Sidon. This country was called sometimes simply ‘Canaan.’”
Cyprus (11:19) - This is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia, located some sixty miles west off the Syrian coast
Antioch (11:19) - Located some 200 miles north of Sidon, Antioch was a major pagan metropolis, the third largest in the Roman Empire, behind Rome and Alexandria. Albert Barnes again describes the place, saying, “There were two cities of this name, one situated in Pisidia in Asia Minor (see Acts 13:14); the other, referred to here, was situated on the Orontes River, and was long, the capital of Syria. It was built by Seleucus Nicanor and was called Antioch in honor of his father Antiochus. It was founded in 301 B.C. It is not mentioned in the Old Testament, but is several times mentioned in the Apocrypha and in the New Testament. It was long the most powerful city of the East, and was inferior only to Seleucia and Alexandria. It was famous for the fact that the right of citizenship was conferred by Seleucus on the Jews as well as the Greeks and Macedonians, so that here they had the privilege of worship in their own way without molestation. It is probable that the Christians would be regarded merely as a sect of Jews, and would be here suffered to celebrate their worship without interruption.”
Preaching the Word (11:19) - With these locations noted, the verse finishes with the thought that those scattered were “preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.” Although true to some extent, this is not so much because they “had the common prejudices of the Jews, that the offers of salvation were made only to the Jews” (Barnes), but that they probably had no idea that Gentiles would even be included in God’s offer of Christ Jesus. In other words, it is true that the Jews had these prejudices, but without even knowing something is available to others, those prejudices would not even arise. Peter found out that Gentiles could be included, and he set aside any such prejudices. These Jews were as of yet uninformed as to what God was going to do for the Gentiles. Therefore, they simply went about telling their own fellow Jews that the Messiah had come.
Men From Cyprus and Crene (11:20) - these men had been in Jerusalem, but when Stephen was stoned and the great time of tribulation came against the saints, some of the people who were scattered to the cities previously mentioned were Jews who originally came from Cyprus and Cyrene. As such, they would speak the native languages and they would be able to effectively relay the word about Jesus to people in those areas. And more, they would be more comfortable having conversations with the native people, including Gentiles. Having noted that, it next says, “who, when they had come to Antioch.”
Grecians (Hellenists) (11:20) - These are Greek-speaking non-Jews.
Hand of the Lord (11:21) - Speaks of both God's power expressed in judgment and in blessing. Here, it refers to blessing. This is referring to those who preached about Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and they were able to effectively communicate the good news, bringing others to salvation.
Barnabas (11:22) - Barnabas was introduced into the Bible in Acts 4:36 where it said several things about him that would make him an obvious choice to go. First, his name means Son of Encouragement. His real name being Joses, tells us that he was called Barnabas because it fit his character. Thus, he would be well-suited to the task of encouraging those believers he encountered. Secondly, he was a Levite. By nature of their tribe, Levites were teachers of the law and those who were set aside to give instruction and help to others within the Jewish community. Therefore, he would be well-suited to such work outside of Israel. And this is especially so because it also says he was from Cyprus. As such, he would certainly be fluent in Greek and the native tongue of the area as well.
Tarsus (11:25) - Again, this is the birthplace of Saul (Paul) and a key city in the Roman province of Cilicia, located on the banks of the Cydnus River near the border of Asia Minor and Syria.
To Seek Saul (11:25) - This was no easy task. Several years had elapsed since Saul fled Jerusalem (9:30). Apparently, he had been disinherited and forced to leave his home due to his new allegiance to Christianity (Philippians 3:8).
Christians (11:26) - A term of derision, a pejorative, such as, "Look at those stupid 'Christians.'" However, to a believer in the Greek-speaking world, the name is the only logical and proper title. The word Christos is transliterated into “Christ,” and it has the same meaning as Messiah. Both mean “Anointed One.” As the majority of believers moved from Hebrew speaking to Greek-speaking Jews, and even Gentiles, such as would be the case in Antioch, the title “Christian,” or “Christ-follower,” would naturally and gladly be used. There would be no hint of derision, but only a welcome bearing of the word.
Prophets (11:27) - These are the preachers of the New Testament (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:32, Ephesians 2:20). The word used indicates one who speaks by the inspiration of God. Their utterance can be to either foretell events or to forth tell, such as in explaining the Word of God. It is the same word used by Paul in Romans 12:6 and elsewhere as an office of the church.
Agabus (11:28) - One of the Jerusalem prophets who years later played an important part in Paul's ministry (21:10, 11).
A Great Dearth (Famine) (11:28) - Several ancient writers (Tacitus [Annals XI 43], Josephus [Antiquities XX.ii.5], and Suetonius [Claudius 18]) affirm the occurrence of great famines in Israel c. A.D. 45-46. Agabus gave a word that was to be taken as a sign that something would come to pass. This coming event was “that there was going to be a great famine.” The reason for reporting this now will be seen in the coming verses, but other reasons which go unstated are that the New Covenant church, not Israel under the law, is given the word by the Spirit. It also shows that the famine which is coming could be prepared for by the church, both spiritually and physically, so that it would be able to continue and flourish. As for the famine itself, it is next said to be coming “throughout all the world.”
All the World (11:28) - The famine reached beyond the region of Palestine.
Claudius Caesar (11:28) - The Roman Emperor. He began his reign in 41 A.D., and he reigned for 13 years. He was at last poisoned by one of his wives, Agrippina, who wished to raise her son Nero to the throne. During his reign no less than four different famines are mentioned by ancient writers, one of which was particularly severe in Judea, and was the one, doubtless, to which the sacred writer here refers.
Elders (11:30) - This is the first mention of the men who were pastor-overseers of the churches (15:4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4; 21:18); i.e., a plurality of godly men responsible to lead the church. They soon began to occupy the leading role in the churches, transitioning from the apostles and prophets, who were foundational (cf. Ephesians 2:20; 4:11).
Travel back with me to the Golden city of the Roman empire.
Antioch was called the Queen city of the east. It’s main street was more than four miles long - paved entirely with marble, and lined on both sides by marble columns.
The Roman author, Cicero described it as a place of scholarly citizens and classical studies.
In addition to that, Antioch rivaled Corinth in it’s sinfulness. It would have been a combination of Las Vegas and New Orleans combined. It was the only city in the ancient world that had its streets lit at night.
Chariot racing, gambling and the pursuit of physical pleasure was the action in this city. In fact, even its chief religion at the Temple of Daphne was nothing more than immorality and prostitution.
Antioch was sin city - any vice, any god, any pleasure, was within walking distance.
The streets of Antioch were never quiet, this city never slept.
If there was a city in the Roman empire that you would never imagine to be the place for an evangelistic crusade - it was Antioch.
If there was ever a city that would ignore the gospel - it was First Century New York city.
And yet, out of the next few verses in our study through the Book of Acts, what we discover is an incredible example - an example of Christianity - an example of God’s grace - an example of godly living in the midst of ungodly temptation - believe it or not - an example of a New Testament church.
Acts 11:19–30 describes the growth of the early church in Antioch, marking the shift of the gospel message to the Gentile world and the birth of the term "Christians."
Believers scattered by the persecution following Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. While many spoke only to Jews, men from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching the Good News of Jesus to Gentiles (Greeks) as well, and many turned to the Lord.
When the church in Jerusalem heard about the growth in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to investigate. Seeing God's grace at work, he rejoiced and encouraged the new believers to stay faithful.
Barnabus travelled to Tarsus to find Saul (later known as Paul) and brought him back to Antioch. They spent a full year teaching large crowds and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
In the last couple of verses, a prophet by the name of Agabus predicted a severe worldwide famine that happened during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. In response, the Antioch believers decided to send financial relief to their brothers and sisters in Judea, delivering it through Barnabas and Saul to the elders in Jerusalem
Let’s pick our study back up with chapter 11, verse 19.
Sunday Morning Audio Message: Coming Soon!
Key Words and Definitions with Reference:
Persecution (11:19) - the persecution these early believers face led to tribulation. Because of this, these Jewish believers traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.
Phenice (Phoenicia) (11:19) - The coastal region directly north of Judea, containing the trading ports of Tyre and Sidon. The name is believed to come from the Greek word phoinix, meaning a palm tree, most especially the date palm. Albert Barnes describes the location, saying, “Phenice, or Phoenicia, was a province of Syria, which in its largest sense comprehended a narrow strip of country lying on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, and extending from Antioch to the borders of Egypt. But Phenice Proper extended only from the cities of Laodicea to Tyre, and included only the territories of Tyre and Sidon. This country was called sometimes simply ‘Canaan.’”
Cyprus (11:19) - This is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia, located some sixty miles west off the Syrian coast
Antioch (11:19) - Located some 200 miles north of Sidon, Antioch was a major pagan metropolis, the third largest in the Roman Empire, behind Rome and Alexandria. Albert Barnes again describes the place, saying, “There were two cities of this name, one situated in Pisidia in Asia Minor (see Acts 13:14); the other, referred to here, was situated on the Orontes River, and was long, the capital of Syria. It was built by Seleucus Nicanor and was called Antioch in honor of his father Antiochus. It was founded in 301 B.C. It is not mentioned in the Old Testament, but is several times mentioned in the Apocrypha and in the New Testament. It was long the most powerful city of the East, and was inferior only to Seleucia and Alexandria. It was famous for the fact that the right of citizenship was conferred by Seleucus on the Jews as well as the Greeks and Macedonians, so that here they had the privilege of worship in their own way without molestation. It is probable that the Christians would be regarded merely as a sect of Jews, and would be here suffered to celebrate their worship without interruption.”
Preaching the Word (11:19) - With these locations noted, the verse finishes with the thought that those scattered were “preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.” Although true to some extent, this is not so much because they “had the common prejudices of the Jews, that the offers of salvation were made only to the Jews” (Barnes), but that they probably had no idea that Gentiles would even be included in God’s offer of Christ Jesus. In other words, it is true that the Jews had these prejudices, but without even knowing something is available to others, those prejudices would not even arise. Peter found out that Gentiles could be included, and he set aside any such prejudices. These Jews were as of yet uninformed as to what God was going to do for the Gentiles. Therefore, they simply went about telling their own fellow Jews that the Messiah had come.
Men From Cyprus and Crene (11:20) - these men had been in Jerusalem, but when Stephen was stoned and the great time of tribulation came against the saints, some of the people who were scattered to the cities previously mentioned were Jews who originally came from Cyprus and Cyrene. As such, they would speak the native languages and they would be able to effectively relay the word about Jesus to people in those areas. And more, they would be more comfortable having conversations with the native people, including Gentiles. Having noted that, it next says, “who, when they had come to Antioch.”
Grecians (Hellenists) (11:20) - These are Greek-speaking non-Jews.
Hand of the Lord (11:21) - Speaks of both God's power expressed in judgment and in blessing. Here, it refers to blessing. This is referring to those who preached about Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and they were able to effectively communicate the good news, bringing others to salvation.
Barnabas (11:22) - Barnabas was introduced into the Bible in Acts 4:36 where it said several things about him that would make him an obvious choice to go. First, his name means Son of Encouragement. His real name being Joses, tells us that he was called Barnabas because it fit his character. Thus, he would be well-suited to the task of encouraging those believers he encountered. Secondly, he was a Levite. By nature of their tribe, Levites were teachers of the law and those who were set aside to give instruction and help to others within the Jewish community. Therefore, he would be well-suited to such work outside of Israel. And this is especially so because it also says he was from Cyprus. As such, he would certainly be fluent in Greek and the native tongue of the area as well.
Tarsus (11:25) - Again, this is the birthplace of Saul (Paul) and a key city in the Roman province of Cilicia, located on the banks of the Cydnus River near the border of Asia Minor and Syria.
To Seek Saul (11:25) - This was no easy task. Several years had elapsed since Saul fled Jerusalem (9:30). Apparently, he had been disinherited and forced to leave his home due to his new allegiance to Christianity (Philippians 3:8).
Christians (11:26) - A term of derision, a pejorative, such as, "Look at those stupid 'Christians.'" However, to a believer in the Greek-speaking world, the name is the only logical and proper title. The word Christos is transliterated into “Christ,” and it has the same meaning as Messiah. Both mean “Anointed One.” As the majority of believers moved from Hebrew speaking to Greek-speaking Jews, and even Gentiles, such as would be the case in Antioch, the title “Christian,” or “Christ-follower,” would naturally and gladly be used. There would be no hint of derision, but only a welcome bearing of the word.
Prophets (11:27) - These are the preachers of the New Testament (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:32, Ephesians 2:20). The word used indicates one who speaks by the inspiration of God. Their utterance can be to either foretell events or to forth tell, such as in explaining the Word of God. It is the same word used by Paul in Romans 12:6 and elsewhere as an office of the church.
Agabus (11:28) - One of the Jerusalem prophets who years later played an important part in Paul's ministry (21:10, 11).
A Great Dearth (Famine) (11:28) - Several ancient writers (Tacitus [Annals XI 43], Josephus [Antiquities XX.ii.5], and Suetonius [Claudius 18]) affirm the occurrence of great famines in Israel c. A.D. 45-46. Agabus gave a word that was to be taken as a sign that something would come to pass. This coming event was “that there was going to be a great famine.” The reason for reporting this now will be seen in the coming verses, but other reasons which go unstated are that the New Covenant church, not Israel under the law, is given the word by the Spirit. It also shows that the famine which is coming could be prepared for by the church, both spiritually and physically, so that it would be able to continue and flourish. As for the famine itself, it is next said to be coming “throughout all the world.”
All the World (11:28) - The famine reached beyond the region of Palestine.
Claudius Caesar (11:28) - The Roman Emperor. He began his reign in 41 A.D., and he reigned for 13 years. He was at last poisoned by one of his wives, Agrippina, who wished to raise her son Nero to the throne. During his reign no less than four different famines are mentioned by ancient writers, one of which was particularly severe in Judea, and was the one, doubtless, to which the sacred writer here refers.
Elders (11:30) - This is the first mention of the men who were pastor-overseers of the churches (15:4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4; 21:18); i.e., a plurality of godly men responsible to lead the church. They soon began to occupy the leading role in the churches, transitioning from the apostles and prophets, who were foundational (cf. Ephesians 2:20; 4:11).
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