Where was the first Gentile church established? What events caused the believers to go there? (Acts 11:19–21, 26).What does that remind you of from Old Testament times? (See Daniel 2.)

The first Christian church was established in Antioch. The reason the believers went to Antioch was because of persecution. In the same way the Jews were in an adverse situation, so was Daniel. While in Antioch the Jews witnessed to the Greeks, and while in Babylon Daniel witnessed to king Nebuchadnezzar. Though Daniel was a captive he was able to share the one true God with the Babylonian king. In both situations God used the adverse situation as a catalyst for the spreading of a knowledge of Him.

What occurred in Antioch that resulted in Barnabas' visit to the city and his subsequent decision to invite Paul to join him in Antioch? What kind of picture is presented of the church there? (Acts 11:20–26).

Here in this passage we see how the gospel goes the gentiles. We can see that the christian church at this point is a progressive movement.

Read again Acts 11:19–26. What can we learn from the church at Antioch, a very culturally and ethnically diverse church, that could help churches today emulate the good that existed there?

In this text we see a Church which is diverse. We must lift up the cause of the gospel above of the apparent difference we face culturally. We must always keep in mind the greater purpose at hand.

Prayer: Father thank you for your Gospel. Please use us to carry the gospel wherever to as many people as possible. Thank you in Jesus name amen.

I would like to be a missionary for God

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