Antioch of Syria — today Antakya, in southern Turkey — was the city where the gospel first reached Gentiles in large numbers, where the disciples were first called Christians, and from where Paul and Barnabas were sent out on mission. It appears mainly in the book of Acts.
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
The first mention: among the seven chosen to serve in Jerusalem was Nicolas, a proselyte — a convert to Judaism — from Antioch.
Read the chapter →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. 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. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
After Stephen’s death, believers scattered by persecution reach Antioch and proclaim Jesus to Greeks as well — and many believe.
Read the chapter →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. 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. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
The church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas, who sees the grace of God there and encourages everyone to remain faithful.
Read the chapter →Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 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.
Barnabas brings Saul (Paul) from Tarsus; the two teach the church for a whole year, and in Antioch the disciples are called Christians for the first time.
Read the chapter →And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
After Agabus prophesies a great famine, the church in Antioch sends relief to the believers in Judea, each according to their ability.
Read the chapter →Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
A church led by people of varied backgrounds prays, fasts and sends out Barnabas and Saul: the first missionary journey begins.
Read the chapter →But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Note: this is a different city, Pisidian Antioch, in the interior of modern Turkey, where Paul preached in the synagogue.
Read the chapter →And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples.
At the end of the journey, Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch and tell the church how God opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Read the chapter →So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
The letter from the Jerusalem council — Gentiles did not have to become Jews to follow Christ — is read in Antioch, and the church rejoices.
Read the chapter →But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
In Antioch, Paul confronts Peter for withdrawing from the table with Gentile believers: the gospel does not divide people at the table.
Read the chapter →Antioch was a church that studied the Word, prayed together, cared for others and sent people out. That is the picture the app wants to serve: the Bible with study tools in your pocket, and church life organized in the same place.
In the Antioquia app, a daily devotional brings the Word into your routine, and every verse opens a study of the words in Hebrew and Greek.
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