The Church in Antioch

Barnabas was already known as a great encourager, so when the church in Jerusalem heard about all of the new Gentile believers in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to help.  He encouraged the Antioch believers, and even more people followed King Jesus.  Then he travelled to Tarsus and found Paul so that Paul could come and help, too. This was a great mission-minded church.  Followers of Jesus were first called Christians at this church.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Acts 11:19-30  
• Acts 12:25-13:3  

Outline:

1. Barnabas and Saul and the Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:19-26) 
2. Sending Help to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30)
3. Ready for Mission (Acts 12:25 through 13:3)

Tips for teaching children:

• Sing the song “I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N” 
• Discuss the meaning of courage and how encouraging someone is to give them courage.
• Look up Jerusalem, Antioch and Tarsus on a map.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Discuss some of the issues that may come up in a multi-cultural / multi-ethnic congregation.
• Discuss the name “Christian” and how it is used today.  In what contexts is it used negatively or positively?  Is it the best name to designate followers of Jesus?  Why or why not?  

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Antioch Church 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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