Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1925-06-11
Lesson for June IA
THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH

LESSON TExT-Aets 11:19-30.
GOLDEN TExT-The disciples were
called Christians first in Antioch
Acts 1925.
PRIMARY ToPIC-Some People Who
Received New Name.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Barnabas in An
tioch.
INTERMEDIARY AND SENIOR TOP
IC-Lesson From the Church in An
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-The Secret of a Growing Church
Saul, the new missionary who was
to lead in the evangelization of the
heather, having been miraculously
called to his work, it was necessary
that new religious center be estab-
lished. Antioch became that center.
|. Preaching the Word of God at
Antioch wv. 1920.
Persecution at Jerusalem scattered
the disciples abroad Some went
among the Jews only with the gospel
message, while those from Africa and
Cyprus courageously crossed the line
and preached to the Greeks also. The
Lord blessed their work in granting
many conversions. SO great was the
stir that the news reached Jerusalem,
the mother church. I Persecution
worked for good in this case as well
as in many since. These humble peo-
pie with hearts touched with the
Spirit went out with the glad mes
sage of life to others.
II. Barnabas Sent to Inspect the
Work wv. 22-26)
l. The Character of Barnabas ".
24).
He was a good man. 1t Is important
in sending a man to follow up the
work Of the Spirit that his character
be good. He must not only have an
unblemished character, but his sym
pathy must be broad He must be
capable of entering In full apprecia-
ton Of the things about him. BarnA-
bas was full Of the Holy Spirit. This
is an essential qualification for pas
toral work. Only Spirit-filied man
can discern the workings of the Spirit
of God He was likewise man Of
great faith. Only a man Of faith
should instruct young Christians.
2. Work Done by Barnabas tvv. %.
%. 2e>.
(a) He heartily endorsed the work
and earnestly exhorted them TO eout
tinue steadfastly In the faith. and to
cleave unto the Lord. There are
many arlurements to tempt young
Christians.
(b) He rejoiced over the work
which had been done. This shows
that Barnabas could rejoice over the
successful work done by others.
(c) He brought Saul from Tarsus
". 25).
He did more than merely inspect
the work. Doubtless he preached also
for many people were added unto the
Lord. The work grew to such an ex-
tent that he brought Saul to help him
They labored together for year with
great success, and carefully taught
the people. Believers, after they have
confessed Christ, need careful teach
ing. Barnabas had the good judg-
ment to seek Saul for this important
work. 1t is the duty of church Off
Gals to seek out men and women who
are qualified for the Lords work,
bringing them from their places of
obscurity and setting them to work in
the Lords vineyard. Saul was a more
important man than Barnabas There
are many men in obscurity who re-
quire a Barnabas to bring them forth
Ill. The Disciples First Called Chris
tians ". 26).
They were not called by this name
in derision as often asserted. Sitter
well says, what Luke intends to con-
vey is that Saul and Barnabas taught
in the church for year and the dis
ciples were first called Christians
The name was a consequence of the
teaching" Green renders the passage
thus: "And it came to pass with them
that they were combined even for a
whole year in the church, and taught
much people, and that the disciples
were first called Christians at An
tioch." This distinctive title came
through Divine guidance 1t was ow-
ing to the teaching of Saul and
Barnabas that this body called the
church was given its unique standing
and place. Let it be remembered that
it was not given as term of re-
proach but because of the close re-
semblance of the body to it's head,
Christ.
Nv. Benevolence of the Church at
Antioch wv. 27-30).
They made up money for the poor
saints at Jerusalem and sent it by the
hands Of Barnabas and Saul. The
genuineness of the work at Antioch
is proven by their good deeds 1t was
further emphasized in that there was
no division between Jew and Gentle
Christians. The Gentiles ministered