CHAPTER 11
Antioch Megachurch
Most of this chapter is Peter’s defense to the apostles about baptizing a Gentile into the fold. He recounts the events leading up, including the vision from God, and points out that they received the Holy Spirit before he even baptized them.
“When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.” v.18
We then find ourselves in Antioch, Greece. Remember, in Chapter 7, when believers scattered after Stephen was killed? Some of them relocated here and were preaching the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles! There were so many new believers that word got back to the church in Jerusalem and they decide to send Barnabas who soon asks Paul to join him. They both remained in Antioch for a year, growing and nurturing “great numbers of people.”
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Army Base in a Warzone
Antioch was the 3rd most important city in the Roman Empire. It was a breeding grounds for all types of ungodliness, yet, it became a headquarters of Christian faith!