The First Christians in Antioch: A Commentary on Acts 11
By Prof. A.P. Lopukhin
In the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 11, we encounter pivotal events in the early Christian Church, focusing on Peter’s actions, the spread of the Gospel beyond Palestine, particularly in Antioch, and the shaping of the early Christian identity.
The Challenge in Jerusalem (Acts 11:1-18)
Peter’s actions came under scrutiny from the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. They did not question his preaching to the Gentiles but were disturbed by his association and eating with uncircumcised individuals. Although these Jewish Christians knew Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), they struggled with the cultural practice of separating from uncircumcised Gentiles. Their concern was not doctrinal but rather the social and ritual purity laws that distinguished Jews from Gentiles.
Peter responded by recounting the vision he had in Joppa, where a sheet came down from heaven filled with various animals, and God instructed him to “kill and eat.” When Peter initially resisted, citing Jewish dietary laws, God insisted, “What God has cleansed, you must not call common” (Acts 11:9). This vision, repeated three times, symbolized the breaking down of the boundaries between Jews and Gentiles. Peter connected this vision to the Spirit’s explicit command to accept Gentiles into the faith. His defense was that God had ordained the inclusion of Gentiles, and “who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17).
The response from the Jewish believers was remarkable. Upon hearing Peter’s account, they praised God for granting Gentiles “repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18). St. John Chrysostom highlights the power of Peter’s testimony, noting that the critics were not only appeased but also led to glorify God. This moment marked the official acknowledgment of Gentile Christians as full members of the faith.
The Spread of the Gospel to Antioch (Acts 11:19-21)
Following the persecution that ensued after the martyrdom of Stephen, many believers fled Judea and spread the Gospel to regions like Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. Initially, they preached only to Jews, in accordance with the tradition of offering the Gospel first to God’s chosen people. However, in Antioch, a group of Hellenistic Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles, breaking with the earlier pattern.
Antioch, a major city in Syria founded by Seleucus Nicator, had a diverse population, including a significant number of Jews. It became a crucial center for the early Church. With the rise of Gentile converts, the Antiochian community became the first large Christian congregation composed primarily of non-Jews.
Barnabas and Saul in Antioch (Acts 11:22-26)
When the Jerusalem Church heard about the rapid growth of the Gentile believers in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to evaluate the situation. Barnabas, known for his character and spiritual wisdom, rejoiced at seeing God’s grace at work among the Gentiles. He encouraged the new believers to remain steadfast in their faith with “purpose of heart” (Acts 11:23).
Recognizing the formidable challenge of nurturing this growing community, Barnabas sought out Saul (later known as Paul) in Tarsus. Saul, as an apostle to the Gentiles, was uniquely suited to help guide this burgeoning community. Together, Barnabas and Saul spent a year in Antioch, teaching and strengthening the believers. It was here, in this vibrant and growing community, that the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). This name, likely coined by the local pagans, marked a new identity that transcended the boundaries between Jewish and Gentile believers.
Prophecy of Famine and Almsgiving (Acts 11:27-30)
During this time, prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch, one of whom, Agabus, predicted by the Spirit a coming famine that would affect the entire Roman world. This prophecy was fulfilled during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD), as several famines were recorded across different parts of the empire. In response, the disciples in Antioch, moved by their compassion and solidarity, decided to send relief to the believers in Judea. Each gave according to their ability, and Barnabas and Saul were entrusted with delivering these funds to the elders in Jerusalem.
This act of generosity not only provided material support but also demonstrated the unity and love within the early Christian Church, transcending geographic and cultural divisions.
The Role of Elders (Presbyters)
This passage also marks the first mention of “elders” or “presby
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