The Church at Antioch had a deserved reputation of being enthusiastic about witnessing for Jesus. They had a passion for telling people about Jesus. It was in this congregation that the first Gentiles were converted to the Christian faith. They were not content to restrict the good news being presented to their fellow Jews; in contrast to the other early churches their members took the bold step of inviting people to meet Jesus from other ethnic and different cultural backgrounds.
People were attending their services who may have dressed differently; ate different types of food and had a range of different social attitudes and values. Yet their willingness to build bridges to people who needed Jesus was exemplary. I am sure that there were many mistakes made, in terms of communication, when their hearers misunderstood the gospel they were sharing. Yet the rejection of the message that would have been experienced by some of these Christians did not put them off from seeking to share their faith (Acts 11:20-21).
What is more they were also aware of the needs of fellow Christians in neighbouring countries and in the face of a natural disaster (famine) were determined to do what they could to alleviate the suffering by providing a financial gift that enabled some people in Judea to be spared the potential disaster and loss of life so common when major famines occur (Acts 11:29-30).
In the light of this innovative, visionary and compassionate Christian ministry at home it is no surprise at all that this congregation was the first to choose to participate in overseas mission. There had already been some people from other countries who had been converted on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem and who would have taken to gospel home with them to share with family, friends and neighbours (Acts 2).
Others had been dispersed to other communities in Judea and Samaria as a result of the persecution that had arisen after the murder of Stephen (Acts 8:1-5). Yet this congregation in Syria gains the plaudits for its determination to pray and plan for overseas evangelism.
They were familiar with Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
What is equally important is that they shared His passion for transmitting that good news to people beyond the boundaries of their own country. Do you also share Jesus’ vision for a lost world? I hope each Christian here today can say ‘yes’ to this question.
However, in the congregation that was in many ways the role model for non-Jewish congregations like ourselves, it was particularly noted for its ethnic diversity. People from so many different nationalities were present in its ranks.
In Acts 12:25-13:3, Luke records the names of the key leaders in this Syrian church. Of the five men mentioned they are all of different nationalities and none ironically are Syrian. It raises the question today of why so few churches in any country have significant ethnic diversity in the leadership teams and in their congregations. In the light of the current debate over racial awareness and addressing discrimination, are there any issues we ought to address to ensure our church is equally welcoming to people from a diverse range of backgrounds? Or any blind spots we need individually to address to communicate our genuine welcome to people of all ethnic backgrounds?
Our song for reflection is: ‘Speak O Lord as we come to You’
Brian Talbot