Page 64 - LD215 History of the Church in Africa A4 final

A History of the Church in Africa

he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and
encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all of their hearts”
(Acts 11:22–23). He also brought Saul to Antioch (vv. 25–26). This church
was Pentecostal in nature. Interestingly, the Holy Spirit spoke to church
members while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting (13:2).

Training. “For a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church
and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians
first at Antioch” (11:26). Discipleship involves teaching and training with
a goal of growth and maturity. That is true Christianity.

Missions. “The Holy Spirit said: ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for
the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed,
they placed their hands on them and sent them off” (13:2–3). Barnabas
and Saul (Paul) obeyed and went as missionaries. Their experience at
Antioch provides powerful lessons about the sending theology of the New
Testament church. They participated with the Holy Spirit in sending some
of the key leaders of their church…before everyone in Antioch had heard
the gospel. They were multidirectional in the flow of evangelism and
missions. Every Christian is to send or go. That is the Great Commission
of Christ (Matthew 28:18–20).

Compassion. “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to
provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their
gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul” (11:29–30). Since there was
famine in the land and people were hurting because of the lack of food,
Jesus’ followers in Antioch determined to send relief. With so many
hurting people in Africa today, this is the pattern for all of us because
the gospel touches body, soul, and spirit.

The church at Antioch was a launching pad for a missionary movement
to the world. As I noted earlier, the strategy of the Holy Spirit was evident:
Jesus’ followers were to win converts and plant an indigenous New
Testament missionary church. Paul wrote to Timothy: “And the things
you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to
reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Clearly, believers were to follow the pattern laid out for them. There was
to be a spiritual multiplication until everyone had an adequate witness
of Jesus Christ.

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