A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 26
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Study Guide – Acts 11.19-30, Homily 25
Chapter 11 v. 19-26 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Persecution brings benefit to the Church because it caused the teachers to be scattered. SJC “Do you mark how even in the tribulation instead of falling to lamentations and tears, as we do, they give themselves up to a great and good work?” (SJC makes this point TWICE in this homily – quite a strong point)
This continues the story from Acts 8.4 – SJC “This serves to justify Christ, and to impeach the Jews. When Stephen was slain, when Paul was twice in danger, when the Apostles were scourged, then the Gentiles received the word, then the Samaritans. Which Paul also declares: ‘To you it was necessary that the Word of God should first be spoken; but since you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy, lo, we turn unto the Gentiles.’”
“And the hand of the Lord was with them” means they did miracles
Apostles send Barnabas rather than going themselves because of the Jews. They did not want to seem to be fleeing as fugitives.
Jerusalem was the ‘headquarters’ of the Church. SJC “For until Paul went to Rome, the Apostles were there at Jerusalem”
It was providential that Barnabas should be sent. SJC “Observe this holy man – Barnabas, I mean how he looked not to his own interests, but hasted to Tarsus.”
Barnabas was kind = “Sincere, exceedingly desirous of the salvation of his neighbors.”
The Great Saint Paul! SJC “He came to the athletic wrestler, the general (fit to lead armies), the champion of single combat, the lion – I am at a loss for words, say what I will – the hunting-dog, killer of lions, bulls of strength, lamp of brightness, mouth sufficing for a world….Verily this is the reason why it was there they were appointed to be called Christians, because Paul there spent so long time!…Do you obeserve the benefit resulting (to that city) from Paul, to what a height that name, like a standard, exalted it? Where three thousand, where five thousand, believed, where so great a multitude, nothing of the sort took place, but there were called ‘they of the way,’ here they were called Christians.”
It is even appropriate that the fruit of alms is from Antioch
Chapter 11 v. 27-30 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Famine becomes the means to salvation, a harbinger of blessings
Famine introduces fellowship between the Gentiles and Jews
Teaching on The Spiritual Power of Almsgiving – (see Homily 25, pp 165-166)
- Double famine = double abundance
- Nothing can overcome the power of alms
- There is no sin that alms cannot cleanse
- Alms are not limited to money
Life Application – Be clothed in virtue (Homily 25, pp 166-167)
- First, clothe yourself with virtue, then help others
- Those who are naked are afraid of judgment
- Clothes = virtue / naked = vice
- St Thekla had great virtue that should emulated!