Lesson 460: Acts 11:26
The Blueprint — The Verse
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Memorization Practice
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King James Version (KJV) — Public Domain.
The Context — The History
After persecution scattered believers from Jerusalem, the gospel spread beyond JudeaJudea was the southern region of ancient Israel during the time of Jesus, governed by Rome and centered around Jerusalem and the Temple. It formed the political, religious, and cultural heart of Jewish life, and serves as the primary setting for Jesus’ ministry, His trial, and the early church. More. Antioch in Syria became a major center where Jewish and Gentile believers mingled in a diverse Roman city.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch after believers first preached to GreeksGreeks are the people of ancient Greece — heirs of a powerful intellectual, cultural, and religious tradition. In Scripture’s cosmic‑geography worldview, they represent one of the nations disinherited at Babel and placed under the authority of a territorial elohim, whose pantheon (Zeus, Apollo, Athena, etc.) reflects the worship of rebellious divine beings. More there. For a whole year they met with the church and taught great numbers, and disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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And in these days came prophetsProphets were God’s chosen messengers who spoke His word to Israel, calling the people to repentance, revealing God’s will, and announcing future events. In Scripture, “the Prophets” also refers to the second major division of the Hebrew Bible, which expands and applies the Torah’s covenant truths. More from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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What does the name 'Christian' imply about public identity?
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How did persecution unexpectedly spread the gospel?
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What would it mean for your community to recognize you as Christ's follower?
Places — Map this passage
Locations mentioned in this lesson passage. Switch to Whole book or Journey mode on the map for a broader view.
Places list
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