Church in Antioch

1. Faith of the Early
Church
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2. OBJECTIVES
1. Describe the Church in Antioch
2. Identify the struggles and victories of
the Church in Antioch
3. State the “lights and shadows” of the
Church in Antioch

4. Introduction to the Church in
Antioch
The Church in Antioch played a crucial role
in the early Christian movement, facing
numerous challenges and achieving
significant victories.

5. Historical Background of Antioch
Key Events and Influences
Antioch was founded by Seleucus I
Nicator in 301 BC and became an
important political and commercial
center.
1 Founding of Antioch
Antioch embraced Greek
culture and became a
prominent center for
literature, philosophy, and
education.
Influence of Hellenistic Culture
2
With the conquest of Antioch by the
Roman Empire, the city experienced a
period of Roman influence and became
the capital of the Syrian province.
3 Roman Rule
Christianity gained popularity in
Antioch, and the city became an
important hub for early Christian
teachings.
4 Arrival of Christianity

6. Challenges Faced by the Church
Persecution and Internal Struggles
Persecution by Roman
Authorities
The Church in Antioch faced
persecution and hostility from the
Roman authorities, resulting in the
martyrdom of many believers.
Internal Divisions
The church also grappled with
internal divisions, such as
theological disputes and
conflicts between different
factions.
Two Oppositions
• Jews who rejected Jesus
Christ and who were
growing uneasy over their
increasing number.
• The Romans who branded
them as troublemakers.

7. Challenges Faced by the Church
Persecution and Internal Struggles
• The Apostles were harassed and
made to defend the Sanhedrin
• They were imprisoned
• Suffered death as
in case of Stephen

8. Key Victories of the Church
Despite the challenges, the Church in
Antioch achieved significant
victories, including the establishment
of a strong and diverse Christian
community.
Their community and fidelity to their
mission yielded for them a bountiful
harvest – many came to believe their
message and turned to the Lord.

9. Spread of Christianity from Antioch
Influence and Missionary Work
Influence on Early Christian Theology
1
The teachings and contributions of the Church in Antioch played a crucial role
in shaping early Christian theology.
2 Missionary Work
Antioch became a launching point for missionary efforts, with believers spreading
the message of Christianity to neighboring regions.
3 Conversion of Gentiles
The Church in Antioch played a significant role in the conversion of Gentiles,
leading to the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.

10. Leadership and Influence of Antioch
Prominent Figures and Impact
Paul, formerly known as Saul, played a pivotal
role in the Church's leadership in Antioch
and his missionary journeys greatly
influenced the spread of Christianity.
Paul the Apostle
1
2 Barnabas
Barnabas, a trusted companion of Paul,
also played a significant role in the
leadership and influence of the Church
in Antioch.

11. Lessons Learned from the Church i n Antioch
Relevance and Takeaways
Unity and Diversity
The Church in Antioch
exemplified the importance of
unity amidst diversity,
showcasing how people from
different backgrounds can come
together in faith.
Resilience and
Perseverance
The struggles faced by the
Church in Antioch teach us
the value of resilience and
perseverance in the face of
adversity.
Embracing Cultural
Context
Antioch serves as a reminder of
the importance of embracing the
cultural context to effectively
share the message of
Christianity.

12. Impact of the Church on the Early
Christian Movement
The Church in Antioch's impact on the early Christian
movement cannot be overstated. Its influence on
theology, missionary work, and the conversion of
Gentiles played a crucial role in shaping the
development of Christianity.

13. Modern-day Relevance of the Antioch Church
Lessons for the Present
The Antioch Church encourages us
to embrace religious pluralism and
foster understanding and
cooperation among diverse religious
communities.
1 Religious Pluralism
Antioch reminds us of the need to
engage with cultural shifts and adapt
our approach to spreading the
message of Christianity in a changing
world.
2 Engaging with Cultural Shift
The emphasis on community building in
the Antioch Church inspires us to
prioritize strong and supportive
Christian communities in the present
day.
3 Community Building
The Church in Antioch teaches us the
importance of inclusivity and acceptance,
welcoming people from all backgrounds
into the Christian faith.
4 Inclusivity and Acceptance

14. References
http://www.google.com/intl/en/privacy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTaYMZBwqfo

15. ACTIVITY 3.2
Instructions:
1. In a ½ crosswise, identify the lights and shadows
of the Church in Antioch.
2. Fold your paper into two parts; use the left side
for the SHADOWS and right side for the LIGHTS.