In verse 19, Luke refers back to the events that transpired as a result of the persecution recorded in Acts 8. The events recorded here were chronologically parallel with what happened in Acts 10. The reason that Luke now writes of them, is because of their relevance to the theme of the gospel going to the Gentiles.

What we find here is the establishment of the first Gentile church in the history of the world. From a small group of persecuted refugees, the church in Antioch saw large numbers of people come to Christ. “The hand of the Lord was with them” (11:21). 

Three lessons we can learn from the church at Antioch on how to become a God honouring, God glorifying Mission-Minded Church.

1. A Gospel Church (v.19-21)
2. A Grounded Church (v.22-26)
3. A Generous Church (v.27-30)

Digging Deeper

Discussion Questions

1. What did Barnabas see in Antioch that made him "glad" (Acts 11:23)?
2. To whom were the new Christians added?
3. Why did "Barnabas depart for Tarsus to seek Saul" (Acts 11:25)?
4. Why were the disciples of Christ first called "Christians" in Antioch (Acts 11:26)?
5. Who is a "Christian" today?
6. Why would the "brethren dwelling in Judea" (Acts 11:29) need more help than the brethren in Antioch? 
7. What could move them to be so gracious as to generously sacrifice their own financial resources to assist people they'd never met?
8. Why (biblically) is evangelism every church member’s responsibility? What implications does this have for your church?
9. In verse 26, we see Barnabas and Paul spending a whole year making disciples. How are you being discipled? Are you discipling others?