They preached the Good News in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” They said. Acts 14:21-22 (Acts 12-15)
To the great delight of the Jews who did not believe Christ was the Messiah, Herod Agrippa I unleashed brutal persecution against Christians. The first disciple to be martyred was James, Son of Zebedee, brother to John. Peter was to meet the same fate, but while awaiting execution in a high maximum security prison, an angel arrived and ushered him out. A night of high drama ended with humor when Peter walked to a home where people were holding a prayer vigil and the servant girl, Rhoda, answered the door, couldn’t believe her eyes and ran to tell others, leaving Peter locked out in the alley.
Herod came from a long line of evil minded rulers. His grandfather, Herod the Great, had infant boys put to death to make sure he wasn’t threatened by Jesus’ birth. His son, Aristobulus IV, murdered him. Uncle Herod Antipas beheaded John the Baptist and joined Pontius Pilate in mocking Jesus. A great deal of wickedness in that family tree, but they all met a dark demise, including Agrippa who took ill and died after an especially arrogant season of self worth. Despite the enormous oppression and threat to life, the church expands exponentially.
Twelve to fourteen years after Paul’s conversion, (he has now adopted the Roman pronunciation of Saul) he preaches a sermon much like Peter’s Pentecost message. Gentiles are now recipients of Grace, but the Messianic Jews struggle with tradition and law and how it applies to moving forward in worship with people of a different culture. There were many that felt Gentiles should be circumcised and become all things Jewish. A conference was created in Jerusalem and after prayer and reflection, it was discerned that Gentiles would not be circumcised, but would respect the dietary restrictions of The Law so there was no interruption in fellowship among all Christians.
The title Christian was first applied at Antioch. This city became the headquarters for Paul’s missionary work. From here he went and here he returned to give accounting of his evangelism. A major pagan hub became the anchor for Christianity. My what God can do when people choose to pray together, get along despite their diversity, and love for the greater good.
Have a Lovely Day,
Gretchen