GROUP FELLOWSHIP NOTES:    SPRING 2006   FEB 21/23

‘THE SPREADING FLAME’:  ACTS 8-28

(3)  ACTS 11.-30; 13.1-3 : ‘ONTO ANTIOCH AND BEYOND’

We have seen how the Lord in his great wisdom, chose the apostle Peter (himself the highly influential leader of the Jewish Church in Jerusalem) to be the key figure in breaking down the crucial barrier between Jew and Gentile and to spread the gospel to them.  Now we read of how the flame of the gospel catches hold and begins to spread through the whole world.

1. OUT OF JERUSALEM: 11.1-30

further mission initiative OUT OF STEPHEN’S PERSECUTION

THE FLAMES OF PERSECUTION AT JERUSALEM SPREADS THE GOSPEL

(1) A POTENTIAL PROBLEM: 11.1-18

• leads to a key affirmation

First we see how preaching the gospel to Cornelius created waves amongst some at Jerusalem.

• SUSPICION! 11.1-3  Who were the people disturbed by Peter’s actions at Caesarea?  What disturbed them?  Why?
• EXPLANATION: 11.4-17  How did Peter answer their suspicions?  What are the most telling words in his answer to them?
• AFFIRMATION: 11.18  Can you see why this verse records a hugely important moment?

(2) A PAST PROBLEM: 11.19-26

• results in further evangelism

Stephen’s death and the persecution it began at Jerusalem were hugely significant events.  Devastating to the Christians there, they little understood at the time what a key role it was to play in evangelising the world.

• (Further) evangelisation amongst Jews: 11.19 Where are Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch? What do you know about them?
• Think about the significance of whom they chose to evangelise.
• New evangelisation amongst Gentiles 11.20-26 EVANGELISATION:  11.20-21. What happened?
• INVESTIGATION: 11.22-24 How would you describe the Jerusalem’s church’s response to the news?
• Whom did they send? (What do you know about him? See Acts 4.36;9.27;13.1-3)
• Why do you think they sent him?
• CONSOLIDATION: 11.23-26 What was Barnabas’ response to the situation?  What ministry did he exercise in   Antioch? How important was it?
• Do you like Barnabas?  What appeals to you about him?
• Why do you think he involved Paul (Saul)?  How crucial was that?

(3) A FUTURE PROBLEM:  11.27-30

• leads to a deeper unification
• CROSS-FERTILISATION: 11.27 We begin to see interaction between the Jewish Christians (at Jerusalem) and the Gentiles. How important do you think that was?
• PROPHETIC PREDICTION:  11.28 Discuss Agabus’ ministry and his prediction.
• LOVING ACTION: 11.29 In the light of the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, why is the response of the Christians at Antioch to the need in Judea so very significant and moving?

2. OUT OF ANTIOCH:  13.1-3

further mission initiative AT THE SPIRIT’S DIRECTION

• THE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AT ANTIOCH SPREADS THE GOSPEL:
• Stephen’s death at Jerusalem was a hugely significant event for the spread of the gospel.  Now we have recorded a hugely significant event at Antioch.
• 
  Who were the leaders at Antioch? Anything strike you about them?
• What were they doing?
• What did they hear?
• How did they act?
• Why was this moment to be so very important?