Austin Bible Church
Isagogics is one of the factors vital to an understanding and preparation of biblical material for ICE teaching. Isagogics is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as: “Introductory study, especially theological, that part of theology directly preliminary to actual exegesis and concerned with the literary history of the Bible.” Therefore, in this study we set forth those areas which will be most helpful to the fulfillment of this type of preliminary study.
Within this study are the necessary procedures for Isagogical research besides the identification of those areas most vital to the preliminary study of the Bible. The following are among those covered in this section: geographical, literary, ecclesiastical, governmental, textual (acts), and musical.
Further demonstration of the Isagogical process is clarified in the section on the Academic Study Process. Referral to that section will prove helpful to keep in focus the matter of Isagogics as it relates to the overall study of the Academic Study Process.
Problems to be faced in the Isagogical Process in Study
The first problem is knowing your needs. A student often feels that he knows best what he needs in the area of isagogics. This is a falsehood. The student does not know what he needs unless he is taught. The isagogics class is not just the giving of isagogical data, though this will be included.
The second problem is the student who cannot properly evaluate his sources. What are the criteria upon which you base the validity of your source? What are the criteria upon which you base your ability to determine your source?
The third problem is interpretation of the significance of the content of your sources. What is the significance of a writer stating a point in agreement with your belief, if he differs with you on all other points? What is the interpretation of the meaning of a point made, as used by the writer who either made or quoted it? The problem of knowing the sources which form the basis of sound categorical isagogics.
Procedure in the Pursuit of Isagogics
There must be emphasis on the process of doing isagogics. Isagogics is one step in the academic process of seven. Attention will be given to the proper execution of the isagogical process. In handling the isagogical process it will be imperative to deal with the following things; 1) Building a notebook of sound isagogical sources for specific biblical truths, and 2) Learning how to coordinate source information and arrive at sound conclusions.
It will not be the purpose to just give you factual data to consider or solve certain problems, but to effectively demonstrate all the factors that are vital to equip you to handle all the isagogical needs of a passage and conserve results.
Isagogics and the Book of Acts
First we will categorize isagogical information by source.
Word Pictures in the New Testament: Vol. III, A.T. Robertson (introduction)
The author: Luke, is a companion of Paul. The unity of the book: based on the “we” sections. Sources of the book: Quotes Cadbury who suggests Acts as Vol. II. Personal experiences as a source, Paul’s notes, in conclusion many sources.
The date: written by Luke while with Paul in Rome by 63 AD. Historical value: All evidence confirms the testimony of Luke historically. Luke is held over Josephus when they differ. Ramsey calls Luke the greatest of all historians, quoted by A.T. Robertson. Purpose: Did not give a clear singular purpose of Acts. Suggested many that others had suggested.
Lecture Notes on Acts: Dr. Martin Massinger, Dallas Bible College
Title: “Acts.” Date: about 65 AD. Author: Luke, Luke 1:1-4. Place in the Bible: cited from Scofield. “Preparation:” The Old Testament. “Manifestation: The Gospels. “Propagation:” The Acts. “Explanation:” The Epistles. “Consummation:” The Revelation.
Place in history: 30-60 AD Pre-Canon history of the church. Characteristics of the book: Prominence of the Holy Spirit, reaching, prayer, resurrection, missionary zeal, purity and vigor in the church, mass conversions, persecutions. Outline of the book: formed the basis of the content in teaching the book of Acts.
Isagogical Information from Acts Lessons of R.B. Thieme, Jr.
Nature of the book of Acts: History of the church before the completion of the Canon. Place of Acts in the New Testament: Pre-canon history, not much of Gospels and little of the Epistles are known to the writer of Acts. Style in the Greek of Acts: same as in Luke.
Author: Luke without any question. Date: Between 61-63 AD. Place: Luke was writing Acts when Paul was writing the four prison epistles, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. This was at the first imprisonment and while he was with Paul.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: “Acts” A.T. Robertson
The title: Deals with the title from the standpoint of the Greek manuscripts and church fathers and later textual critics. Four suggested titles were given as occurring in different manuscripts. No conclusion was secured. The test type: Scholars cannot agree on the original text type of Acts. This section would have to be studied very carefully and analyzed. Some dozen scholars are compared.
The unity of the book: Based on the “we” sections, one author, Luke, a clear aim in the book to give the history of the church. The author: He was a companion of Paul, has many distinct points of the language of a physician, is written from the vivid description of an eyewitness, was accepted by the Muratorian Canon and the Gospel was also included as authored by Luke.
The canonicity: In Irenaeus, often the Acts are indicated as Scripture. It was accepted in the Muratorian Canon in the second century, accepted by Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria also. The date: Modern critics place it between 70-80 AD based on Luke 21:20, Mark 13:14, Matt. 24:15. Many scholars date it before 70 AD. The conclusion by the writer in I.S.B.E. is 63 AD, written in Rome.
The sources used by the writer: He used oral and written sources. Much discussion but the general conclusion is based on Luke 1:1-4. The speeches in Acts: Some by Paul, some by Peter, compared and contrasted and related to the author in his writing from the standpoint of direct or indirect source material. Acts related to other epistles: Deals extensively with the Gal. 1 and 2 coordination with Acts. The harmonization of the book of Acts with the data in the Epistles becomes easy when it is remembered that they supplement each other.
Chronology: The basic problem in Acts as to chronology is the absence of specifics which seemingly a historian would record. The use of terms like “not many days hence” or “in these days,” exemplifies this. The section deals with defining the certain dates and working in the others involving historical persons or events. The historical worth of Acts: Many striking instances of specific terms related exactly as they should be as to location, usage, peoples, etc. It is classed as a real history which by definition by critics is an interpretation of the events of history. Ramsey ranks Luke as a historian of the first order.
The purpose of the book: I.S.B.E. gives many theories as to the purpose of the book. Conclusions: The book is designed for the enlightenment of Christians generally concerning the historic origins of Christianity. It is in reality, the Acts of the Holy Spirit as wrought through these men.
The analysis of the book: Connection of work of apostle and of Jesus. Development of the work in Jerusalem. Extension of the Gospel to Judea, Samaria, and neighboring regions. Conversion of Saul changes situation for Christianity. Door opened to the Gentiles: Romans and Greeks. Persecution from the civil government. Gentile propaganda from Antioch under the leadership of Barnabas and Paul. Gentile campaign challenged by the Judaizers. Second great campaign extending to Europe. Third great tour, with Ephesus as headquarters. Paul turns to Jerusalem again with plans for Rome. The outcome of Jerusalem. Paul a prisoner in Caesarea. Paul goes to Rome. Paul in Rome.
Recommendations for research by the author: A.T. Robertson (categorized). Introduction to Acts: He recommend 13 other sources, the authors of which are: Bacon, Bennett & Adeney, S. Davidson, C.R. Gregory, H.J. Holtzmann, Jacquies, Julicher, Peake, Reuss, Salmon, Von Soden, B. Weiss, Westcott, Zahn, Moffatt.
The Test of Acts: He recommends 9 sources, the authors of which are: J. Rendel Harris, Nestle, Klostermann, Sorssen, Chase, Bornemann, Blass, Weiss, von Sodden, Westcott, Tischendorf, Scrivener, Gregory, Kenyon.
Apostolic History of Acts: Robertson suggests 31 sources with authors too numerous to list. Most of these relate to the life of Paul. Special Treatises on Acts: Robertson suggests 27 sources with many authors.
Commentaries on the Book of Acts: Robertson recommends as great standard works those by: Bede, Bengel, Calvin, Chrysostom, Grotius. Modern commentaries he notes are 22 in number, the latest in 1901 by Rockham.
This adds up to a total of sources used or recommended by A.T. Robertson in authoring the article on Acts in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia to that of 102, (probably more books than you have in your library).
New Testament Survey: by Merrill C. Tenney, Dean of Graduate School, Wheaton, College, Wheaton, III
He gives over 100 pages of isagogical information pertinent to the book of Acts. The approach of this book to the isagogical information: The establishment of the church. The transition of the church. The Gentile church and the Pauline mission. The Pauline program. The Pauline imprisonment.
Each of the above divisions of study contain within them large bodies of isagogical information. These will be noted now within their main divisions. The establishment of the church: Nature of the book of Acts. Purpose of the book of Acts. Structure of the book of Acts. Content of the book of Acts. Foundation of the church at Pentecost. Pentecost. Early preaching in the church. Organization and leaders in the early church. The first dispersion.
The transition of the church: The preaching in Samaria. The Ethiopian eunuch. The conversion of Paul. The preaching of Peter. The Gentile church and the Pauline mission: The church at Antioch. The mission to the Gentiles. The council at Jerusalem. The literature of protest. The Epistle of James. The Epistle of the Galatians: The destination: Galatian theories discussed. The date of the writing. The contents of Galatians.
The Pauline program: Acts 15:36-21:16. Post Jerusalem council activity. Second mission to Asia Minor. Mission to Macedonia: Troas, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea. The Thessalonian letters. The mission to Achaia: Athens and Corinth. The mission to Asia: Ephesus. The Corinthian correspondence: Background, The “Lost” Letter, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Corinthians. The last visit to Corinth. The Epistle to the Romans. The mission concluded.
The Pauline imprisonment: Acts 21:7 - Acts 28:31. Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem. The four prison Epistles: Philemon, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians. Results of the Pauline imprisonment.
Word Pictures in the New Testament: A.T. Robertson, Vol. II, “Luke”
Same author for the Gospel and Acts. Author of Acts as a companion of Paul. Companion of Paul, a physician. A sketch of Luke. Date of the Gospel of Luke. Sources of the Gospel. Character of the Gospel of Luke
Unger’s Bible Dictionary:
The name: “Acts of the Holy Spirit” is a more accurate title. Date: 63 AD. The author: Luke who wrote the Gospel of Luke. Acts is directed to Theophilus, also emphasized the “we” sections. The theme: “Continuation of the Account of Christianity began in Luke’s Gospel.” The content: The apostles as witnesses in Jerusalem. The apostles as witnesses in Judea and Samaria. Paul as a witness to the uttermost parts of the earth. Acts and archaeology: Cites importance of A.T. Robertson’s book Luke, the Historian in the Light of Historical Research.
Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary: Merrill C. Tenney, General Editor
Title: gives variety of titles: suggests “Acts of the Holy Spirit” as being appropriate. Author: deals with “We” sections issue. Companion of Paul concept. Medical language and terms. Relates Luke to other passages. The place: Relates the place to Paul’s imprisonment, the purpose for writing, and the publication occasion of the book.
The date: 61-62 AD. Later date surely would have included the Jewish war of 66-70 AD. It is omitted in Acts. If Josephus was looked to as source material it would have to be dated at 93 AD. Speeches in Acts: Appear in the style of the one speaking, with distinguishing characteristics. Truly the mark of a good historian, one who can accurately relate a speech conveying the content and style of the one giving it. Peter, Paul, Stephen, and Ephesian town clerk.
Summary of the contents of the book of Acts: Pentecost. First church in Jerusalem. Spread of the Gospel through Judea and Samaria. Three continental conversions. Africa: the Ethiopian eunuch Acts 8:26-40. Asia: Saul of Tarsus, Acts 9:1-31, Peter in western Palestine, Acts 9:32-43. Europe: Cornelius of Italy, Acts 10:1-48. Judean church accepts the mission to the Gentiles. Paul’s first missionary journey. Church council at Jerusalem. Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul’s third missionary journey.
I.S.B.E. “Chronology of the New Testament” by: W.P. Armstrong “Chronology of the Apostolic Age” (specific section)
The basis for chronology of the apostolic age. Fixed points within the book of Acts. Some of the many fixed points in the chronology of the apostolic age.
Paul’s conversion, place. Paul’s early travels, places. Paul’s departure from Damascus, related to Roman conquest of that area. Paul’s escape from Damascus, related to Paul’s conversion, as to date significance. Death of Herod Agrippa I. Famine under Claudius. Administration of Cyprus by Sergius Paulus. Edict of Claudius. Paul’s journey to Corinth, brought before proconsul Gallio. Acts 18. Paul’s two year imprisonment in Caesarea, Felix replaced by Festus and date significance.
References in Acts to time durations: Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem, two years before the accession of Festus. Acts 24:27. Paul spent three months in Corinth. Acts 20:3. Paul spent three years in Ephesus. Acts 20:31, Acts 19:10. Time gap between the second and third journeys. Acts 18:23. Paul spent 18 months in Corinth. Acts 18:11. A relative chronology of the apostolic age: questionable
Unger’s Bible Handbook:
The author: same as the author of the Gospel of Luke and adds information about the author. The date: gives 63 AD as a date for the book. The book terminates with Paul’s two year imprisonment in Rome. The scope and content: The book shows the progress of Christianity. book continues the acts of the risen Lord through the Holy Spirit. The chronological chart of Acts. This is given with events and dates on page 568.
Specific sections developed from their isagogics or giving isagogical data. “Caesarea:” pages 575-576. “Speaking in Tongues:” page 577. “Antioch-on-the-Orontes and Archaeology.” “Antioch of Pisidia.” “Pisidian Antioch and Archaeology.” “The Council at Jerusalem.” “The Importance of the First Church Council.” “Phillipi and Archaeology.” “Archaeology and Athens.” “Corinth of Paul’s Day.” “The City of Ephesus.” “Ephesus and the Worship of Artemis.” “Ephesus and other Archaeological Discoveries.” “Archaeology and Paul’s Arrest.” “The Rome of Paul’s Day.” “Chronology of Paul’s Life with Scripture and Dates.” “Order of Paul’s Epistles with Dates” page 606.
Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism: J. Harold Greenlee
Acts related to text type: page 89, “mainly Western, related here” pages 134 and 88. Acts related to the Byzantine text. pages 91and 72. Acts related to errors in memory in the transmission of the text. page 65. Acts related to variants. page 133.
A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament: Bruce M. Metzger
Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles: pages 259-272. 13 pages relating the book of Acts to the Greek text. Specific Data for the Book of Acts Textually: pages 273-503. 230 pages relating specific things regarding the Greek text and variants or grammatical textual isagogics. Background behind exegesis, the isagogics of exegesis.
Isagogical Data for the Book of Acts, Sources Coordinated
The Author
The author of the Book of Acts was Luke, as a companion of Paul. Luke, with the language of a physician, wrote with vivid description of an eyewitness and was accepted by the Muratorian Canon as the author of Acts. Luke was also the author of the Gospel of Luke which was directed it to Theophilus, emphasized the “we” sections. Luke 1:1-4.
“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4, NASB)
The Date
The Book of Acts was written by Luke between 61-63 AD with the book terminating with Paul’s two year imprisonment in Rome. However, modern critics place the writing of Acts at between 70-80 AD based on Luke 21:21, Mark 13:14, and Matthew 24:15.
“"Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city;” (Luke 21:21, NASB)
“"But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.” (Mark 13:14, NASB)
“"Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),” (Matthew 24:15, NASB)
Many scholars date the Book of Acts before 70 AD and conclude it was written in 63 AD in Rome. If it were written at a later date, the Jewish war of 66-70 AD would not have been omitted.
Nature of the Book of Acts
History of the church before the completion of the canon of Scripture. Pre-canon history of the church, with emphasis on the propagation of the Gospel. All evidence confirms the testimony of Luke historically, with Luke being held over Josephus when they differ. Ramsey calls Luke the greatest of all historians and identifies the book as a historical document.
It is classed as a real history which by definition by critics is an interpretation of the events of history. It is a continuation of the account of Christianity begun in Luke’s Gospel. It is a book which shows the progress of Christianity and continues the Acts of the risen Lord through the Holy Spirit.
Place of the Writing of Acts
Written in Rome by Luke while with Paul. Luke was writing Acts when Paul was writing the four prison epistles, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon at the first imprisonment. Written in Rome in 63 AD. Written in relation with Paul’s imprisonment.
The Title for the Book of Acts
The title is “Acts.” Four suggested titles, no conclusive one given. “Acts of the Holy Spirit’’ is a more accurate title and the most appropriate.
Purpose of the Book of Acts
No clear purpose given; many possible reasons for writing given. The book is designed for the enlightenment of Christians generally concerning the historic origin of Christianity. It is in reality the Acts of the Holy Spirit as wrought through these men.
The Place of Acts in the Bible
The Old Testament shows the preparation of God’s plan; the Gospels show the manifestation of God in His plan; the Acts show the propagation of the Gospel in God’s plan, the Epistles show the explanation of God’s plan involving the church; and the Revelation shows the consummation of God’s plan.
Pre-canon history, not much of the Gospels and little of the Epistles is known to the writer of Acts. Acts deals extensively with the Galatians 1-2 coordination with Acts. The harmonization of the book of Acts with the data in the Epistles becomes easy when it is remembered that they supplement each other.
Characteristics of the Book of Acts
The Holy Spirit is prominent as are preaching, prayer, resurrection, missionary zeal, purity and vigor in the Church, mass conversions, and persecutions. Acts was written in the same style of Greek as the Gospel of Luke.
Canonicity of the Book of Acts
Irenaeus often indicated the Acts as Scripture. It was accepted by the Muratorian Canon and the Gospel was also included as authored by Luke.
Speeches in the Book of Acts
They appear in the style of the one speaking, with distinguishing characteristics. The marks of a good historian is one who can accurately relate a speech conveying the content and style of the one giving it. The speeches include those given by Peter, Paul, Stephen, and the Ephesian town clerk.
Chronology of the Book of Acts
The basic problem in Acts as to chronology is the absence of specifics which seemingly a historian would record. This is illustrated by terms such as, “not many days hence” or “in these days.”
The basis for determining the chronology of the Apostolic Age is that of fixed points within the book of Acts. From this basis, other things not specified can be assimilated. Nearly a dozen of these can be determined.
There are many references in the book of Acts to time durations they include;
1) Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem, two years before the accession of Festus (Acts 24:27),
2) Paul spent three months in Corinth (Acts 20:3),
3) Paul spent three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31, Acts 19:10),
4) There was a time gap between the second and third journey (Acts 18:23), and
5) Paul spent 18 months in Corinth (Acts 18:110.
Structure for the Book of Acts
The Book of Acts deals with: the establishment, the transition, the Pauline mission, the Pauline program, and the Pauline imprisonment (development stages factor). The Book of Acts deals with the apostles in Jerusalem in Judea and Samaria and Paul as a witness to the uttermost parts of the earth (geographical factor). The Book of Acts can be structured around the prominent factors. The Holy Spirit, preaching, prayer, resurrection, missionary zeal, purity and vigor in the church, mass conversions and persecutions.
The Book of Acts can be structured around the chronological content factors. This is simply structuring the book around the analysis of the content as given in the historical account of the writer in a factual way. A systematic unfolding of detail and general factors in the narrative indicating a progression of activity. The Book of Acts can be structured around the coordination of geographical factors with development factors of the Church:
Introduction
Origin of the church; geographical factor, Jerusalem
Transition of the church: geographical factor, Samaria
Expansion to the Gentiles: geographical factor, Antioch and the Empire.
The imprisonment of Paul: geographical factor, Caesarea and Rome.
Specific sections covered in isagogical study on the Book of Acts
1. Pentecost
2. Ethiopian Eunuch
3. Conversion of Paul
4. Preaching of Peter
5. Church at Antioch
6. Council at Jerusalem
7. Literature of Protest
8. Epistle of James
9. Galatian Theories
10. Troas
11. Philippi
12. Thessalonica
13. Berea
14. Thessalonian Letters
15. Athens
16. Corinth
17. Ephesus
18. The “Lost” Letter to Corinthians
19. 1 and 2 Corinthians
20. Four Prison Epistles
21. Last Visit to Corinth
22. Acts and Archaeology
23. Speeches of Peter, Paul, Stephen, Ephesian Town Clerk.
24. Three Continental Conversions
25. Fixed Points of Chronology in Acts
26. References to Time Durations in Acts
27. Caesarea
28. Speaking in Tongues
29. Antioch-on-the-Orontes and Archaeology
30. Antioch of Pisidia
31. Pisidian Antioch and Archaeology
32. Importance of the First Church Council
33. Philippi and Archaeology
34. Archaeology and Athens
35. Corinth of Paul’s Day
36. City of Ephesus
37. Ephesus and the Worship of Artemis
38. Ephesus and other Archaeological Discoveries
39. Archaeology and Paul’s Arrest.
40. The Rome of Paul’s Day
41. Chronology of Paul’s Life with Scripture and Dates
42. Order of Paul’s Epistles with Dates
43. Acts Related to Text Type
44. Acts Related to the Byzantine Text
45. Acts and the Transmission of the Text
46. Acts Related to Textual Variants
47. Acts Related to the Greek Text
48. Grammatical Textual Isagogics
Isagogics of Time Orientation
Conditions in the Roman Empire related to the book of Acts
Death of James the son of Zebedee: 44 AD
Death of Herod Agrippa I: 44 AD
Famine under Claudius: 44-48 AD
Epistle of James: before, 50 AD
Edict of Claudius: 49-50 AD
Proconsulship of Sergius Paulus: before 51 AD
Apostolic Council: 50 AD
Proconsulship of Gallio: 52-53 AD
Accession of Festus: not before 57 AD, probably, 60 AD
Conditions in the Roman Empire referred to in the book of Acts
Death of Herod Agrippa I: Acts 12:20-23
Famine under Claudius: Acts 11:28
Proconsulship of Sergius Paulus: Acts 13:7
Expulsion of the Jews from Rome under Claudius: Acts 18:2
Proconsulship of Gallio: Acts 18:12
Proconsulship of Felix: Acts 23:26, 24:27
Accession of Festus, Felix successor: Acts 24:27
Time orientation to the ministry of Paul
First Missionary Journey
Second Missionary Journey
Third Missionary Journey
Writing of 1 and 2 Thessalonians
Writing of 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans
Writing of Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon
Writing of 1 and 2 Timothy
Writing of Titus
First Imprisonment of Paul
Second Imprisonment of Paul
Isagogics of Specific Events and Etymology
Isagogics of specific events
The Ascension: Acts 1
Day of Pentecost: Acts 2
Speaking in Tongues: Acts 2
Background on the Jews in: Acts 2:8-11
The Temple Concept: Acts 3
First Persecution: Acts 4
The Religious Structure: Acts 4
Second Persecution: Acts 5
Deaths of Ananias and Sapphira: Acts 5
Early Deaconship in Church: Acts 6
Stoning of Stephen: Acts 7
Ministry of Philip in Samaria: Acts 8
Conversion of Paul: Acts 9
Peter going to Caesarea: Acts 10
Paul at Antioch for One Year Ministry: Acts 11
Peter’s Deliverance from Prison: Acts 12
Events of the First Missionary Journey: Acts 13-14
Council at Jerusalem: Acts 15
Events of Second Missionary Journey: Acts 15:35 - Acts 18:22
Events of Third Missionary Journey: Acts 18:23 - Acts 21:14
Events Surrounding Paul’s Trip to Jerusalem: Acts 21:14 - Acts 23:22
Events Surrounding Paul at Caesarea: Acts 23:23 - Acts 26:32
Events Surrounding Paul’s Trip to Rome: Acts 27:1 - Acts 28:16
Events Surrounding Paul at Rome: Acts 28:17-31
Categorical Look at Antioch (of Syria)
Source:
Unger’s Bible Dictionary
Scripture References to Antioch:
Acts 11:19-20, Acts 11:21-30.
Background of Antioch of Syria:
Founded in 300 BC by Seleucus Nicator. Was destroyed several times by earthquakes; one in 526 AD killed 250,000 people. It was luxurious, with the main street being four miles long, lined with mansions. It was highly cultured, but socially it was debased, sensual and shocking.
A large part of the population was Jewish, having been colonized by Nicator. It was a large city, becoming third in the Roman Empire, was made the capital of Syria, a section of the Roman Empire, with a population of 500,000 people.
Geography:
It was located on the Orontes River 16-1/2 miles from the Mediterranean Sea and 300 miles north of Jerusalem. It was located between two mountain ranges, the Lebanon and Taurus mountains.
Its Chronology:
Founded in 300 BC. Made the capital of Syria in 64 BC. Persecuted disciples fled here after the stoning of Stephen. The most flourishing period of the Christian church here in Antioch was in the days of Chrysostom, born about 347 AD. It was conquered by the Saracens in 635, later by the Turks in 1084 AD. It has declined under Mohammedan rule since 1268.
Its Significance in the Book of Acts:
It is associated with early Christian effort. Here is where the disciples fled after the death of Stephen. Acts 11:19-20. Here the believers were first called Christians in a term of derision. From here Paul made the departure for each of his missionary journeys. More than a score of early Christian churches have been identified in Antioch.
Antioch of Syria and the Scriptural Accounts
Acts 11:19-30
Acts 11:19: The scattering of the disciples resulted in many coming to Antioch preaching the Gospel to Jews only.
Acts 11:20: Some disciples came from Cyprus and Cyrene and they preached in Antioch to the Greeks as well.
Acts 11:21: Many Greeks believed and turned unto the Lord. The church in Antioch now is established.
Acts 11:22: The Jerusalem church hears of this and dispatches Barnabas to go to Antioch.
Acts 11:23: Barnabas goes to Antioch and had a ministry of encouragement to the believers there.
Acts 11:25: Barnabas leaves Antioch and goes to Tarsus to find Paul, finds him, then returns to Antioch bringing Paul with him.
Acts 11:26: Barnabas and Paul stay at the church in Antioch for one year teaching and building up the people in the Lord. The people were first called Christians at this time.
Acts 11:27-28: Prophets from Jerusalem come to Antioch, one being Agabus, who predicted a famine.
Acts 11:29: The disciples send a relief offering to Jerusalem and Judea.
Acts 11:30: This offering was taken by Paul and Barnabas personally.
Acts 13:1-5
Acts 13:1: The Antioch church had prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul.
Acts 13:2: Paul and Barnabas singled out by the Holy Spirit to leave the Antioch church for outside ministry.
Acts 13:3: Paul and Barnabas were identified by the laying on of hands technique of those to go forth by the Spirit’s bidding.
Acts 13:4: They departed for Seleucia, then to Cyprus.
Acts 14:23-28
The return trip of the first missionary journey and results.
Acts 14:23: Having recognized spiritual gifted leadership in each church, Paul and Barnabas moved on.
Acts 14:24: They traveled through Pisidia and Pamphylia
Acts 14:25: They preached in Perga, traveled on to Attalia.
Acts 14:26: Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch from which they left.
Acts 14:27: Paul and Barnabas gather the church together and rehearse their trip.
Acts 14:28: Paul and Barnabas remained there in the Antioch church for a long time with the disciples.
Chronology of Paul’s Life
See category on Paul, Chronology of His Life.
Principles of Doctrine from the Life of the Apostle Paul up to the Jerusalem Vow
See category on Paul, Principles of Doctrine from His Life up to the Jerusalem Vow.
Attitudes and Activities of Paul Mentioned in His Epistles
See category on Paul's Attitudes and Activities in His Epistles.