The Antioch Ekklesia: An Ideal Model - What An Ideal Church Looks Like, First called Christians in Antioch — Acts 11:26
Christians invariably go back in history beyond the church fathers looking for texts to support their traditions. They rarely go to the golden age of the Apostles. But God says: “Stand and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it. Then you will find rest for your souls.” But they say, “We will not walk in it” ( Jer. 6:16 ). “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing shall doubtless come with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with Him” ( Psa. 126: 5-6 ). “Then the King will say, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”” ( Matt. 25:34 ). “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” ( Luke 12:32 ). Antioch was a large, beautiful city in Ancient Syria, now Turkey, known as the Queen of the East. Its chief god was called Charon who was believed to carry dead spirits to the underworld. They also worshipped Apollo and Da...