A Model Metropolis - Reaching Out

Reaching Out
A MODEL METROPOLIS

Section III: A Precedent

Before the narrative of Acts has proceeded far (Acts 11:19-26), we find the center of missionary movement in Antioch of Syria. The reasons for this are easily discovered.

A Convenient City
Antioch was, after Rome and Alexandria, the third city of the Empire and was practically the capital of the East. It was situated almost in the angle formed by the abrupt meeting of the coastlines of Syria and Asia Minor, and so presented a natural center of operations to missionaries passing from Judea in the south to the countries of the west. It was conveniently approached by the caravan routes of the lands of the East, and also the trade of the Mediterranean world. Also the great overland route connected it directly with Rome itself.

A Melting Pot
It had been built about 300 B.C. by the Greek monarch Seleucus Nikator, in the spot where the river Orontes passes between the ranges of Legannon and Taurus, and named after his father Antiochus. Therefore, there was a distinct Greek element in the population, though the mass of the people were Syrian, and the culture and civilization of the city were pronouncedly Grecian. Yet, as under the Empire, it was the capital of the province of Syria and the residence of the prefect or governor. Its official tone was Latin and a considerable number of Romans were found gathered there. It must be added that the Greek founder of the city had, for political reasons, planted a colony of Jews and that the growing importance of the city continually attracted fresh members of the Hebrew race. Thus the population was mixed in character and presented special opportunities for missionary work. It was a literal melting pot of humanity. A church planted in such a center was likely to be of great significance in the forward movement of the missionary railway.

It seemed good in God’s wisdom to found this great missionary congregation, which would indeed play a leading roll in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. In spite of later corruptions, the church at Antioch exercised a lasting impression on the world outside. Clearly God’s blessings rest on missionary minded churches. They are like the graceful coconut tree which drinks in water by its root only to give it out to others from its head, sweetened and enriched in the form of luscious juice, and it does not grow the poorer for its gifts. In fact, what are churches for, but to make missionaries? What is education for, but to train them? What is commerce for, but to carry them? What is money for, but to send them? What is life itself for, but to fulfill the purpose of missionary work, the enthroning of Jesus Christ in the hearts of man.

This being so, we do well to ask, “What are the special characteristics of the church at Antioch, a typical missionary church?” Our next few chapters will deal with this question.