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The Role of Persecution in Spreading Christianity

Persecution has often been a catalyst for the spread of the Christian faith, a paradox that testifies to the power of Jehovah’s providence and the resilience of those devoted to His teachings. This was particularly evident following the martyrdom of Stephen in Jerusalem. Acts 11:19 records, “Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.” This scattering was not an unforeseen consequence; rather, it served Jehovah’s larger purpose of spreading the message of Christ to regions beyond Jerusalem.

Antioch, located approximately 350 miles north of Jerusalem, was one of the significant cities where these early Christians sought refuge and began to share their faith. The city’s historical and cultural context set the stage for what would become a pivotal moment in the expansion of early Christianity. Understanding Antioch’s strategic importance provides deeper insight into why it became a major center for the faith.

The Significance of Antioch in the Roman Empire

Antioch was the third most important city in the Roman Empire, surpassed only by Rome and Alexandria. Positioned on the Orontes River, which connected it to its seaport at Seleucia Pieria, the city was a bustling hub for trade and communication. It commanded vital trade routes between the Mediterranean and the Tigris-Euphrates Valley, making it a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and religious beliefs. This cosmopolitan atmosphere contributed to the rapid dissemination of new teachings and ideologies.

The religious climate in Antioch was marked by a diversity of beliefs. Hellenic religion and philosophy had long flourished there, creating an environment in which spiritual inquiry was common. As historian Glanville Downey noted, “in the time of Christ, the old religious cults and the philosophies were tending to become matters of individual belief, as people independently sought religious satisfaction for their own problems and aspirations.” This shift opened the door for many to explore alternative religious beliefs, including the monotheism of Judaism and, eventually, Christianity.

A significant Jewish community had resided in Antioch since its founding in 300 B.C.E., constituting a considerable portion of the population—estimated to be between 20,000 to 60,000, more than 10 percent of the total residents. The Jewish population held full citizenship rights, encouraged by the Seleucid dynasty, as noted by the historian Josephus. The presence of the Septuagint, the Hebrew Scriptures translated into Greek, facilitated interest among non-Jews and proselytes in Jewish religious thought, including Messianic expectations. This pre-existing environment made Antioch fertile ground for the message of Jesus Christ.

Witnessing Beyond the Jewish Community

Acts 11:20-21 records a significant turning point: “But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” This marked the first time that Jesus’ followers actively shared the gospel with non-Jews without initial divine visions, like Peter’s vision before visiting Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48). This outreach to Greek-speaking people, who may have included both Greek-speaking Jews and Gentiles, was groundbreaking.

The city’s relative openness to different religious expressions, coupled with a lack of violent opposition similar to what was faced in Jerusalem, provided a unique opportunity for growth. The historian Downey observed that “the missionaries had not to fear Jewish fanatics such as they encountered in Jerusalem; also that the city, as the capital of Syria, was governed by a legate, and so enjoyed a greater degree of public order, with less opportunity for mob violence.” This stability allowed for a more extensive and uninterrupted dissemination of the Christian message.

Antioch’s welcoming environment for new ideas meant that many Gentiles, previously adherents of pagan practices or proselytes to Judaism, were now drawn to Christianity’s message of salvation and hope. Acts 11:21 highlights that “a great number became believers,” underscoring the city’s potential as a center for early Christian evangelism.

Barnabas’ Role and the Choice of Saul

When the news of these developments reached the congregation in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to observe and support the work being done (Acts 11:22). Barnabas, a native of Cyprus, was a fitting choice for this mission. His background and cultural understanding would have made him relatable to the Gentile believers in Antioch, and his reputation as an encourager (Acts 4:36) positioned him to strengthen and motivate the new congregation.

Acts 11:23-24 describes Barnabas’ arrival and response: “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” His presence and encouragement further bolstered the community, adding momentum to the growth that had already begun.

Recognizing the scale of the work before him, Barnabas sought out Saul (Paul) to assist him. Saul’s background as an apostle to the nations (Acts 9:15; Romans 1:5) made him uniquely qualified to contribute to the ministry in this Gentile city. Galatians 1:16 underscores Saul’s calling: “to reveal his Son to me, so that I might preach him among the Gentiles.” Barnabas’ decision to bring Saul from Tarsus to Antioch (Acts 11:25-26) would have lasting implications for the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.

Saul’s Silent Years and Their Significance

Before Saul’s arrival in Antioch around 45 C.E., he had spent approximately nine years since his conversion in what some scholars refer to as “Saul’s silent years.” The last mention of Saul in Acts prior to this period is in Acts 9:28-30, which recounts how he was sent to Tarsus after a plot against his life in Jerusalem. Galatians 1:21-23 provides a glimpse into this period: “Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, ‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’”

While the Scriptures do not detail Saul’s activities during these silent years, it is likely that he engaged in ministry work and endured significant hardships that are only hinted at in his later writings. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 lists various sufferings that Saul experienced, including multiple imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks. Since only some of these hardships are documented in the book of Acts, it is reasonable to conclude that many occurred during his time in Syria and Cilicia. These experiences would have prepared Saul for the demanding ministry he would later undertake in Antioch and beyond.

Another noteworthy event that may have occurred during this period is described in 2 Corinthians 12:2-5, where Saul speaks of being “caught up to the third heaven.” He recounts, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.” Since this was written around 55 C.E., the vision likely took place around 41 C.E., in the midst of Saul’s silent years. This revelation would have provided Saul with profound insight, equipping him for his future role as an apostle to the nations.

The Birth of the Term “Christians”

Acts 11:26 records a significant milestone: “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” This name, given “by divine providence,” signified a departure from the earlier association of Jesus’ followers as a sect within Judaism. The Greek word used for “were called” (χρηματίζω chrēmatízō) is associated with divine command or oracle, implying that the name “Christian” was not a human invention but directed by Jehovah.

The term “Christian” underscored the followers’ allegiance to Christ as the Messiah, setting them apart from both Jews and Gentiles. By the time Paul stood before King Agrippa around 58 C.E., the name was well known among Roman authorities (Acts 26:28). The historian Tacitus later recorded that by 64 C.E., the term was familiar to the masses in Rome, indicating its widespread recognition and adoption.

Antioch’s Role in the Early Christian Mission

The congregation in Antioch became a significant center for early Christianity, playing a crucial role in the spread of the gospel to the Gentile world. Acts 13:1-3 describes how the Holy Spirit directed the congregation to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work, initiating Paul’s first missionary journey. From Antioch, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, preaching the message of Christ and establishing new congregations (Acts 13:4-14:28).

Antioch’s position as a thriving, multicultural city made it an ideal base for such missionary activities. Its strategic location and diverse population facilitated the dissemination of the Christian message throughout the Roman Empire. The congregation in Antioch was not only a recipient of the gospel but an active participant in its spread, exemplifying the collaborative and outward-focused nature of early Christianity.

Lessons from the Growth in Antioch

The events in Antioch illustrate several key lessons for Christians today. First, Jehovah can use even difficult circumstances, such as persecution, to advance His purposes. Acts 8:4 states, “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” What initially appeared to be a setback—the scattering of believers—became an opportunity for the expansion of the faith.

Second, the importance of adaptability in ministry is evident. The disciples in Antioch did not limit their preaching to Jews but reached out to Greek-speaking Gentiles, demonstrating a willingness to break from traditional boundaries for the sake of spreading the gospel. This adaptability reflects Paul’s later words in 1 Corinthians 9:22: “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”

Finally, the example of Barnabas and Saul underscores the significance of mentorship and partnership in ministry. Barnabas’ decision to involve Saul not only strengthened the work in Antioch but also paved the way for Saul’s future role as Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds believers, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”

The Importance of Divine Guidance

The spread of Christianity in Antioch and beyond was marked by the guidance of Jehovah. The new name Christian was divinely given, and the missionary efforts led by Paul and Barnabas were directed by the Holy Spirit. This divine oversight ensured that the message of salvation reached those whom Jehovah had purposed to call. Isaiah 55:11 declares, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” The events in Antioch are a testament to this truth, showcasing how God’s will is accomplished through faithful individuals despite opposition.

Perseverance Amidst Opposition

The early Christians in Antioch faced challenges that tested their resolve. While persecution drove them from their homes, it did not silence their voices. Acts 11:19-20 notes that they continued to share their faith despite the circumstances, showing that adversity can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth. This principle holds true for Christians today who face various forms of opposition. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

The example set by the believers in Antioch serves as an enduring reminder that faithfulness amid persecution can lead to growth and expansion of God’s work. Their story encourages modern Christians to remain steadfast, trusting that Jehovah can use all circumstances for His glory.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).