- The leaders set aside time to worship and fast and listen to the Holy Spirit. (13:2)
- They had a readiness to send out their best people. (13:2-4)
- They were a multi-cultural church and leadership, before they went to the nations. (13:1)
- The church in Antioch had a variety of spiritual gifts in their leadership. (13:1)
- Paul and Barnabas preached the word of God without compromise, which opened the door to those who were hungry for spiritual truth. (13:5)
- They focused on people whom God had prepared for the gospel - don't waste time trying to stir passion in those who are not motivated (if you do, the enemy will lead you in circles). (13:5-6, 14-41)
- When there was spiritual opposition, they opposed the opposition; they confronted the confrontation, e.g., they resisted Satan working through the sorcerer, Elymas. (13:8-12)
- They were sensitive to the cultural context of the people: they told the story of the Jewish people back to the Jewish people. (13:14-41)
- They storied the gospel. (13:16-17)
- They quoted the prophets of the people back to the people: can you quote the secular "prophets" of our day? (13:33)
- They were careful not to give time and energy to people who resisted the gospel. (13:45,51)
- They intentionally spread the word of God to an entire region. (13:49)
- They were bold. (14:3)
- They refused to allow people to idolize them; apostolic leaders must be very careful to do the same today. (14:14-15)
- They preached the gospel. (14:7, 21, 25)
- They stayed relationally connected to their home church (no apostle is above being known or being accountable to a few people in close community). (14:27-28)
All Nations
For more resources relating to church planting visit Floyd's homepage: www.floydandsally.org/
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