Missionaries to Everyone
March 16, 2022 • Pastor Emeritus Joe Fuiten • Acts 13
Antioch was the western terminus of the Silk Road which had recently opened up trade
with China. Camels arrived there bearing spices, silk and other exotic goods from beyond the
Himalayas. Antioch's command of north-south and east-west roads contributed greatly to its
growth and prosperity.
The city was also called "Queen of the East" because of its mixed population of Romans,
Persians, Indians and even Chinese. Given its religions and ethnic mix it was quite cosmopolitan
and earned the reputation of being an immoral city. If the Gospel was to become a world-wide
religion that included Gentiles, Antioch was the right place from which to launch it. The
“revival” that took place in Antioch was a clear signal that God intended his Gospel to reach all
people.
