The Foundational Role of the Antioch Church in World Missions
Acts chapter 13 is a pivotal chapter in the history of missions within the New Testament Church. Prior to this point, the apostles primarily preached the gospel in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, but through the Antioch church, full-scale world missions began in earnest. In particular, Pastor David Jang underscores the mission and role of this Antioch church, frequently citing it as the “forward base for world missions” that modern churches ought to emulate. The Antioch church experienced revival and expansion not in Jerusalem but in Gentile lands; moreover, they were sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to the point of setting apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for sending out. This, says Pastor David Jang, is the model that today’s churches should aspire to follow.
In those days, Antioch was a major city known for thriving trade and cultural exchange. As the gospel spread beyond Jerusalem into Gentile regions, not only Jews but also people from diverse ethnicities and languages heard the gospel and joined the church community. What set this church apart was that “while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting,” they received the Holy Spirit’s direction and sent Barnabas and Paul out for global missions (Acts 13:2–3). Pastor David Jang particularly highlights this aspect, insisting that the church must actively discover and send out missionaries and ministers on the field to sow seeds of the gospel worldwide. Both front-line missions and support missions must be carried out together—precisely the balanced missions model demonstrated by the Antioch church.
The Antioch church’s first mission field was the island of Cyprus (Cypros). Barnabas and Mark (John Mark) were from there originally, and Acts 13:4–12 describes how the missionaries traversed the entire island preaching the gospel. Barnabas, Paul, and John (Mark) traveled on foot about 180 kilometers, from Salamis to Paphos, delivering the good news. By bringing the gospel even to a small island like Cyprus, eventually high-ranking officials such as the proconsul Sergius Paulus were reached. Citing this fact, Pastor David Jang emphasizes, “The gospel has the power to bring an entire nation to salvation and even transform national leaders.” Therefore, churches should never underestimate small regions; if the gospel is proclaimed there by appropriate means, there will surely be fruit.
After completing the Cyprus mission, Barnabas and Paul sailed to Perga in Pamphylia (in present-day southern Turkey). Here, a problem arose when John (Mark), who had been traveling with them, decided to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Scripture does not specify the reason in detail, but Mark’s departure eventually led to a dispute between Barnabas and Paul, causing them to part ways and head to different regions. Pastor David Jang highlights the importance of “God’s sovereignty” in this situation. Human conflict can bring pain, but such conflict and disputes can also broaden the scope of missions so that the gospel ends up being preached in more places. Even when human limitations become evident, God’s work never stops. On the contrary, John Mark’s independent ministry, Paul’s first and second missionary journeys, and Barnabas’s separate missionary efforts led to a rapid expansion of the gospel.
Thus, passing through Perga, Paul and Barnabas arrived at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14). This region, too, was part of the Gentile world, but it also contained a Jewish diaspora synagogue. Acts records that, upon entering a city, Paul would first visit the Jewish synagogue. The passage states, “On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down” (Acts 13:14). This reflects Paul’s usual evangelistic method—“the word of God first for the Jew, then for the Greek,” as in Romans 1:16. Pastor David Jang describes this approach as “looking after one’s own people first, restoring the lost sheep among them, and discovering prepared workers within that community.” Indeed, in the early church, the gospel was spread systematically not only through the Jerusalem temple but also through synagogues across different regions.
Pastor David Jang particularly argues that we must recover this “Antioch spirit” in the 21st century. He reasons that because the Antioch church began everything with prayer, acted in prayer, and was sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction, it could become a powerful sending church and achieve global missions. In today’s churches, likewise, deep prayer and the Holy Spirit’s leading are indispensable. Technology has advanced, and mass communication has developed, so rather than depending solely on one’s “feet,” we now have new missionary methods such as the internet, media, and business networks. However, the essence remains the same: the church must unite to maintain a balance between front-line missions and support missions, sending people to various countries and regions on one hand, while on the other providing robust prayer, financial, and educational support from the main church or a mission headquarters.
The Antioch church’s scene of sending off Paul and Barnabas to Cyprus and Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) ultimately reveals that “world missions can begin from even a small church.” Therefore, Pastor David Jang repeatedly emphasizes that the revival of today’s church is not determined by size, finances, or other conditions but by how well the church discerns and obeys the “Holy Spirit’s direction.” Such a church will see God Himself opening the way, regardless of its circumstances. Hence, both churches and individual believers must be prepared for the future. Although centuries have transitioned from the agricultural era to the industrial era, and now to the era of information and technology, the purpose and passion for spreading the gospel must remain unchanged. The history of the Antioch church still applies in the 21st century, and a church that remains vigilant to the Holy Spirit’s voice can indeed transform the world.
Bold Proclamation of the Gospel and Its Core Message
Arriving in Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas received an opportunity to preach in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 13:15). At that time, after the reading of the Law and the Prophets in the synagogue, any visiting teachers could be invited to speak. Paul seized this chance, stood up, and signaled with his hand as he began to address the Jews and Gentiles who feared God (Acts 13:16). Pastor David Jang draws attention to how Paul’s “resolute posture” played a decisive role in spreading the gospel. Instead of hesitating or proceeding timidly, Paul boldly delivered a well-prepared message. As 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Indeed, Paul was ever a prepared witness.
The core of Paul’s sermon was centered on Israel’s history, ultimately emphasizing the “death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Briefly yet clearly, he recounted God’s choosing of Israel, their enslavement in Egypt and subsequent deliverance, the 40 years in the wilderness, the conquest of Canaan, the era of the judges, the reigns of King Saul and King David—showing how the true Savior they had been expecting was Jesus (Acts 13:17–23). Within the flow of that history, Jesus came as “the offspring of David,” with John the Baptist preparing the way; though the Jerusalem authorities crucified Jesus in ignorance, God raised Him from the dead (Acts 13:30). Pastor David Jang notes that “the two most crucial pillars of gospel proclamation are Christ’s identity (both King and Savior) and the event of His resurrection.” While ethical or philosophical discussions are indeed important, the core of the gospel is unequivocally the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When Paul proclaimed, “This man is the Messiah,” and declared that “God raised Him from the dead,” he powerfully presented the essence of the gospel, which in turn stirred the synagogue audience deeply. They wanted to hear the same message the following Sabbath (Acts 13:42). Indeed, by the next week, “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord” (Acts 13:44). Pastor David Jang references this scene, explaining that the success of evangelism depends on whether “the proclaimer focuses on the core message of the gospel and proclaims it boldly,” for human souls instinctively discern truth and thirst for it. Because people’s spiritual longing for truth is so profound and strong, a timid or apologetic approach is less effective than, for instance, Peter’s bold statement in Acts 3:6, “What I do have I give you.” Bold proclamation can lead to great spiritual impact.
How, then, can one maintain such boldness? Pastor David Jang summarizes two key answers. First, through the companionship of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus sent out His disciples, He promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). As demonstrated throughout Acts, when the Holy Spirit comes, buildings may be shaken, persecution can be overcome, and ultimately the gospel spreads to the Gentiles. Second, through the clarity of the evangelist’s identity. Paul, once among the most promising Jewish legal scholars in Jerusalem, encountered Jesus after the stoning of Stephen and underwent a dramatic repentance, devoting his all to preaching the gospel. During that process, he famously said, “I must visit Rome also” (Acts 19:21), holding fast to his vision of bringing the gospel to the world’s center. Convinced that his entire life was dedicated to testifying about Jesus, he was able to proclaim Him boldly whenever an opportunity arose, regardless of circumstances.
Such boldness in proclaiming the gospel was, and still is, the key to spreading the good news. Entering the 21st century, we have seen dramatic growth in new media environments, global networks, and business opportunities. Pastor David Jang describes this era as having “moved beyond the agricultural and industrial ages, entering the age of technology and information.” We no longer need to travel physically by foot to distant lands just to share the gospel. We have various channels—online videos, social media, business meetings, online lectures, and more—to reach people. Yet no matter how the times and methods change, what ultimately moves the human heart remains the “core message of the gospel.” When it is clearly declared that “Christ died for our sins and, through His resurrection, grants us eternal life,” souls awaken and their spiritual thirst is quenched.
As a result of Paul’s bold proclamation, the entire city of Pisidian Antioch opened its heart. Some Jews rejected Paul out of jealousy, but the Gentiles joyfully praised what they heard (Acts 13:48). Whether a church is large or small, if it stands firm as a community that proclaims the gospel, people will hear that message and feel moved. Pastor David Jang calls this a kind of “spiritual intuition,” noting that whether one is a child or a highly educated adult, when the gospel is truly preached, people instinctively recognize whether it is the genuine “water of life.”
He also cites Peter’s declaration in Acts 3:6—“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk”—as a prime example. Indeed, churches often find themselves in situations where they cannot provide financial or political power. But the gift of the gospel is far more precious than such things. Pastor David Jang stresses that this sharing of the gospel brings life to the church, revives cities and nations, and ultimately transforms the world. Moreover, “boldness, conviction, and the power of the Holy Spirit” are the most essential elements for delivering this gospel of life.
With such conviction, Pastor David Jang’s global mission network has already established numerous churches in many countries, organized presbyteries, and, through various centers (mission centers, business centers, educational centers, etc.), continues to teach the gospel to local people. When a church prays earnestly for revival but lacks facilities to accommodate large numbers or the infrastructure for education, even if God sends many new souls, they might not be able to receive them properly. Thus, acquiring or constructing buildings is by no means a worldly pursuit but rather part of a broader missionary strategy to share the gospel boldly. Pastor David Jang affirms, “To prepare for the future is an act of faith,” explaining that as a church expands step by step in prayer, God entrusts them with more souls.
Ultimately, by boldly proclaiming the gospel and remaining faithful to its core message, the church continues advancing into the world. It is crucial to recognize that whenever the gospel is preached, there will almost always be jealousy, opposition, and even persecution. Yet Acts shows us that, paradoxically, such hostility often drives the gospel to reach further and wider. When the religious authorities in Jerusalem persecuted the believers, the gospel spread to Samaria and Gentile lands (Acts 8). And in Pisidian Antioch, when certain Jews resisted Paul out of envy, the Gentiles instead received the gospel with joy (Acts 13). Hence, true boldness is not rashness; rather, it arises from faith that “God is at work” and a commitment to “move forward despite opposition.”
Joy and the Fullness of the Holy Spirit Amid Jealousy and Persecution
Another key theme in the latter part of Acts 13 is “the opposition and jealousy toward gospel proclamation, and the joy and fullness of the Holy Spirit that emerge in that process.” When the gospel reached many people in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, some Jews, motivated by jealousy, began slandering Paul’s words and actively persecuting Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:45). Nonetheless, the Gentiles rejoiced. As Acts 13:48 states, “All who were appointed for eternal life believed,” indicating that stronger opposition only sharpened the gospel’s clarity, so that those who were ready embraced it more firmly. This pattern has recurred throughout church history.
Pastor David Jang pays close attention to how Paul and Barnabas “shook the dust from their feet” (Acts 13:51) and moved on to another city. Essentially, they declared, “If you reject the gospel, we will move on to a more open door.” While they endeavored to save everyone, they refused to linger where they were persistently resisted and rejected, choosing instead to move forward. Although this may seem callous or cold, it actually reflects a crucial principle. The gospel is predicated on voluntary acceptance; fruit gained through coercion or pleading rarely endures. Acts also underscores that “those who are envious cannot truly block missions; indeed, persecution often opens an even wider door.”
Acts 13:52 succinctly captures the outcome: “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Although it might appear that Paul and Barnabas failed, driven out of town, in truth the disciples’ hearts overflowed with joy. Why? Because the gospel had already been preached to the entire city, a considerable number of Gentiles had accepted Jesus, and new disciples were established. Thus, not only Pisidian Antioch but also surrounding regions ended up hearing the good news. Pastor David Jang points out, “The greatest reward of evangelism is not material success but the joy of seeing souls saved and experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit at that moment.”
This principle applies equally to the modern church. The more you share the gospel, the more likely you are to face misunderstandings, opposition, or resistance from other religions or secular culture. As that resistance grows, believers often grow discouraged. Yet in such times, it is the disciple’s calling to experience the “joy given by the Holy Spirit.” This aligns with Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Pastor David Jang encourages believers, saying, “Even when small conflicts and hardships arise, they can become stepping stones to broader mission fields.”
A similar principle can be found in Acts 8: when severe persecution arose in Jerusalem, believers were scattered in all directions, leading to the gospel’s spread to Samaria, Asia, and eventually Europe. This is akin to the Old Testament story of Joseph, where God transformed evil into good. Joseph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, ultimately became the means of saving his family and all Egypt. Likewise, Paul and Barnabas encountered envy and rejection in one place, but through that, the gospel pathway to the Gentiles opened up. Thus, Pastor David Jang interprets the text, noting that “anyone who wears Joseph’s coat of many colors—that is, anyone favored by God—will inevitably face jealousy,” but God accomplishes a greater salvation through that very process.
Crucially, Paul’s commitment and passion for preaching the gospel never wavered. Every time the Jews refused the gospel and he symbolically “shook the dust from his feet,” he would soon re-enter another Jewish synagogue in a subsequent city (Acts 14, 17, 19, etc.). He did not give up on the Jewish people entirely; rather, he continued seeking any open doors. Only when a specific region or moment came under severe opposition did he move on to find another “open door.” Pastor David Jang highlights this stance as essential on the mission field: “If one door closes, a bigger door will open elsewhere.” Through such openness, the disciples’ joy and the fullness of the Holy Spirit grew even more.
Indeed, in modern missions, if one nation or region restricts evangelism due to religious or political constraints, another route often appears—such as business initiatives or educational programs—or the gospel may spread via immigrant communities or diaspora fellowships. Sometimes there is resistance from local governments, community organizations, or deep-seated religious prejudices, yet in God’s providence, another path opens up, and even greater numbers of souls come to faith. Such testimonies illustrate that the principle found in Acts 13 remains in effect today.
The phrase “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52) indicates that this result did not occur in a calm environment of “smooth sailing.” Rather, it emerged amid the “rough winds” of jealousy and persecution. The Holy Spirit emboldens weak people, inspires prayer and praise even in the face of threats, and prepares fresh pathways for the gospel to advance farther. Pastor David Jang emphasizes that many local churches and ministers today should draw courage from this verse. As a church grows larger or more presbyteries are established across various nations, opposition may likewise increase. Instead of relinquishing dreams, believers should persevere in prayer and seek the light. By doing so, they will ultimately “overcome envy and persecution” and be rewarded with the joy and fullness of the Holy Spirit—a vital strength of the true church.
When Pastor David Jang acquires numerous church properties and centers globally, he often cites examples of “denominations or churches with no future” selling their buildings. Meanwhile, “churches with a future” take over those buildings, fueled by a vision for revival. Any denomination that loses hope and fails to look to the next generation inevitably shrinks and disappears. This principle is evident in Acts as well. The Jewish religious leaders who opposed and envied the gospel traveled down a path leading near destruction, while the Gentiles who opened their hearts and accepted the gospel with joy became key figures in a new history. The experience of joy and fullness of the Holy Spirit in the church corresponds to this forward-looking stance intersecting with God’s providence.
Hence, Acts 13 conveys a clear message: Gospel proclamation is never smooth; it is accompanied by jealousy, strife, and persecution. Yet the people of God persevere through such opposition and, in fact, see the work of salvation grow. Those on the front lines of these efforts become “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Churches in the 21st century must adopt the same principle. In every corner of the world, however fierce the opposition or persecution may be, God always prepares another path, and He ensures that the gospel reaches those who are ready to receive it. Witnessing such breakthroughs fills us with genuine joy and heightens our awareness of the Holy Spirit’s power.
In his closing remarks, Pastor David Jang reiterates, “Just as the Antioch church became a model, so today’s church must pray and continually take up new challenges for world missions.” When a newly opened door is discovered, the church should seize the opportunity to share the gospel, striving to extend its reach into various realms—business, education, media, culture, and more. In doing so, just as Acts 13:49 states, “The word of the Lord spread through the whole region,” we can trust that the same works will unfold in our time. The outcome of such efforts will be “the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit,” which is not a mere emotional surge but a spiritual fullness and communal rejoicing experienced by those who participate in the gospel’s life-giving ministry. Just as missions advanced from Jerusalem to Antioch, from Pisidian Antioch across the Mediterranean to Rome, so Pastor David Jang envisions that in our day the gospel will continue to extend to Japan, China, the United States, Europe, Africa, and the ends of the earth. Thus, the church keeps expanding, and countless souls come to life.
Ultimately, the history of the early church found in Acts provides the most vital lesson for today’s church. Even a small church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can engage the world; conversely, even a large, impressive church can collapse if it clings only to formality without the Spirit’s presence. Therefore, one need not despair over external challenges such as envy and persecution, or internal issues like conflict and strife. If we diligently preach the core of the gospel—namely, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—with bold faith, we too will be “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit,” following the example of the Antioch church. Ultimately, we will fulfill God’s call to “proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth.” That is the Great Commission that our generation and our churches must carry on. May the message and vision that Pastor David Jang has consistently championed continue to shine in our 21st-century global society, becoming a conduit for the gospel of Jesus Christ to spread to all nations.