20.Liaison between Jerusalem and Antioch
Liaison between Jerusalem and Antioch and the increase of Elders With so many new Congregations in that region, this soon led to the creation of the new Presbytery of Antioch. "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.... Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: which also they did, and sent it to the Elders." Acts 11:26-30.
Note here the connection in the relationship between the Presbytery of Antioch, and those in Judaea. "The Word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from
Jerusalem" to Antioch. Acts 72:24f. "Now there were in the Church that was at Antioch, certain Prophiets and Teachers" four of whom were mentioned (in addition to Saul or Paul). "As they ministered to the Lord..., the Holy Ghost said, ’Separate Barnabas and Saul unto Me, for the work whereunto I have called them!’ And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." Compare Acts 13:1-3f. Thus commissioned as Missionary Evangelists by the Presbytery of Antioch, Revs. Saul and Barnabas preached the word and created house- churches in Cyprus and in what is now Turkey. Acts 13:4to14:21.
"And when they had ordained them Elders in every Church..., they commended them to the Lord in Whom they believed... After they had passed throughout Pisidia...they went down into Attalia and thence sailed to Antioch from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
"And when they were come, and had gathered [the Antiochian Presbytery of] the Church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they stayed for a long time with the disciples."