The city of Antioch is first mentioned in Acts 6:5. The first mention of something in the Bible is often so significant in understanding what it means, that some refer to this principle as the “law of first mention.”

This first reference to Antioch in the Scriptures is positive, for Nicholas was (v.3): of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and full of wisdom. Antioch is referenced 18 times; 16 times in Acts, one time in Galatians and one time in II Timothy. Two references are negative, two neutral and 14 are positive. One reason this is important to recognize is because the King James Bible comes from the line of manuscripts that has its roots in Antioch. Observe the following: Acts 6:5 – And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Acts 11:19 – Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. Acts 11:20 – And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus. Acts 11:22 – Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Acts 11:26 – And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. See also, Acts 11:27; 13:1; 13:14; 14:19; 14:21; 14:26; 15:22; 15:23; 15:30; 15:35; 18:22; Galatians 2:11 and 2 Timothy 3:11.