Unlike most Waldensians, Antoine was educated and had a sound theological background. He rapidly became well known in the area between Lyon and Marseille, and befriended by the peasants who may not have fully understood the theology he preached, but were impressed by his obvious poverty (even with his gross bulk) and the contrast between that and the rich clergyman whose castles abounded throughout the region.
Clever, charismatic and observant, Antoine preaches through the use of parables and storytelling and his approach works well with the rural peasants who are his congregation and his protectors. His obesity means that even did he not abhor all bloodshed for religious reasons, he would be a poor combatant, weak and slow.
Several incidents early in his career served to endear Antoine to the peasantry that would became his life's work. By the laying on of hands and prayer, Antoine cured a young peasant girl of fever in the house where he had fled the Archbishop. The peasants were convinced of his holiness and hid him and spread the word. He has repeated this feat on several occassions, each time adding to his reputation.