And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea unto me.
And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
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.
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.
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
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.
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
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.
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cesar.
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea:
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 11 marks a pivotal point in the narrative of the early church, showcasing the expansion of the gospel beyond its Jewish roots and the growing acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian community. This chapter illuminates not only the transformative power of God's grace but also the practical implications of unity and love within the body of Christ. Understanding Acts 11 is crucial for grasping the trajectory of the early church and the universality of the gospel message.
Peter Defends His Actions (Acts 11:1-18)
News of the Gentiles receiving the word of God reached the believers in Judea, sparking controversy. Those of the "circumcision party" (Acts 11:2), Jewish Christians who believed Gentile converts should adhere to Jewish customs, particularly circumcision, challenged Peter's association with uncircumcised Gentiles. They questioned why he would eat with them, a significant breach of Jewish social and religious norms.
Peter, rather than defending himself with authority, humbly recounts the events of Acts 10. He meticulously describes his vision, the angel's message to Cornelius, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles. Peter emphasizes that God gave the Gentiles the same gift He gave to the Jewish believers when they first believed in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 11:17). He concludes that opposing this clear demonstration of God's will would be tantamount to opposing God Himself.
This section is a powerful reminder that God's grace transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. Peter's willingness to explain his actions and the Jerusalem believers' eventual acceptance of the Gentiles highlights the importance of humility, open communication, and a willingness to be corrected by God's leading. It also underscores a crucial principle: illegitimate racial or cultural divisions stand in God's way and oppose the truth of the gospel.
The Gospel Spreads to Antioch (Acts 11:19-26)
The persecution that followed Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60) unintentionally fueled the spread of the gospel. Believers scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch (Acts 11:19), carrying the message of Jesus with them. Initially, they preached only to Jews. However, some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene began speaking to Greeks in Antioch about the Lord Jesus (Acts 11:20), and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Antioch, a major city near the Mediterranean coast where Syria meets Turkey, became a strategic center for the early church. The church in Jerusalem, hearing of the conversions in Antioch, sent Barnabas to investigate (Acts 11:22). Barnabas, recognizing the evidence of God's grace and the growing number of believers, encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts (Acts 11:23).
Realizing the magnitude of the ministry in Antioch, Barnabas sought out Saul in Tarsus (Acts 11:25) and brought him back to Antioch to assist in teaching. This marks a significant moment in Paul's ministry, as Antioch becomes the launching pad for his missionary journeys. Barnabas played a crucial role in connecting Saul with other believers, demonstrating the importance of facilitating and encouraging the ministries of others.
Acts 11:26 holds historical significance: "and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians." This new name signified a distinct identity, separate from Judaism, and identified them as followers of Christ. If we are going to bear His name in the world, then we must likewise bear His attitudes and actions, His character and conduct.
Relief for Judea (Acts 11:27-30)
The chapter concludes with a seemingly unrelated account of a prophet named Agabus predicting a severe famine throughout the Roman world during the reign of Claudius (Acts 11:27-28). In response, the believers in Antioch, demonstrating their unity with and love for their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem, decided to provide help, each according to their ability (Acts 11:29). They sent their gift to the elders in Jerusalem by Barnabas and Saul.
This act of generosity reveals the practical outworking of the gospel. Despite initial reluctance towards Gentiles (Acts 11:1-3), these Gentile believers in Antioch now extended loving support to Jewish believers in need. This underscores the transformative power of the gospel to break down barriers and foster genuine unity and compassion within the body of Christ.
This episode also highlights the reasons behind Paul's later emphasis on collecting funds for the Jerusalem church in his missionary journeys (Romans 15:25-28; 2 Corinthians 8:1-6). The believers in Jerusalem had already sold their possessions to help those in need (Acts 4:32-37), and a famine would have exacerbated their situation. Paul understood the importance of supporting the originating church, both materially and spiritually.
Acts 11 is a testament to the power of the gospel to overcome prejudice, bridge cultural divides, and unite believers in love and service. It serves as a reminder that the church is called to embrace diversity, extend compassion, and work together to advance the kingdom of God.
And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea unto me.
And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
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.
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.
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
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.
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
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.
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cesar.
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea:
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 11 marks a pivotal point in the narrative of the early church, showcasing the expansion of the gospel beyond its Jewish roots and the growing acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian community. This chapter illuminates not only the transformative power of God's grace but also the practical implications of unity and love within the body of Christ. Understanding Acts 11 is crucial for grasping the trajectory of the early church and the universality of the gospel message.
Peter Defends His Actions (Acts 11:1-18)
News of the Gentiles receiving the word of God reached the believers in Judea, sparking controversy. Those of the "circumcision party" (Acts 11:2), Jewish Christians who believed Gentile converts should adhere to Jewish customs, particularly circumcision, challenged Peter's association with uncircumcised Gentiles. They questioned why he would eat with them, a significant breach of Jewish social and religious norms.
Peter, rather than defending himself with authority, humbly recounts the events of Acts 10. He meticulously describes his vision, the angel's message to Cornelius, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles. Peter emphasizes that God gave the Gentiles the same gift He gave to the Jewish believers when they first believed in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 11:17). He concludes that opposing this clear demonstration of God's will would be tantamount to opposing God Himself.
This section is a powerful reminder that God's grace transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. Peter's willingness to explain his actions and the Jerusalem believers' eventual acceptance of the Gentiles highlights the importance of humility, open communication, and a willingness to be corrected by God's leading. It also underscores a crucial principle: illegitimate racial or cultural divisions stand in God's way and oppose the truth of the gospel.
The Gospel Spreads to Antioch (Acts 11:19-26)
The persecution that followed Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60) unintentionally fueled the spread of the gospel. Believers scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch (Acts 11:19), carrying the message of Jesus with them. Initially, they preached only to Jews. However, some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene began speaking to Greeks in Antioch about the Lord Jesus (Acts 11:20), and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Antioch, a major city near the Mediterranean coast where Syria meets Turkey, became a strategic center for the early church. The church in Jerusalem, hearing of the conversions in Antioch, sent Barnabas to investigate (Acts 11:22). Barnabas, recognizing the evidence of God's grace and the growing number of believers, encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts (Acts 11:23).
Realizing the magnitude of the ministry in Antioch, Barnabas sought out Saul in Tarsus (Acts 11:25) and brought him back to Antioch to assist in teaching. This marks a significant moment in Paul's ministry, as Antioch becomes the launching pad for his missionary journeys. Barnabas played a crucial role in connecting Saul with other believers, demonstrating the importance of facilitating and encouraging the ministries of others.
Acts 11:26 holds historical significance: "and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians." This new name signified a distinct identity, separate from Judaism, and identified them as followers of Christ. If we are going to bear His name in the world, then we must likewise bear His attitudes and actions, His character and conduct.
Relief for Judea (Acts 11:27-30)
The chapter concludes with a seemingly unrelated account of a prophet named Agabus predicting a severe famine throughout the Roman world during the reign of Claudius (Acts 11:27-28). In response, the believers in Antioch, demonstrating their unity with and love for their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem, decided to provide help, each according to their ability (Acts 11:29). They sent their gift to the elders in Jerusalem by Barnabas and Saul.
This act of generosity reveals the practical outworking of the gospel. Despite initial reluctance towards Gentiles (Acts 11:1-3), these Gentile believers in Antioch now extended loving support to Jewish believers in need. This underscores the transformative power of the gospel to break down barriers and foster genuine unity and compassion within the body of Christ.
This episode also highlights the reasons behind Paul's later emphasis on collecting funds for the Jerusalem church in his missionary journeys (Romans 15:25-28; 2 Corinthians 8:1-6). The believers in Jerusalem had already sold their possessions to help those in need (Acts 4:32-37), and a famine would have exacerbated their situation. Paul understood the importance of supporting the originating church, both materially and spiritually.
Acts 11 is a testament to the power of the gospel to overcome prejudice, bridge cultural divides, and unite believers in love and service. It serves as a reminder that the church is called to embrace diversity, extend compassion, and work together to advance the kingdom of God.