Acts 11

Our study continues in Phase Three of the “Great Commission” with advancing the Gospel message to “the ends of the earth”.

We are blessed by what took place in the framework of today’s text because this was the first step taken by the work of the Holy Spirit to bring the message to us, the Gentiles.

When something new takes place, it most often causes controversy; this was no exception. Therefore, it became necessary for Peter to:

• Explain the work of the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:1-18)
  • The Criticism (Acts 11:1-3)
    • While the Holy Spirit had made clear to Peter this new understanding. This knowledge had yet to be received by others.

Why do you think the Jewish believers would think it wrong for Peter to even eat with Gentiles? It would be the things forbidden in Leviticus.

• The Jewish Christians believed that the only way a Gentile could become a Christian was to become Jewish (be circumcised and follow Jewish law) and then express faith in Christ
  • This was an intense debate. They considered Peter had broken Jewish law and the offense was great enough that his Apostleship was in question
  • What should be our attitude about the things forbidden in Leviticus considering Peter’s vision?
  • Does Peter’s experience change how we should view these matters?
• Peter’s defense
  • Peter gave a step-by-step account of what events had taken place in God showing him the truth
    • The clarifying detail (Acts 11:15-18)
      • Apparently, Peter didn’t get all of his message out to Cornelius’ group before the Holy Spirit fell upon them. Peter concluded this was the work of God and he should not resist it
    • Objections are overcome (Acts 11:18)
• A church is established (Acts 11:19-30)
  • Observe in Acts 11:19-20 the route the messengers take to get the truth to the Gentiles
  • See also the success (Acts 11:21)
  • Growth presents the need for added assistance (Acts 11:22-24)
    • Why Barnabas was chosen
      • He was from Cyprus
      • He was a Hellenistic Jew
      • Spoke Greek
      • Was acquainted with Antioch
    • Barnabas was sent to find Saul
    • Saul is engaged in this ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 11:25-26)
      • It is here that believers are first called Christian
    • A need predicted and met (Acts 11:27-30)
      • There were several famines in Claudius’ reign. In total they covered the “Roman world” but not at the same time. This one fell upon Judea; therefore, the Gentile Christians were in a position to be ale to assist their fellow believers in their need because they lived outside the affected area. 

God does not always work within the framework of our prejudices. If He did, the Gospel would never come to us.

We need to be open to new understandings when we can see God is in them.

We need to use every means available to demonstrate God’s love to a world in need.