1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.
2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying,
3 saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
4 But Peter began and explained it to them in order:
5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me.”
6 And when I had fixed my gaze on it and was observing it I saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’
8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’
9 But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’
10 And this happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven.
11 And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea.
12 And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.
13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;
14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’
15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.
16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.
20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,
24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).
29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
30 This they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
The True Meaning of Acts 11
The Book of Acts, written by Luke, the beloved physician, provides a captivating account of the early Christian church and the spread of the Gospel message. The expansion of the church beyond its Jewish roots as the message of salvation reaches the Gentile world is witnessed in this particular chapter.
The chapter begins by recounting Peter’s vision and his subsequent encounter with the Roman centurion, Cornelius, a Gentile who had been seeking the truth. This pivotal event marks a significant turning point, as the church recognizes that the promise of redemption is not limited to the Jewish people alone, but is intended for all who believe in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:34-35). We delve deeper into the chapter as the news of this remarkable event sparks a reaction within the church in Jerusalem. The believers, who were once hesitant to welcome Gentiles, are now confronted with the reality that God’s grace extends to all who call upon His name, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background (Acts 11:1-18). This understanding will pave the way for the church’s rapid growth and the fulfillment of Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Acts 11:1-3
The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God in Acts 11:1-3. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.’”
This passage highlights a pivotal moment in the early church when Peter, a prominent disciple of Jesus, shares his experience of preaching to and baptizing Gentiles, non-Jewish individuals. The acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian faith was a significant departure from the Jewish tradition, where there was a clear distinction between Jews and Gentiles. It signified the expansion of the Christian message beyond one particular ethnic group.
The reaction of the circumcised believers in Jerusalem reflects their initial disbelief and discomfort at the idea of including Gentiles in the Christian community. The Jewish Christians were accustomed to following the Mosaic law, which included dietary restrictions and an emphasis on circumcision. Peter’s actions challenged their understanding of who could be part of God’s family. This encounter highlights the tension and struggle in reconciling the old Jewish laws with the new covenant brought by Jesus Christ.
Peter’s response to the criticism he faced is crucial. He recounts his vision from God (Acts 10:9-16) where he saw a vision of unclean animals and heard a voice telling him to eat. This vision symbolized that God’s message was meant for all people, not just the Jews. When Peter met Cornelius, a devout Gentile, and his household, he understood the significance of the vision and witnessed the Holy Spirit descending upon them, just as it had with the Jewish believers at Pentecost (Acts 10:44-48). This undeniable manifestation of God’s presence among the Gentiles confirmed to Peter that they were not to be excluded from the Gospel.
The reaction of the Jewish believers to Peter’s actions serves as a reminder of the human tendency to hold onto traditions and beliefs even when they are challenged by God’s will. It emphasizes the importance of openness to God’s guidance and the inclusivity of His grace. This event paved the way for the Gentiles to be fully incorporated into the early Christian community, demonstrating that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ was for all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity (Galatians 3:28). It underscores the transformational power of the Gospel to break down barriers and unite diverse groups under the banner of Christ’s love and salvation.
Acts 11:4-10
Peter is being questioned about his association with the Gentiles in a crucial moment in the early church, as seen in Acts 11:4-10. The section can be broken down into two parts: Peter’s explanation to his fellow Jewish believers and the vision he received from God.
Firstly, Peter recounts the vision he had seen while in Joppa. A large sheet is lowered down from heaven containing all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean according to Jewish dietary laws. A voice instructs Peter to kill and eat, but Peter refuses, citing his adherence to these dietary laws. The voice responds, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This vision is significant as it reveals God’s plan to extend salvation to the Gentiles, breaking down the barrier between Jews and non-Jews. It symbolizes the inclusion of all people in God’s kingdom, regardless of their background or ethnicity. Peter’s initial reluctance to eat the animals indicates the resistance Jews had towards associating with Gentiles.
Secondly, Peter explains how shortly after the vision, messengers arrive from Cornelius, a Roman centurion, inviting Peter to his house. This interaction challenges the traditional Jewish beliefs about defilement through contact with Gentiles and demonstrates the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian community. Peter’s visit to Cornelius ultimately leads to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles, validating their acceptance into the faith. This event signifies the fulfillment of Jesus’ commission to take the Gospel to all nations, as seen in Matthew 28:19.
This passage serves as a turning point in the early church, highlighting the universal nature of the Gospel and the breaking down of barriers that had previously separated people. It emphasizes the importance of being open to God’s leading, even if it challenges our ingrained beliefs or societal norms. The story of Peter and Cornelius reinforces the message of God’s inclusive love and the call for believers to embrace diversity and unity in Christ. The impact of Peter’s vision and subsequent actions resonates throughout the New Testament, shaping the trajectory of the early church as it spreads beyond the confines of Judaism to encompass all peoples.
Acts 11:11-18
Peter reflects on a significant event that occurred to him in Acts 11:11-18, where he has a vision from God. To fully grasp the impact of these verses, let’s break down the key sections and provide a detailed commentary on them.
-
Peter describes a vision he has while in Joppa in these verses. He sees a large sheet coming down from heaven filled with all sorts of four-footed animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice tells him to kill and eat these animals. However, Peter, being a devout Jew, refuses, stating that he has never eaten anything impure or unclean. The voice responds by saying, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This vision is significant because it challenges Peter’s understanding of the Jewish dietary laws, highlighting a shift in God’s plan to include the Gentiles in the kingdom of God.
-
The Spirit prompts Peter that three men are looking for him while he is pondering the vision. These men are sent by Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who has also had a vision from an angel instructing him to send for Peter. It is crucial to note that Cornelius was a Gentile, and in Jewish tradition, associating with Gentiles was not common. This sets the stage for a groundbreaking moment in the early Church where the gospel message expands beyond the Jewish community.
-
Peter’s Obedience and Cornelius’ Faith (Acts 11:15-18):
Peter invites the men in and lodges them for the night. The next day, he travels with them to Caesarea to meet Cornelius. Upon his arrival, Peter witnesses Cornelius’ faith in action as he gathers his relatives and close friends to hear Peter’s message. Peter begins to speak, realizing that God shows no favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. The Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and his household as Peter speaks, just as it had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost. This event astounds Peter and the circumcised believers who are with him, as they witness that the gift of the Holy Spirit is poured out even on the Gentiles. It is at this moment that Peter understands the true extent of God’s inclusive plan for salvation. The verses in Acts 11:11-18 signify a crucial turning point in the early Church’s understanding of God’s plan for salvation. The vision to Peter, the obedience of Cornelius, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles all demonstrate that God’s love and salvation are meant for everyone, regardless of nationality or background. This narrative brings to light the fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and emphasizes the importance of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth as commanded by Jesus in Acts 1:8. These events serve as a reminder of God’s overarching plan for redemption and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to break down barriers and unite believers as one body in Christ.
Acts 11:19-21
The passage in Acts 11:19-21 describes the spread of Christianity to Gentiles in Antioch. This section is significant as it marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church where the message of Jesus Christ was being received beyond the confines of Judaism.
The beginning of this passage introduces the setting of Antioch where some followers from Cyprus and Cyrene began to speak to Greeks, sharing the good news about Jesus Christ. It’s essential to note that previously, the followers of Jesus had predominantly been Jews or Jewish proselytes. The inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community was revolutionary and challenged the traditional boundaries that had separated Jews and Gentiles. This event underscores the universal nature of Christianity, showing that the gospel is for all people, regardless of ethnicity or background. “We see that ‘a great number believed and turned to the Lord’ as a result of the preaching in Antioch.”” This response signifies the power of the message of Jesus Christ to transform lives and bring about genuine faith. The genuine conversion of these Gentiles highlights the inclusive nature of God’s grace and the fact that salvation is available to all who believe in Christ, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 49:6 that God’s salvation reaches to the ends of the earth.
The impact of this passage in Acts 11:19-21 cannot be understated in the broader context of the Book of Acts and the message of the Gospel. It foreshadows the mission to the Gentiles that would be further clarified in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem Council. The events in Antioch also set the stage for the missionary journeys of Paul, who would play a crucial role in bringing the message of Christ to the Gentiles across the Roman Empire. This expansion of Christianity to the Gentiles was a fulfillment of Jesus’ commission in Acts 1:8 to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 11:19-21 serves as a reminder of the inclusive and transformative power of the Gospel message, breaking down barriers and welcoming all who believe into the family of God. It challenges us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ and to continue sharing the good news with people from all walks of life, just as the early Christians did in Antioch.
Acts 11:22-24
News about the conversion of the Gentiles in Antioch reaches the believers in Jerusalem in Acts 11:22-24, showing a pivotal moment in the early Christian church. This section begins with the church in Jerusalem hearing about what was happening in Antioch and deciding to send Barnabas to investigate. Barnabas was a significant figure in the early church, known for his encouraging and peacemaking nature. His name actually means “son of encouragement,” which indicates his role in supporting and uplifting fellow believers. The early church’s desire to ensure the growth and unity of the Christian community beyond Jerusalem is shown in sending Barnabas to Antioch.
Upon his arrival in Antioch, Barnabas witnessed the grace of God at work among the Gentiles. He responded with joy and encouraged the believers to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. This event is crucial because it marks a significant shift in the early church’s understanding of the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith. Up until this point, there was a prevailing belief among some Jewish Christians that Gentiles needed to first convert to Judaism before becoming followers of Christ. However, the conversion of Gentiles in Antioch without adhering to Jewish customs challenged this belief and paved the way for a more inclusive understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Barnabas’ response to the Gentile believers in Antioch is an example of embracing the diversity within the body of Christ and recognizing that God’s grace is available to all who believe, regardless of their background. This message resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the universality of God’s love and salvation. Paul reiterates this point in Romans 10:12, stating that “there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.””
Furthermore, Barnabas’ role in Antioch foreshadows his partnership with Paul in later missionary journeys. Together, Barnabas and Paul embarked on significant missions to spread the gospel to various regions, facing challenges and opposition along the way. Their partnership exemplifies the importance of collaboration and support in ministry, as they complemented each other’s strengths and worked together to establish new Christian communities. Acts 11:22-24 captures a turning point in the early church’s understanding of inclusivity and the expansive reach of God’s grace. Through Barnabas’ visit to Antioch and his response to the Gentile believers, we see a demonstration of joy, encouragement, and acceptance that continues to inspire believers to extend God’s love to all people, regardless of their cultural or religious background. The timeless message from this passage encourages us to embrace diversity, extend grace, and work together in unity to advance the Kingdom of God.
Acts 11:25-26
Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul and brought him to Antioch when he found him. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
The first key section of this verse is the reunion of Barnabas and Saul. Barnabas, known for his generous spirit and encouragement, goes in search of Saul who had been preaching in Tarsus. This reunion is significant because it marks the beginning of their partnership in spreading the Gospel. Saul, who later becomes known as Paul, was a pivotal figure in the early church, writing a large portion of the New Testament and embarking on missionary journeys to establish and strengthen churches around the Roman Empire.
The next important part of the verse is their arrival in Antioch. Antioch was a crucial city in the early Christian movement. It was a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions, making it an ideal location for the growth of Christianity. Barnabas and Saul spent a year teaching and ministering to the believers there. This period of instruction was crucial for the new converts to deepen their faith and understanding of the gospel message.
Lastly, we have the mention of the term “Christians” for the first time in Antioch. The followers of Jesus were originally referred to as “disciples” or “followers of the Way.” However, in Antioch, the believers were given the name “Christians,” which means “belonging to Christ” or “follower of Christ.” This designation marked a significant development as it identified believers not just as followers of a teaching or a way of life, but specifically as followers of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
This passage emphasizes the importance of partnership in ministry, the significance of teaching and nurturing new believers, and the distinctiveness of being identified as a follower of Christ. It also highlights the cultural diversity within the early church and how the gospel message transcends barriers of nationality and ethnicity. This verse reminds us of the transformative power of the gospel and the unity it brings among believers from different backgrounds, all under the banner of Christ.
Acts 11:27-30
Several important sections in Acts 11:27-30 warrant further analysis. Let’s break them down:
Firstly, in verse 27, we see that during this time, some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. Prophets in the Bible were individuals who were believed to have a direct line of communication with God and were often used to convey messages to His people. The fact that prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch emphasizes the significance of the early Christian community in Antioch and the unity among believers in different regions. It also highlights the continuation of God’s work through the ministry of prophets, even after the ascension of Jesus. Agabus, one of these prophets, stood up and predicted through the Spirit in the following verse that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. This prophecy demonstrates the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in guiding and warning the early church about future events. Agabus, mentioned earlier in Acts 21:10-11 where he predicts the arrest of Paul in Jerusalem, is known for his accurate prophecies. This particular prophecy underscores the importance of being attuned to the leading of the Spirit and being prepared for hardships that may come. The disciples in Antioch decided to provide help for their brothers and sisters in Judea by sending relief through Barnabas and Saul in response to Agabus’ prophecy. This act of generosity and solidarity within the early church community is commendable. It reflects the biblical principle of caring for one another and meeting the needs of fellow believers in times of crisis. This also shows the practical outworking of faith and love, as preached by Jesus and practiced by the early Christians.
The significance of this passage lies in its demonstration of unity, prophecy, and charity within the early Christian community. It reminds believers of the importance of being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, supporting one another in times of need, and recognizing the interconnected nature of the body of Christ. The example set by the disciples in Antioch serves as a timeless message for Christians today to be attentive to the needs of others, to act in love and generosity, and to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This narrative also foreshadows the missionary journeys of Barnabas and Saul (who later becomes Paul) as they continue to spread the Gospel and establish churches in various places, illustrating how God’s plans unfold through the obedience and faithfulness of His people.
After Acts 11
The believers in Antioch welcomed Barnabas with open arms. He saw the grace of God at work and was overjoyed. Barnabas encouraged the new believers to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. Many more people were brought to the Lord. The disciples in Antioch were first called “Christians” as the church grew. Barnabas and Saul taught the believers for a whole year, building up the young church. The disciples gave generously to help their brothers and sisters in Judea during a severe famine.
The stage was now set for the next chapter of the early church’s journey. Little did they know the incredible events that were about to unfold, as the gospel continued to spread throughout the known world. The Lord was clearly at work, and his plans were unfolding in ways no one could have imagined. I eagerly await to share with you the wonders that are to come as your servant.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.