[:en]SCRIPTURE READING: ACTS 11
“The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Jerusalem” (Acts 11:29)
PETER EXPLAINS HIS ACTIONS (vs. 1-18)
The circumcised Jews criticized Peter for going to the house of the uncircumcised men and ate with them. Peter explained his action by mentioning the vision God had given him. When they heard this, the Jewish Christians rejoiced and glorified God.
THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH (vs. 19-26)
Antioch was a key city in Syria. Many Gentiles came to know Christ as their Savior from the scattered Jews who spoke Greek and told them the good news.
When news of the conversions reached Jerusalem church, they sent Barnabas to see the situation. When Barnabas arrived, he was glad to see the evidence of the grace of God and exhorted them to continue in their faith. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, he brought Saul to Antioch and taught the Gentiles the Word of God. A great number believed and the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
A prophet name Agabus predicted a severe famine that would spread over the Roman world during the reign of Claudius. The disciples according to their ability decided to provide help for the brothers living in Jerusalem. They sent the gifts to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.
SUMMARY:
Peter proved that he was doing God’s will with three evidences. (1)-his own personal experience of conversion (Acts 9), (2)-the leading of the Spirit (v. 12) and (3)-the Word of God (v. 16). Similarly, if you want to do God’s will, you must have personal testimony, the leading of the Holy Spirit in your heart and a clear understanding of the Word of God.
Barnabas was a peacemaker, an encourager and a doer. When the disciples were hesitant to accept Saul, he was the one who brought Saul to them. When people were afraid, he was the one who gave encouragement. And he personally went to Tarsus to find Paul and brought him to Antioch to teach and preach. The church of Jerusalem sent him to witness the news of believers in Antioch. May we follow the example of Barnabas to be at peace with people and be an encourager to win the unsaved to the Lord.
The Gentiles gave personal contributions according to their ability to the Jerusalem church. This indicated that there was close fellowship between Jerusalem church and the church at Antioch. May we also have good fellowship with others churches and help each other during times of need in the name of Christ.
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