SCRIPTURE: ACTS 11
PETER EXPLAINS HIS ACTIONS (vs. 1-18)
The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him for going into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them. Peter explained to them that God gave him a vision three times. The vision was: He saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners to him. Then he saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds of the air. Then a voice told him to get up, Kill and eat. Peter refused to take it because they were impure and unclean. But the voice said, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (v. 9). Then, three men came from Caesarea to my house. The Spirit told me to go with them. When we entered the man’s house, he told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say.. “Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message for all your household to be saved.
When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them. Then I remembered what the Lord had said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (v. 16). So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I cou8ld oppose God? When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” (v. 18)
THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH (vs. 19-29)
Those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling messages only to Jews. But some men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
News of this reached the ears of the Church of Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year, Barnabas and Saul taught a great number of people at church. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
A prophet named Agabus came from Jerusalem. Through the Spirit, he predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius). The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. They sent gifts to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
THOUGHTS:
God used Peter to bring Gentile believers into the church. The wall between the Jews and Gentiles was broken. Can God use you to break the wall of believers and unbelievers?
The legalistic members of the Jerusalem assembly attacked Peter for eating with the Gentiles, so he explained how God had led him to follow His will. His explanation silenced his critics. Their reactions teach us how to handle disagreements with other Christians. Before judging the behavior of fellow believers, it is important to hear them out. The Holy Spirit may have something important to teach us through them. Be careful not to allow legalistic elements to hinder or limit the freedom of the gospel.
It is difficult for the Jews to accept the promise of God written in the Old Testament specifically in Malachi 1:11 “But my name is honored by people of other nations from morning till night.” The Jewish believers understood how certain prophecies were fulfilled in Christ but they overlooked the Old Testament teachings. Sometimes, we are inclined to accept only the parts of God’s Word that appeal to us and support our own agendas, ignoring the teachings we don’t like. We must accept all God’s Word as absolute truth.
Peter’s defense of his association with the Gentiles was evidenced by the changed lives of the Gentiles. He brought six witnesses with him and quoted Jesus’ promise about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Today, changed life is a powerful evidence of a true believer of Christ.
Christianity was launched in its worldwide mission in Antioch. Believers who were scattered after the outbreak of persecution in Jerusalem spread the Good News to other Jews in the land they fled to. Christianity exploded into Gentile areas and large numbers became believers.
Antioch was the largest city in the Roman world. The first Gentile church was founded in Antioch and the believers were first called Christians. Paul used the city as his home base during his missionary journeys. Antioch was the center of worship for several pagan cults that promoted sexual immorality and other forms of evil common to pagan religions. It was also a vital commercial center – the gateway to the eastern world. Antioch was a key city both to Rome and to the early church. (Source: From Life Application Study Bible)
Barnabas had strong faith. He is joyful and kind. He was an encourager and teacher. He was a great example to follow in helping new believers grow in faith.
The young church at Antioch was a mixture of Jews and Gentiles. This is also the first place where the believers were called Christians. As Christians, believers carry the name of Christ followed by I A N S, which means Christ’s followers must be: I-nspiring, A-ffectionate, N-urturing and S-elf-controlled. Christ’s love crosses all boundaries and unites all people.
Barnabas and Saul stayed at Antioch for a full year to teach the new believers. If you have new believers, spend time teaching them to grow in faith through consistent Bible Study and encouragement.
During the reign of Roman emperor Claudius, there was a drought for many years. There were serious food shortages and the church in Antioch assisted the church in Jerusalem. The people of Antioch were motivated to give generously because they cared about the needs of others. As Christians we should be concerned about peoples’ needs by being a cheerful giver.