Acts 11
McGeeCHAPTER 11THEME: Peter defends his ministry; gospel goes to AntiochPeter recounts the events in connection with the conversion of Gentiles in the home of Cornelius. The news that the Gentiles had received the Word of God did not seem to bring any joy to the church in Jerusalem. They demand of Peter an explanation of his conduct, so Peter must defend his ministrywhich is really difficult for Simon Peter, as he himself feels apologetic about it. Antioch becomes the center of the gentile church.
Acts 11:1
PETER DEFENDS HIS MINISTRYThere was doubt and division. We need to understand that to the Jews the action of Simon Peter was a terrible thing. In fact, if we could have talked to Simon Peter a month before this, he also would have said it was a terrible thing to do. Actually, Peter gives them an apology. He makes it clear that he didn’t want to do it at all, but that the Spirit of God was in the whole episode.
Acts 11:4
Listen to his account. He is still amazed at God’s command.
Acts 11:7
The word for “drawn up” indicates all were suddenly withdrawn into heaven.
Acts 11:11
Now Simon Peter tells what went through his mind.
Acts 11:16
The purpose of the tongues was to give evidence to Simon Peter that the Holy Spirit had actually “fallen on them.” How else would he have known that they had been baptized by the Holy Spirit which placed them in the body of believers?
Acts 11:18
Even the Judaizers had to shut their mouths now. They had nothing more to say in objection because this obviously was of God. So they glorified God. This was a great daythe door had been opened to the Gentiles! We see now that the stage is being set for the gospel to move out to the ends of the earth.
Acts 11:19
GOSPEL GOES TO ANTIOCHThe “Grecians,” you will remember, are Jews who spoke Greek and were Greek in their customs. So far, you will notice, the preaching has been to Jews only.
Acts 11:21
There is a great moving of the Spirit of God in Antioch, and the church in Jerusalem hears about it. So the Jerusalem church sends Barnabas to Antioch. We are going to see now that Antioch becomes the second center of the church. In fact, the center actually shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Acts 11:23
This is a wonderful thing that is said about Barnabas. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and full of faith. And, my friend, there is no reason why every Christian shouldn’t be a good person. Barnabas became the pastor of the church there. He began “exhorting,” which would be preaching and teaching. And the congregation grew, for “much people was added unto the Lord.” As the church grew, it became evident to Barnabas that he needed an assistant pastor, and he knew where to get a good one.
Acts 11:25
Barnabas had to go find Saul and bring him with him. I detect in this that Saul was a little reluctant to come. He held back. It was here that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ were first called “Christians.” I do not think this was a term of ridicule. I think it simply meant that these were the ones who were the followers of Christ, they were Christians. It is an excellent name.
Acts 11:27
The incident that is recorded here is also verified in secular history. There was a general famine, but the effect was especially felt in Jerusalem where the church had been persecuted, decimated, and hurt. They were in dire need during this time. It is wonderful to see the fraternal spirit, the bond of love, that held the early church together. The other believers sent help to the troubled church in Jerusalem. We remember that Saul had been one of those who had wasted the church in Jerusalem by his relentless persecution of them. How wonderful it is to see that by his own hands a transformed Saul now brings relief to that same church. That is Christianity in shoe leather, my friend. That is the way it ought to be.