Acts 11

Acts 11 describes pivotal developments in the early Christian church, focusing on the acceptance of Gentile (non-Jew) believers, the foundation of the church at Antioch, and a prophetic warning of an upcoming famine.

Key points from Acts 11 are:

  • Peter’s Defense of Gentile Conversion (Acts 11:1-18): After Peter visited Cornelius, a Gentile, and shared the Gospel, Jewish believers in Jerusalem criticized him for associating with uncircumcised men. Peter explained that God had shown him a vision declaring no one should be called unclean and that Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit just as the Jews did. This convinced the Jerusalem believers to accept that Gentiles could also be saved by faith in Jesus Christ without adhering to all Jewish customs. This was a major step in expanding the Gospel beyond the Jewish community.

  • Establishment of the Church at Antioch (Acts 11:19-26): Believers scattered from persecution preached the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. Barnabas, a trusted disciple, was sent to investigate the Gentile converts in Antioch. Seeing God’s grace, he encouraged them and brought Saul (Paul) from Tarsus to teach and assist in this growing Gentile church. It was in Antioch that followers of Jesus were first called “Christians”.

  • Prophecy of a Famine and Relief Effort (Acts 11:27-30): A prophet named Agabus predicted a severe famine during Emperor Claudius’ reign. The disciples in Antioch collected money to aid the believers in Judea, and Barnabas and Saul were entrusted to deliver this aid, demonstrating early church care and unity across regions.

The chapter highlights how God’s work can challenge existing religious boundaries, calling the early church to accept new directions, including Gentile inclusion. Peter’s humble and transparent explanation helped heal tensions. Barnabas and Saul’s active leadership facilitated the growing mission to the Gentiles.

Additionally, Acts 11 marks an identity shift as believers began to be called “Christians” for the first time, signaling a distinct community centered on Jesus Christ.

In summary, Acts 11 narrates the church’s embrace of Gentile believers, foundation of the church in Antioch as a center for Gentile missions, and attention to social needs, all pivotal in Christian expansion beyond Judaism.

Popular posts from this blog

Romans 4

Romans chapter 4 teaches that Abraham was declared righteous by God because of his faith, not by works or obedience to the law, including circumcision . Paul uses Abraham as the prime example to show that justification—being made right before God—comes through faith alone, which is a gift from God and not earned by human effort. Key points in Romans 4 include: Abraham believed God, and that belief was counted to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3, referencing Genesis 15:6). If Abraham had been justified by works, he would have had something to boast about, but justification is by faith, not works (Romans 4:2, 4–5). Paul anticipates a Jewish objection that Abraham was made righteous through circumcision (a work), but counters that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised, making circumcision a sign or seal of the righteousness that was already credited to him (Romans 4:9–12). Abraham became a spiritual father not only to Jews but also to Gentiles who believe by faith...
Read more