Acts 11

Acts 11 continues the narrative of the early Christian church, emphasizing the theme of the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community. This chapter specifically deals with the aftermath of Peter's vision and his visit to Cornelius, a Gentile, in Caesarea. It details how the early church in Jerusalem reacted to the inclusion of Gentiles among God’s people and further describes the growth of the church as the message spreads to Antioch, marking a significant expansion of the Christian mission.

Acts 11:1-3
Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

The early Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, upon hearing that Peter had preached to Gentiles, were initially shocked and disapproving. They were concerned with the breaking of traditional Jewish laws, specifically the taboo against associating with or visiting Gentiles. This reflects the early church’s struggle to understand the scope of the Gospel’s reach and the inclusivity of God’s plan.

Acts 11:4-10
But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’”

Peter recounts his vision to the skeptical Jewish believers, emphasizing the divine origin of the message and his initial reluctance to go against Jewish dietary laws. The vision symbolizes the abolition of these old distinctions under the new covenant, reinforcing that the Gospel is for all humanity, not confined by previous ritualistic barriers.

Acts 11:11-12
“Now this happened three times, and everything was drawn up again into heaven. At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover, these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.”

Peter continues his account by linking the vision to his immediate call to visit Cornelius in Caesarea. He emphasizes the Spirit's guidance to go without hesitation, indicating the importance of divine direction in the mission to the Gentiles. The presence of six Jewish Christian witnesses underscores the credibility and communal aspect of this new outreach.

Acts 11:13-14
“And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’”

Peter explains that Cornelius had been divinely prepared for his visit. An angel had instructed Cornelius to seek out Peter, who would deliver a message of salvation. This establishes the reciprocity of divine intervention on both sides—Jew and Gentile—emphasizing that God’s salvation is universally accessible.

Acts 11:15-17
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

Peter describes the moment the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, paralleling the Jewish believers’ Pentecost experience. This event convinced Peter that God does not show partiality among peoples. His reference to Jesus’ words about the baptism of the Holy Spirit further underlines the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise and the authoritative basis for accepting Gentile converts without reservation.

Acts 11:18
When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, upon hearing Peter's account, were convinced by the evidence of God's direct involvement. Their initial resistance turned into praise, acknowledging that God’s offer of repentance and life extended beyond Israel to include the Gentiles. This marked a pivotal moment in the church, recognizing the inclusivity of God's salvation plan.

Acts 11:19-21
Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

This passage traces the expansion of the Gospel geographically and ethnically, as the believers dispersed by persecution began evangelizing in broader areas. Significantly, some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Gentiles) in Antioch. This proactive spreading of the Gospel to non-Jews shows the growing understanding that the message of Jesus was for all. The success of their mission, evidenced by many turning to the Lord, highlights divine support for their efforts.

Acts 11:22-24
Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

The Jerusalem church’s response to the reports from Antioch was to send Barnabas, a respected leader known for his encouragement and strong faith. His visit to Antioch affirmed and supported the Gentile believers. Barnabas’s presence and encouragement were pivotal in solidifying the faith of the new converts, further fostering the church's growth.

Acts 11:25-26
Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Recognizing the need for additional leadership in the rapidly growing church at Antioch, Barnabas sought Saul (Paul), bringing him back to help disciple the new believers. Their collaborative effort over a year helped establish a strong community, reflected in the new name “Christians,” indicating their clear identity as followers of Christ. This term signified a significant development in their self-understanding and community cohesion.

Acts 11:27-30
In these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

This passage highlights the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities. Prophets from Jerusalem, like Agabus, traveled to Antioch and prophesied about future events, such as a significant famine. The Antioch church’s response—to organize a relief effort for the Judean Christians—demonstrates a strong sense of unity and mutual care within the body of Christ. This act of generosity also cemented the bond between Jewish and Gentile believers, reinforcing the practical implications of their shared faith in Christ.