Peter Explains His Actions to the Jewish Believers (Acts 11:1-18)
Criticism of Peter
Peter returns to Jerusalem where he faces criticism from Jewish believers who are concerned about him eating with Gentiles, a significant cultural and religious boundary in Jewish tradition. This encounter reflects early tensions within the church regarding the inclusion of Gentiles (Acts 11:1-3).
Peter’s Defense
Peter recounts his vision of the sheet let down from heaven, which contained all types of animals, and the voice that instructed him not to call anything impure that God has made clean. He describes this vision as a divine revelation intended to teach him that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation (Acts 11:4-10).
The Holy Spirit’s Confirmation
Peter tells of his visit to Cornelius’s house in Caesarea and how the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles as He had upon the Jewish believers at Pentecost. This event affirmed that God’s salvation through Jesus Christ was indeed intended for all humanity, not just Jews (Acts 11:11-17).
Acceptance by the Jewish Believers
Upon hearing Peter’s explanation and understanding the significance of these events, the critics are silenced and they glorify God, acknowledging that God has granted even the Gentiles repentance leading to life (Acts 11:18).
The Church in Antioch (Acts 11:19-30)
The Spread of the Gospel
Meanwhile, believers who had been scattered by the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to Jews only. However, some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to Greeks also, sharing the good news of the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord (Acts 11:19-21).
Barnabas and Saul in Antioch
The church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch. Recognized for his good heart and fullness of the Holy Spirit, Barnabas encourages the new believers to remain true to the Lord. Observing the grace of God at work, he goes to Tarsus to find Saul. Together, they return to Antioch and teach great numbers of people, and it is here that the disciples are first called Christians (Acts 11:22-26).
Prophetic Insight and Response
During this time, prophets from Jerusalem come to Antioch. One of them, Agabus, predicts a severe famine that would spread over the entire Roman world. The disciples, each according to his ability, decide to provide help to the brothers living in Judea, which they send to the elders by Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:27-30).
Theological Significance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Acts 11 demonstrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ commission to spread the Gospel to all nations, showing how the early church grappled with and overcame ethnic and cultural barriers. The chapter reinforces Jesus’ teachings about the inclusivity of the kingdom of God.
God’s Love for the World
This chapter exemplifies God’s love through the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian community, emphasizing that the message of Jesus is a universal invitation to salvation. The proactive charity shown by the Antioch church in response to the famine shows the practical implications of God’s love in action.
Contemporary Relevance
Acts 11 remains relevant today as it addresses the church’s response to cultural diversity and challenges Christians to embrace God’s vision of a global community united by faith in Christ. It encourages believers to support one another across cultural and geographical boundaries, fostering a spirit of generosity and mutual care.
Conclusion
Acts 11 is pivotal in illustrating the early church’s transition from a predominantly Jewish community to a multi-ethnic assembly. It challenges contemporary Christians to continue this legacy of inclusivity, showing the world that the Gospel of Jesus Christ transcends all human divisions and unites us in the love of God.