Teacher: John M. Brown, Flatwoods Church of Christ, Wednesday Bible Class, January 2004

ACTS Chapter 11

Teacher: John M. Brown, Flatwoods church of Christ, Wednesday Bible Class, January 2004

I. PETER’S DEFENSE, vv. 1-18

A.  The apostles and brethren in Judea heard the Gentiles had received the word of God, vv. 1-3

1.  Some “of the circumcision” took issue with Peter (these were Jewish Christians who were apparently unhappy that Gentiles were coming into the church without the rites of the Law of Moses).

2.  Peter will review what happened.

B.  Peter’s explanation:

1.  Note that Peter “rehearsed...by order”: Peter is giving a step-by-step explanation of what happened.

2.  Peter’s vision.

3.  As Peter began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on the household of Cornelius (note: if Cornelius was saved when the Holy Spirit fell, he was saved before he believed – see Acts 15:7).

4.  Note the phrase “at the beginning” (v. 15) – this is a reference to Pentecost (thus, Pentecost was the beginning of the church, of the message of salvation through Christ, of the New Covenant, etc.).

5.  Peter calls what happened to Cornelius “the like gift” (v. 17):

a.  NOT the “same gift” – Cornelius was not endued with power form on high, he was not given inspiration, he was not on an equality with the apostles (compare Luke 24:49; Acts 1:2:1-4).

b.  The prophecy concerning what happened on Pentecost was fulfilled, said Peter (see Acts 2:17).

c.  The miraculous outpouring on the household of Cornelius was like what the apostles received in the manner of reception (directly from heaven).

C.  The response: When the people to whom Peter was speaking heard this explanation, they glorified God, recognizing that “God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

II. THE WORK IN ANTIOCH, vv. 19-26

A.  The city of Antioch:

1.  It was founded about 300 BC by a Grecian, Seleucus Nicator, and named for his father, Antiochus.

2.  Antioch was made the capital of the Roman province of Syria in 64 BC.

3.  It was the third largest city in the world with a population of about 500,000 (Rome and Alexandria were first and second).

4.  Though the city had a large Jewish population, the moral climate was corrupt.

B.  The message of “the Lord Jesus” was preached to the Grecians, vv. 19-21

1.  The preaching had been to Jews exclusively thus far.

2.  But now the message was going to Gentiles, and a great number “believed, and turned to the Lord.”

C.  Barnabas, vv. 22-26

1.  Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to Antioch.

2.  Barnabas exhorts the brethren, and the church continues to grow.

3.  Barnabas temporarily left Antioch, went to Tarsus to get Saul, and brought him back to Antioch where they labored together for a year (for the reason Saul was brought,

see Acts 26:16-18; Romans 11:13; Galatians 2:7-8).

D.  “The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

1.  “Called” = Gk, CHREMATIZO – the word signifies a Divine warning, instruction, admonition, or calling.

2.  Thus, the disciples were called Christians BY GOD (see also 2 Thessalonians 2:14).

3.  Why not until Antioch? Because this new, God-given name would not be given until the Gentiles came into the church (see Isaiah 60:1-3; 62:1-2, 12).

III. RELIEF IS SENT FROM ANTIOCH TO JUDEA, vv. 27-30

A.  A prophet named Agabus predicted a “dearth” (famine) throughout the world.

(Agabus made another prophecy, too – see 21:10-11).

B.  So, help is sent to the brethren in Judea by Barnabas and Saul.

(note: this is the first mention of the word “elders” in Acts).