1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
4 But Peter rehearsed [the matter] from the beginning, and expounded [it] by order unto them, saying,
5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common.
10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
12 And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Overview of Acts Chapter 11
Acts Chapter 11 serves as a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, detailing the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community and the acceptance of Gentiles into the faith. This chapter highlights key events, including Peter’s vision, his subsequent actions, and the reaction of the Jerusalem church.
Key Themes
- Inclusivity of the Gospel: The chapter emphasizes that the message of Jesus is for all people, not just the Jews.
- Divine Guidance: Peter’s vision demonstrates how God communicates His will and prepares His followers for significant changes.
- Community and Accountability: The interactions between Peter and the Jerusalem church illustrate the importance of accountability and communal discernment in the faith.
Summary of Events
- Peter’s Return to Jerusalem (11:1-3):
Upon returning to Jerusalem, Peter faces criticism from the circumcised believers for associating with Gentiles and eating with them.
- Peter’s Defense (11:4-17):
Peter recounts his vision of the sheet filled with unclean animals and the command from God to not call anything impure that God has made clean. He explains how the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles, just as it did upon the Jewish believers.
- Acceptance of Gentiles (11:18):
Upon hearing Peter’s account, the Jerusalem church praises God for granting repentance to the Gentiles, acknowledging their inclusion in the faith.
- The Church in Antioch (11:19-30):
The chapter shifts focus to the church in Antioch, where believers spread the Gospel to Hellenists. Barnabas is sent to encourage them, and he later brings Saul (Paul) to assist in teaching. The chapter concludes with a prophecy of famine and the church’s response to aid the believers in Judea.
Analysis of Key Verses
Verses 1-3: Criticism from the Jerusalem Church
This opening section highlights the tension between Jewish believers and the inclusion of Gentiles. The criticism Peter faces reflects the deep-seated cultural and religious boundaries that existed at the time. It sets the stage for the necessity of Peter’s subsequent explanation.
Verses 4-10: Peter’s Vision
Peter’s vision is a transformative experience that challenges his preconceived notions about purity and dietary laws. The repetition of the command to “kill and eat” signifies the urgency of God’s message. It illustrates the theme of divine revelation and the breaking down of barriers.
Verses 11-17: The Holy Spirit’s Role
Peter emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Gentiles is a divine endorsement of their inclusion. This moment is crucial, as it validates the Gentile believers’ experiences and solidifies the understanding that salvation is available to all.
Verse 18: The Response of the Jerusalem Church
The reaction of the Jerusalem church, which shifts from criticism to praise, underscores the transformative power of understanding and acceptance. It marks a significant turning point in the early church’s mission.
Verses 19-21: The Spread of the Gospel to Hellenists
This section illustrates the organic growth of the church as believers share the Gospel beyond their immediate community. The mention of Hellenists indicates a broader cultural engagement and the breaking down of ethnic barriers in the early church.
Verses 22-26: Barnabas and Saul in Antioch
Barnabas’s role as an encourager and leader in Antioch highlights the importance of mentorship and community building in the church. The collaboration between Barnabas and Saul (Paul) foreshadows the significant missionary work that will follow.
Verses 27-30: The Prophecy of Famine
The prophecy of famine and the church’s response to aid the believers in Judea reflect the early church’s commitment to community support and solidarity. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the Christian community and their responsibility to care for one another.
Conclusion
Acts Chapter 11 is a crucial chapter that marks a significant shift in the early church’s understanding of its mission. It highlights the themes of inclusivity, divine guidance, and community accountability, setting the foundation for the church’s expansion into the Gentile world.
