In a pivotal moment for early Christianity, Peter's groundbreaking experience sets the stage for a more inclusive faith. This chapter unfolds how the church expands beyond its original boundaries, embracing both Jews and Gentiles alike.
The Reading: Acts 11
World English Bible1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
>
2 When Peter had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him,
>
3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men, and ate with them!”
>
4 But Peter began, and explained to them in order, saying,
>
5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. It came as far as me.
>
6 When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky.
>
7 I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter, kill and eat!’
>
8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.’
>
9 But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, don’t you call unclean.’
>
10 This was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.
>
11 Behold, immediately three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.
>
12 The Spirit told me to go with them, without discriminating. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house.
>
13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying to him, ‘Send to Joppa, and get Simon, who is called Peter,
>
14 who will speak to you words by which you will be saved, you and all your house.’
>
15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.
>
16 I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.’
>
17 If then God gave to them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?”
>
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life!”
>
19 They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only.
>
20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
>
21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
>
22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,
>
23 who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.
>
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.
>
25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.
>
26 When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
>
27 Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
>
28 One of them named Agabus stood up, and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius.
>
29 As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea;
>
30 which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Peter's Vision
In Acts 11, the apostles in Judea hear the exciting news that Gentiles, the non-Jewish population, have received the message of God. When Peter returns to Jerusalem, he faces criticism from those who adhere strictly to Jewish customs. They are shocked that he has visited and eaten with uncircumcised men.
Peter calmly explains his vision. He describes a trance he experienced while praying in Joppa, where he saw a large sheet containing various animals coming down from heaven. A voice instructed him to kill and eat, but Peter resisted, insisting he had never eaten anything unclean. He then heard the voice again, insisting that what God has cleansed should not be regarded as unclean. After three such visions, Peter receives a visit from three men sent by God, urging him to go with them without hesitation.
The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
Peter recounts how he preached to these Gentiles, and to his amazement, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had at Pentecost. Realizing that God accepted these non-Jews into the faith, Peter questions how he could possibly oppose God's will. The Jewish believers, hearing Peter's story, rejoice, recognizing that God has granted repentance and life to the Gentiles too.
The Growth of the Church in Antioch
Meanwhile, the early followers of Jesus, scattered due to persecution, begin to spread the word in places like Phoenicia and Antioch. Notably, some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene start preaching to Hellenists, or Greek-speaking Gentiles. Remarkably, many of these people turn to the Lord.
Barnabas is sent to Antioch to encourage this new community, and he sees the grace of God at work. He encourages them to remain faithful and eventually seeks out Saul (later known as Paul) to help teach the disciples. For an entire year, they minister together, and it's in Antioch that followers of Jesus are first called Christians.
A Prophetic Warning
In the latter part of the chapter, a prophet named Agabus predicts a coming famine that will affect the whole world. The disciples, responding with compassion, decide to send relief to the church in Judea, demonstrating the unity and support among the early believers regardless of cultural differences.
Why It Matters
Embracing Diversity
Acts 11 teaches us the importance of inclusivity in faith. Peter's experience shows that the Gospel is for everyone, breaking down barriers that often divide us. It challenges us to examine our own prejudices and embrace those who may be different from us.
The Power of Community
The growth of the church in Antioch is a testament to the power of community and shared faith. It reminds us that we grow stronger together, learning from one another and supporting each other in times of need - a principle that resonates today, encouraging us to seek out fellowship and connection in our own lives.
Finding Your Community
If you're looking for a place to explore faith or connect with others, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Just like the early church in Antioch, there are communities ready to welcome you.
The Call to Action
Lastly, Acts 11 nudges us gently toward action. It's not enough to simply believe; we are called to share our faith and help those around us, especially during difficult times, just as the disciples did by sending aid to Judea.
Coming Up Next: Acts 12
As we turn to Acts 12, the journey continues with Peter facing new challenges, including miraculous escapes and divine interventions. Join us as we dive deeper into the unfolding story!