Confirmation of Gentile Conversions - Acts 11
(Greek words can be viewed using the Symbol font.)
Pastor Scott L. Harris
Grace Bible Church, NY
February 12, 2006
Confirmation of Gentile Conversions
Acts 11:1-30
Introduction
Last week we studied Acts 10 and the wonderful story of the door to the gospel
that was opened to the Gentiles through the visions the Lord gave to Cornelius
the Centurion and also to Peter. The Lord’s direct intervention enabled Peter to
overcome his inherent prejudice against the Gentiles and finally understand that
"God is not one to show partiality" (Acts 10:34). The coming of the Holy Spirit
upon Cornelius and those who had gathered with him to hear Peter then confirmed
to Peter and the Jews from Joppa that had come with him that the Gentiles were
to be included as part of the church, so Peter had them baptized.
This morning we will see in Acts 11 a confirmation of the Gentile conversions as
Peter returns to Jerusalem and reports the work that the Lord was doing in
Caesarea which results in the Jews there also overcoming their prejudices and
concluding that "God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads
to life" (vs. 18). Luke then goes on in the last half of Acts 11 to report on
the gospel being spread to the Gentiles in Antioch.
Accused by Those of the Circumcision (1-3)
Acts 11:1 (NASB) Now the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea
heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came
up to Jerusalem, those who were circumcised took issue with him, 3 saying, "You
went to uncircumcised men and ate with them."
News about Peter going to Caesarea and the Gentiles receiving the Word of God
quickly spread among the believers throughout Judea. Along with that news was
also the report that Peter was not only preaching to the Gentiles, but also
staying with them and eating with them. This was alarming news to those "those
who were circumcised." These are Jews who have repented and turned to Christ,
but they are still very zealous for the laws and customs of Judaism. This was a
clear breaking of Jewish custom, so they confronted Peter about it when he
returned.
As I mentioned last week, the prejudices of the Jews against the Gentiles were
very strong. Eating with a Gentile would have been resisted by all or nearly all
the Jewish Christians at this time. The Jews would have traveled over land and
sea to win Gentile converts according to Matt. 23:15, but in doing so they would
have also been careful to avoid any personal contamination which would have
resulted if they either ate something that was not kosher, or if they ate with a
Gentile. Acts 11 is another transition in the progress of the Gospel and the
building up of the Church. To this point the Jews did not yet understand the
gospel going to the Gentiles nor could they conceive the Gentiles being accepted
into the church without them also becoming Jewish proselytes. Remember that God
had given Peter a vision that was repeated 3 times to prepare him for having
such interaction with the Gentiles. These Jewish believers in Jerusalem have not
had such visions, so they are strongly opposed to it at this point in time.
Peter Recounts the Events in Caesarea (4-15)
4 But Peter began [speaking] and [proceeded] to explain to them in orderly
sequence, saying, 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a
vision, a certain object coming down like a great sheet lowered by four corners
from the sky; and it came right down to me, 6 and when I had fixed my gaze upon
it and was observing it I saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild
beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the air. 7 "And I also heard
a voice saying to me, 'Arise, Peter; kill and eat.' 8 "But I said, 'By no means,
Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9 "But a voice
from heaven answered a second time, 'What God has cleansed, no longer consider
unholy.' 10 "And this happened three times, and everything was drawn back up
into the sky. 11 "And behold, at that moment three men appeared before the house
in which we were [staying,] having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 "And the
Spirit told me to go with them without misgivings. And these six brethren also
went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13 "And he reported to us how he
had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, 'Send to Joppa, and have
Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; 14 and he shall speak words to
you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.' 15 "And as I began
to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as [He did] upon us at the
beginning.
Notice that Peter does not get into a debate with those who had rebuked him.
Instead, Peter simply repeats the story of what had occurred starting with the
visions that God had given to him which was followed by the arrival of the men
from Caesarea and the Spirit directing him to go with them. Peter then points
out the believers from Joppa had gone to Caesarea with him and that six of those
brethren were with him now (vs. 12). There were adequate witnesses to what had
happened. Peter then repeated the vision that Cornelius had received from an
Angel. Peter includes here the specific revelation the angel had given to them
that Peter would come and "speak words to you by which you will be saved, you
and all your household.' Peter then points out that the Holy Spirit fell upon
the Gentiles just as He had upon them at the beginning, referring to the day of
Pentecost. In verses 16 & 17 Peter gives his own conclusion to the experiences
he had in Caesarea.
Peter’s Conclusion (16,17)
16 "And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, 'John baptized
with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 "If God
therefore gave to them the same gift as [He gave] to us also after believing in
the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?"
Peter’s conclusion is not one of his own thoughts and feelings but one brought
about by remembering the prophecy of John the Baptist about the future baptism
of the Spirit. Peter then simply points out that he could not stand in the way
of God fulfilling that prophecy, and the Spirit had come upon the Gentiles in
the same way He had upon them. Peter let the events speak for themselves. He did
not have to make any further arguments.
Confirmation (18)
18 And when they heard this, they quieted down, and glorified God, saying, "Well
then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance [that leads] to life."
The response of these Jewish believers is a quiet acceptance. How could they
argue with what God was doing? They had been agitated, but now they calm down
and glorify God recognizing that God was now granting to the Gentiles also the
repentance that leads to life. Again, I must point out that this is a huge
transition and one that would not have been easy for them to understand and
accept. The fact that they do shows their desire to know, follow and obey God.
But we are also safe to assume that they were not comfortable with the addition
of non-proselyte Gentiles to the Church and that they do not yet understand how
everything would fit together. There are a lot of questions about Gentile
believers that would arise again in the future, but at least they now did
understand and believe that Gentiles could be saved by faith in Jesus Christ.
Salvation was no longer reserved just for Jews, those with at least some Jewish
heritage such as were the Samaritans and Gentiles who were proselytes to
Judaism, such as Nicolas in Acts 6:5.
The expansion of the church from Jews in Jerusalem to Gentiles in Antioch took
some time to take place. After the church was born on Pentecost, Apostolic
authority had to be established and a doctrinal foundation for the church had to
be laid down. Long held prejudices had to be overcome. The great persecution of
believers following Stephen’s martyrdom forced the church into Judea and
Samaria. Accepting the Samaritans as fellow believers and therefore equals in
Christ was not an easy transition, but the Lord established the authenticity of
it and the transition was made. Prejudices against certain trades such as
tanners were also overcome. Accepting Gentiles was the hardest, but the Lord
established that transition though Cornelius and Peter. It would be broadened
and strengthened in the years to come through the ministry of Paul.
Prejudices can still be hard to overcome. They can develop from many different
sources, but the most common is learning it from the sinful attitudes of those
around us. It is usually founded in ignorance and lies, but often reinforced by
selective application of our experiences. At the heart of all prejudice is
either pride or fear or a mixture of the two. We think more highly of ourselves
and those who are similar to us than we ought, and we fear what we do not know.
That is why prejudice is overcome by submitting to God just as Peter did.
Submitting to God requires us to be humble before Him and agree that He knows
better than we do. It also requires us to exercise our faith and trust Him as we
face our fears of the unknown. As I have mentioned before, I believe this church
has come a long way in overcoming prejudice so that we are a very diversified
church both ethnically and culturally, but that does not mean that there are not
or will not be areas for us to still work on both individually and as a church.
Each of us needs to follow Peter’s example of being both personally teachable
and submissive to God as well as helping others overcome their prejudices as God
continues to mold us into the imagine of His son, Jesus Christ, who is without
partiality.
One last thing to note in verse 18 is their understanding of salvation being
granted to the Gentiles. Notice how they phrase their statement. God has granted
to the Gentiles also the repentance unto life." ( Ara kai
toiV eqnesin o qeoV thn metanoian eiV zwhn edwken - Therefore also
to the gentiles the God the repentance into life He is granting). They would use
the term repentance to summarize salvation for it is the turning from sin to the
Savior. Repentance may not be popular in much of American Christianity, but it
is the term used by the early church and it is still required for salvation. You
cannot believe the truth about Jesus Christ and at the same time still hold onto
your sin and pride.
Conversions in Antioch (11:19-26)
Arrival in Antioch (19-21)
In Acts 11:19-26 Luke turns his attention back in time again to what has been
happening in other places following the martyrdom of Stephen.
19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in
connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch,
speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of
them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and [began] speaking to the
Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with
them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
As a result of the persecution that followed the martyrdom of Stephen believers
scattered from Jerusalem and went throughout Judea and Samaria. Some of them
even went farther away to the regions of Phoenicia, the Island of Cyprus, and
the city of Antioch in Syria which is on the Orontes River. When these believers
first went to these places they would speak to the Jews only.
Later, some of those from Cyprus and Cyrene (North Coast of Africa - Modern
Lybia) also come to Antioch. Cyprus is fairly close and on a direct trade route
to Antioch, but we are not given any indication why those from Cyrene in N.
Africa would have traveled to Antioch. ( MAP MAP)
Antioch at this time is the third largest city in the Roman empire ( 1st Rome.
2nd Alexandria). It was founded in 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator and named after
his father. It was conquered by the Romans from Syria in 64 BC, and became the
capital of western Syria. ( Picture) Antioch was known for its culture and
commerce with many trade routes going through it. Cicero described it as a place
of learned men and liberal studies. It was also a place of vile sin, pagan
worship and sexual immorality.
These men from Cyprus and Cyrene started to do something different. They began
preaching the Lord Jesus to the Greeks. Verse 21 adds that the "hand of the
Lord," that is, God’s power, was with them with the result that a large number
of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. This is the birth of the
first church with a large portion and perhaps even a majority of Gentiles. By
comparison, Cornelius and those with him were a small group.
Note again how Luke phrases salvation in this passage. Those who were believing
turned to the Lord. (poluV te ariqmoV o pisteusaV epestreyen
epiV ton kurion - many in number the believing ones turned unto the
Lord). In our own time there are many preachers that want to equate belief with
intellectual assent and equate that with salvation, but the Scripture just does
not do that. Here again we find that intellectual belief is joined with it
practical result in those who are believing also turning to Jesus. They are
converted from whatever religious system they had been previously been following
into becoming disciples of Jesus Christ (vs. 26). Intellectual assent does not
equal salvation from sin. True belief always results in actions that correspond
to those beliefs.
We are not told exactly when this happened or even a time sequence in
relationship to Peter preaching to Cornelius in Caesarea, but eventually the
news of it reached Jerusalem.
Building Up the Believers (22-26)
22 And the news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they
sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he had come and witnessed the grace
of God, he rejoiced and [began] to encourage them all with resolute heart to
remain [true] to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit
and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. 25 And he left
for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to
Antioch. And it came about that for an entire year they met with the church, and
taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in
Antioch.
When news about what has happening in Antioch reached Jerusalem, they sent
Barnabas to find out what was going on. This is the same Barnabas we met at the
end of Chapter 4. He was the right man to send for he was a Greek speaking Jew
from Cyprus. He was respected by those in Jerusalem and he was true to his
nickname, for in verse 23 we find that he rejoiced over what God was doing and
encouraged the saints there. Verse 24 comments that Barnabas was "a good man,
and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith."
Verse 24 also comments that there were "considerable numbers" who were brought
to the Lord. There were more than those present could adequately take care of by
themselves, so Barnabas set out for Tarsus to find Saul to come and help.
The verb "to look for" (anazhtew / anazêteô) means
"to make diligent search." It appears that Barnabas had a hard time finding
Saul, but when he did, he brought Saul back to Antioch with him and they worked
together among the many believers there for a complete year
Verse 26 points out that it was in Antioch that "the disciples were first called
Christians." The term "disciple" was the most common name given to the early
Christians because of its emphasis that they were followers of Jesus. The term
"Christian" is similar in many respects because it means "a little Christ."
These disciples were so identified with Christ that they were given a title
bearing His name. This was not a title that they called themselves, but one that
non-believers were using for them. It was a name originally given with the
intent of mocking them, but the name quickly became a name of honor for the
disciples. We get a sense of this from 1 Peter 4:16 - "but if [anyone suffers]
as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God."
Contribution from the Christians (27-30)
In verses 27-30 we find the genuineness of these Christians exhibited in their
concern and care for disciples in other places.
27 Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And
one of them named Agabus stood up and [began] to indicate by the Spirit that
there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place
in the [reign] of Claudius. 29 And in the proportion that any of the disciples
had means, each of them determined to send [a contribution] for the relief of
the brethren living in Judea. 30 And this they did, sending it in charge of
Barnabas and Saul to the elders.
While Barnabas and Saul are busy teaching these new Christians, a group of New
Testament prophets come to them from Jerusalem. From 1 Cor. 12:10,27 we
understand that these men are preachers of God’s word, but that they also had
some ability to predict future events as they do in this passage. One of them,
Agabus, whom we will meet again in Acts 21:10, is foretold by the Spirit that
there would be a great famine in the future. Luke, who is writing this after the
fact, notes that this is the particular famine that occurred during the reign of
Claudius (A.D. 41-54). Tacitus, Josephus and other Roman historians write about
a great famine in Israel in A.D. 45/46. In those years Egypt sold grain to those
in Jerusalem and Cyprus supplied figs.
The response of the church in Antioch was similar to the response of the early
believers in Jerusalem to those who were in need. They expressed their love in a
practical manner by taking up a collection and sending finances for relief of
those in Israel who were affected the most by this famine. Again it should be
pointed out that this collection was not required or mandated. It was done out
of love as each one had the ability to give. The funds were then sent to
Jerusalem by Barnabas and Saul to "the elders" in Jerusalem. This is the first
time the term "elders" is used in NT in relationship to an office in the church.
The elders in turn would have directed the use of the finances to give relief to
those who were in need.
This same type of procedure is still used in both the local church and in the
universal church. Within our own church our general practice is that each person
contributes as they desire and are able toward the needs of our own congregation
and our church leaders determine the best use of the finances available. The
motive is love, not compulsion. Because of that, it not uncommon for individuals
to recognize special needs within the congregation and talk with our church
leaders about the best way to meet that need. Remember, that just because
someone has a want does not make it a need, and often even when there is a need
there are other factors that must be taken into consideration in deciding the
best way to meet a legitimate need. It is best to consult with those who have
been proven to have godly wisdom in making those assessments and decisions.
Within the universal church we have often invited you to do just as those in
Antioch did in sending a contribution for those in need in other places. We have
most recently done that in helping those who were hit hard by Hurricanes Katrina
& Rita. We send the finances to local churches in the affected area where their
church leaders can best assess the best use of the finances available. In this
case, we have done that by sending it to our church fellowship organization,
IFCA International, which in turn has distributed it among 26 local churches in
Louisiana and Mississippi. We are still following the example of the early
church.
KIDS CORNER
Parents, you are responsible to apply God’s Word to your children’s lives. Here
is some help.
Young Children - draw a picture about something you hear during the sermon.
Explain your picture(s) to your parents at lunch.
Older Children - Do one or more of the following: 1) Write down all the verses
mentioned in the sermon and look them up. 2) Count how many times "Gentiles" are
mentioned. Talk with your parents about the importance of the gospel going to
the Gentiles.
THINK ABOUT IT!
Questions to consider in discussing the sermon with others.
How did the church in Jerusalem hear about what was happening in Antioch? Who
were "those of the circumcision" and why were they so upset with Peter? How does
Peter deal with their concerns? What principle does this give us that may help
in dealing with people’s concerns? What is Peter’s conclusion and what is its
basis? How did the church in Jerusalem respond? Was this the end of the matter?
Why or why not? How have you overcome prejudice in your own life? Are there
areas of prejudice you still need to overcome either in thought or practice?
Develop a plan for overcoming them. Where was Antioch? What is the significance
of that city? When did the Gentiles start to hear the gospel in Antioch? What
was their response? Why did Barnabas go to Antioch? Why did Barnabas go get
Saul? What did they do in Antioch? How would they have done that? What is the
significance of the name "Christian" and how / why was it first used in Antioch?
What was the response of the Christians in Antioch to the predicted famine? What
are the specifics of how their response was carried out? How should the church
respond to similar situations today in both the local church and in the
universal church.
Sermon Notes - February 12, 2006
Confirmation of Gentile Conversions - Acts 11:1-30
Introduction
Convincing the Church in Jerusalem (11:1-18))
Accused by Those of the Circumcision (1-3)
Peter Recounts the Events in Caesarea (4-15)
Peter’s Conclusion (16,17)
Confirmation (18)
Conversions in Antioch (11:19-26)
Arrival in Antioch (19-21)
Building Up the Believers (22-26)
Contribution from the Christians (27-30)
