Acts Chapter Eleven

 Act 11:1  And the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the nations also received the Word of God. 

Act 11:2  And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 

Act 11:3  saying, You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them. 

Act 11:4  But beginning, Peter set out to them in order, saying, 

Act 11:5  I was being in the city of Joppa, praying. And in an ecstasy, I saw a vision: a certain vessel was coming down, like a huge sheet, being let down by four corners out of the heaven; and it came as far as me. 

Act 11:6  Looking intently on this, I observed. And I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the birds of the heaven. 

Act 11:7  And I heard a voice saying to me, Peter, rise up, slay and eat. 

Act 11:8  But I said, Not at all, Lord, because never has anything common or unclean entered into my mouth. 

Act 11:9  But a voice answered me the second time out of the heaven, What God has cleansed, you do not make common. 

Act 11:10  And this took place three times, and all things were pulled up into the heaven again. 

Act 11:11  And, behold, at once three men stood at the house in which I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me. 

Act 11:12  And the Spirit said to me to go with them, not discriminating. And these six brothers also were with me, and we went into the man's house. 

Act 11:13  And he told us how he saw an angel in his house, standing and saying to him, Send men to Joppa, and send for Simon who is surnamed Peter, 

Act 11:14  who will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved. 

Act 11:15  And in my beginning to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as also on us in the beginning. 

Act 11:16  And I recalled the Word of the Lord, how He said, John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. 

Act 11:17  Then if God gave the same gift to them as also to us, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, and I, who was I to be able to prevent God? 

Act 11:18  And hearing these things, they kept silent and glorified God, saying, Then God also has granted to the nations repentance unto life. 

Act 11:19  Then, indeed, they who were scattered by the oppression taking place over Stephen passed through to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the Word to no one except only to Jews. 

Act 11:20  But some men from them, Cypriots and Cyrenians, who had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, announcing the gospel of the Lord Jesus. 

Act 11:21  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believing, they turned to the Lord. 

Act 11:22  And the Word was heard in the ears of the assembly in Jerusalem concerning them. And they sent out Barnabas to go through as far as Antioch; 

Act 11:23  who having come, and seeing the grace of God, rejoiced. And he exhorted all with purpose of heart to abide near the Lord. 

Act 11:24  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a considerable crowd was added to the Lord. 

Act 11:25  And Barnabas went out to Tarsus to seek Saul. 

Act 11:26  And finding him, he brought him to Antioch. And it happened that many of them were gathered to them in the assembly a whole year. And they taught a considerable crowd. And the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. 

Act 11:27  And in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 

Act 11:28  And one of them named Agabus rising up, he signified through the Spirit that a great famine was about to be over all the habitable earth, which also happened on Claudius Caesar's time. 

Act 11:29  And according as any was prospered, the disciples, each of them, determined to send for ministry to those brothers living in Judea, 

Act 11:30  which they also did, sending to the elders through the hand of Barnabas and Saul. 

DEFENSE TO THE JEWS

Verses 1-18: Peter returns to Jerusalem and is confronted by his Jewish counterparts for having fellowship with Gentiles. Peter recounts the vision and directives to go to the house of Cornelius. He relates how the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles while he was preaching. His accusers fall silent and they all realize that the Gospel is for all nations.

1. Compare verses 2&3 with 18. What attitude, or kind of heart must these men have to come to this conclusion? Why? Their hearts and minds were open to God's truths. This is all new for them and it requires a heart for God. Peter's narrative fulfills that. His main points include the angel, God, the Holy Spirit and of course, Jesus. These spiritual events were bigger than all of them and they knew it.

Verses 19-26: Many of the scattered Christians are now teaching in outlaying areas. Barnabas is sent to Antioch. He rejoices in their faith. He gets Saul from Tarsus to help him in the ministry, They stay for a year and establish a church there.

2. Compare verses 20&21 with 9:29., What differences do you see? Not all Hellenists hated Paul. Some were willing to listen with a heart towards God. Perhaps the fact that they were removed physically from Jerusalem helped.

3. Observe the phrases “turned to God” -(21), “continue with the Lord” - (23), “added to the Lord” - (24). What do these phrases mean? It is possible that these souls felt they already "had God." This gospel reveals that hey likely did not "have God" and thus, God did not "have them." It has all to do with the changing of the way they thought about themselves and God (repentance). It is the turning away from the self, turning over our lives to God and walking diligently with Him that adds us to his number. 

4. Who were the disciples in verse 26? What were they called? This was the church in Antioch, where we first see the assigned name 'Christian." The name that assigns us to the son of God.

Additional: Look up the word “called” in verse 26 (called Christians). What is the significance of being called a Christian?
Called - G5537 χρηματίζ  chrēmatizō khray-mat-id'-zo From G5536; to utter an oracle -
The moniker of "Christian" denotes a personification of what Jesus did for us. Thus, the name implies our faith in Him and His ability to make us whole.
As we have seen over and over, the name Jesus is made the authoritative call out for a system implemented by the God-head. The name alone speaks of all that God is and has done.

5. Who was Barnabas, and why was Saul in Tarsus? Saul was from Tarsus. We last saw him being sent there after a plot to kill him was hatched in chapter nine. No doubt he was teaching there and now the Holy Spirit needs him elsewhere.

Verses 27-30: Prophets go to Antioch and prophesy of an impending famine. A movement to send aid to Judea ensues.

6. Look up the word “prophets” in verse 27, use a Bible dictionary. Do we need prophets today?

G4396 προφήτης prophētēs prof-ay'-tace From a compound of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller (“prophet”)

In this context, these were men telling of future events. The Christian has the word to supply all we need from God. Knowing the future is not necessary. We see and hear lots of "religious" leaders pointing to signs that are supposed one thing or another. The important thing for the Christian is just to stay focused on God and stay true to walk we were baptized into.
Either we believe that God has ultimate authority or we can live in fear.

 

 

 

 

Acts Chapter Ten

 Act 10:1  But a certain man, Cornelius by name, was in Caesarea, a centurion of a cohort being called Italian, 

Act 10:2  one devout and fearing God, with all his house, both doing many alms to the people and praying continually to God. 

Act 10:3  About the ninth hour of the day, he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, Cornelius! 

Act 10:4  And he was staring at him, and becoming terrified he said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Your prayers and your alms went up for a memorial before God. 

Act 10:5  And now send men to Joppa and call for Simon who is surnamed Peter. 

Act 10:6  This one is lodged with one Simon, a tanner, whose house by the sea. He will tell you what you must do. 

Act 10:7  And when the angel speaking to Cornelius went away, calling two of his servants and a devout soldier of those continually waiting on him, 

Act 10:8  and having explained all things to them, he sent them to Joppa. 

Act 10:9  And on the morrow, these passing along on the road, and drawing near to the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray about the sixth hour. 

Act 10:10  And he became hungry and wished to taste food. But as they were preparing, an ecstasy fell on him. 

Act 10:11  And he saw the heaven being opened and a certain vessel like a great sheet coming down on him, being bound by four corners, and let down onto the earth; 

Act 10:12  in which were all the four-footed animals of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the birds of the heaven. 

Act 10:13  And a voice came to him, Rise up, Peter, slay and eat. 

Act 10:14  But Peter said, Not at all, Lord, because I never did eat anything common or unclean. 

Act 10:15  And again a voice came to him a second time, What things God made clean, you do not make common. 

Act 10:16  And this happened three times, and the vessel was taken up into the heaven again. 

Act 10:17  And as Peter was doubting within himself what the vision which he saw might be, even behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius stood on the porch asking about the house of Simon. 

Act 10:18  And calling out, they inquired if Simon being surnamed Peter is lodged here. 

Act 10:19  And as Peter pondered concerning the vision, the Spirit said to him, Behold, three men are seeking you. 

Act 10:20  But rising up, go down and go with them, not discriminating, because I have sent them. 

Act 10:21  And going down to the men, the ones sent from Cornelius to him, Peter said, Behold, I am the one whom you seek. What is the cause for which you are here? 

Act 10:22  And they said, Cornelius, a centurion, a just man and one fearing God, and being testified to by all the nation of the Jews, was divinely warned by a holy angel to call you to his house and to hear words from you. 

Act 10:23  Then calling them in, he lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went out with them. And some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 

Act 10:24  And on the morrow they entered Caesarea. And Cornelius was awaiting them, having called together his relatives and his intimate friends. 

Act 10:25  And as Peter was coming in, meeting him, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped. 

Act 10:26  But Peter lifted him up, saying, Stand up! I myself am also a man. 

Act 10:27  And talking with him, he went in and found many having come together. 

Act 10:28  And he said to them, You know how unlawful it is for a man, a Jew, to unite with or to come near to one of another race. Yet God showed to me not to call a man common or unclean. 

Act 10:29  Therefore, I also came without complaint, being summoned. Then I ask for what reason did you send for me? 

Act 10:30  And Cornelius said, From the fourth day until this hour I have been fasting, and the ninth hour I was praying in my house. And, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing. 

Act 10:31  And he said, Cornelius, your prayer was heard and your alms were remembered before God. 

Act 10:32  Therefore, send to Joppa and call for Simon who is surnamed Peter; this one is lodged in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. Having come, he will speak to you. 

Act 10:33  Then at once I sent to you, and you did well to come. Now then, we are all present before God to hear all the things having been commanded you by God. 

Act 10:34  And opening his mouth, Peter said, Truly I see that God is not a respecter of faces, 

Act 10:35  but in every nation the one fearing Him and working righteousness is acceptable to Him. 

Act 10:36  The Word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, this One is Lord of all. 

Act 10:37  You know the thing that happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed, 

Act 10:38  Jesus the One from Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all those having been oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. 

Act 10:39  And we are witnesses of all things which He did, both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem. They did away with Him, hanging Him on a tree. 

Act 10:40  God raised up this One the third day and gave to Him to become visible; 

Act 10:41  not to all the people, but to witnesses, the ones having been before hand-picked by God, to us who ate and drank with Him after His rising again from the dead. 

Act 10:42  And He commanded us to proclaim to the people and to witness solemnly that it is He who has been marked out by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 

Act 10:43  To this One all the Prophets witness, so that through His name everyone believing into Him will receive remission of sins. 

Act 10:44  As Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the Word. 

Act 10:45  And the faithful of the circumcision were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the nations also. 

Act 10:46  For they heard them speaking in languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 

Act 10:47  Can anyone forbid the water that these not be baptized, who the Holy Spirit received, even as we also? 

Act 10:48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to remain some days. 

GOOD NEWS FOR GENTILES

Read the following scriptures and be ready to discuss the importance of the proofs of fulfilled prophecy.

Genesis 12:3 - I will bless those who bless you and curse the one despising you. And in you all families of the earth shall be blessed.  

Isaiah 42 - Isa 42:6  I, Jehovah, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand, and will keep You, and give You for a covenant of the people, for a Light of the nations;
Isa 42:7  to open blind eyes, to lead out the prisoner from the prison; those who sit in darkness from the prison.

Isaiah 46:6 - ? (N/A) Isa 45:5  I am Jehovah, and there is none else; there is no God except Me. I will clothe you, though you do not know Me, 

Jeremiah 16:20-21 Jer 16:20  Can a man make gods to himself? But they are not gods! Jer 16:21  And, behold, I will make them know; this time I will cause them to know My hand and My might; and they shall know that My name is Jehovah.

The are many more messianic-specific prophecies dealing with the advent of Jesus. There are many other verses where God is telling His people things that have both immediate meaning as well as futuristic implications.

Verses 1-8: Cornelius, a Roman soldier love God and does good works. God's angel tells Cornelius to go get Peter from Joppa. Cornelius sends some men to fetch him.

1. Describe Cornelius and his household. He was devout and God-fearing, similar for his household. They were charitable and prayed to God continually. This family was living a God-centered life. It is exemplary considering they are Gentiles.

Fear: G5399 φοβέω phobeō fob-eh'-o From G5401; to frighten, that is, (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy to be in awe of, that is, revere: - be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.

Verses 9-16: Peter has a vision while he is hungry. A platform descends form heaven with every animal, he is told to eat. He refuses since many of the animals are "unclean." He is told that God has made them clean and he is not to make them "common." 

2. Explain the symbolism in the vision. The food presented to Peter triggered a specific reaction built into his psyche. It was unclean and unfit for consumption. He is being told that God is the one who is now making these things clean. You simply cannot argue with that. 
Of course the food animals represent Gentiles. Similarly, the trigger of seeing a Gentile "unclean" needs to be rethought. 
It is a MAJOR cultural change.

Verses 17-23: Peter is wondering what the vision meant. At that moment, the men from Cornelius' house come inquiring of Peter. The Spirit tells Peter to go with them without "discrimination." He leaves with them and a few other bothers go with them.

3. Why was Peter instructed to “doubt nothing” in verse 20? (or not discriminate)
doubt- G1252 διακρίνω diakrinō dee-ak-ree'-no From G1223 and G2919; to separate thoroughly, that is, (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively to discriminate
This is the follow up to the vision. This is what God had cleansed. These were Gentiles. Peter was told to stop discriminating against Gentiles. This is an extraordinary event. It changes hundreds of years of cultural thought/belief.

4. What is the significance of verse 23? These Gentiles lodge with them and then they travel together. God is smashing cultural bigotry.

Verses 24-33: Peter and Cornelius both relate their stories as to how this meeting was to happen. They all agree that this is the work of God.

5. How does verse 29 demonstrate Peter’s faith? He came to the house of Cornelius. The vision he had was made clear to him, so he simply obeyed God. "Without complaint" reveals the level of trust he has in God's instruction.

Verses 34-43: Peter realizes that God is no respecter of persons. He proceeds to teach Jesus as the son of God, who was resurrected from the dead.

6. What conclusion has Peter come to in verses 34 & 35? Peter realizes that God intends for the Gentile to be included in the Christian ministry. The promise to Abraham has been fulfilled.

7. How does Peter qualify himself? (41) As a witness.

Verses 44-48 As Peter is teaching, the Holy Spirit falls on the listeners, Peter orders them baptized.

8. Describe the mood and feelings of those at this meeting. They ask the apostles to stay on. It is apparent that there is a feeling of trust and brotherhood.

Additional: In this case, the Holy Spirit “fell” onto the listeners of the word. There is no indication of “laying on of hands.”