The fact that Gentiles were now being saved caused a great commotion in Jerusalem. Was the Jewish nation no longer in a favored position above all other people? Peter had some explaining to do when he returned home! He related, step by step, how, in a vision, he saw a great sheet let down three times from heaven. Then men came from Cæsarea inquiring for him, and the Spirit told him to go with them. Peter obeyed and took six other brethren with him. We always do well when we obey the Lord. Now Cornelius showed them how he had seen an angel in his house telling him to send for Peter who would tell him words (not works) whereby he and all his house would be saved. And so it came to pass. What could the Jewish believers do but glorify God for granting repentance unto life for Gentiles too.
The Lord used the persecution of the saints for the spreading of the gospel. These evangelists carried the good news to distant places and the Lord was with them, causing many to believe. These new believers needed to be fed spiritual food, so Barnabas, a pastor, was sent to give words of exhortation. His ministry was blessed and many other people were added unto the Lord. All these disciples in Antioch were called Christians. They were followers of Christ and others could see it.
Hard times were coming upon the brethren which lived in Judea, so these new believers in Antioch sent help to their Jewish brethren. The Gentiles received of their spiritual things and now they return of their material things. What a display of their oneness in Christ!
1. How many times was the great sheet let down from heaven? __________ Acts 11:___
2. Who accompanied Peter to Cornelius’ house as witnesses? __________ Acts 11:___
3. Cornelius had done many good works, but he was not saved by them. Rather, he heard __________ of the gospel from Peter by which he and his house were saved. Acts 11:___
4. When the hand of the Lord was with them, what happened? __________ Acts 11:___
5. What were the disciples first called in Antioch? __________ Acts 11:___