Acts 11

From: The Book of the Acts By: James Harrison Smith

Acts 11 • 11 min. read • grade level: 10

“And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them” (Acts 11:1-3¹And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. ²And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, ³Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. (Acts 11:1‑3)).

We have already read in chapter 10 how the Lord necessarily made Peter understand that God wanted to call and save the Gentiles. In addition to this, Peter and no less than another six Jews were made eye-witnesses of the fact that God had given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles that believed in the gospel of the grace of God, and all without being baptized with water (Acts 10:28, 43-47²⁸And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (Acts 10:28)
⁴³To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. ⁴⁴While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ⁴⁵And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. ⁴⁶For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, ⁴⁷Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (Acts 10:43‑47)).

But the believers in Jerusalem — just like Peter before — still stubbornly believed that it was a grave infraction of the law of Moses to eat with the Gentiles. Because of this, when Peter arrived from the house of Cornelius, the Roman centurion, “they that were of the circumcision contended with him.”

“But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 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: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: 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; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 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. 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?” (Acts 11:4-17⁴But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, ⁵I 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: ⁶Upon 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. ⁷And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. ⁸But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. ⁹But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. ¹⁰And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. ¹¹And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. ¹²And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: ¹³And he showed 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; ¹⁴Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. ¹⁵And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. ¹⁶Then 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. ¹⁷Forasmuch 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? (Acts 11:4‑17)).

When God is working, the truth is manifested as clearly as the light of the sun. Peter’s clear testimony, supported by the eyewitness of his six companions, was indisputable and convincing: God had worked.

“When they heard these things, they held their peace [those of the circumcision], and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life” (v.18). That is how God made the believing Jews in Jerusalem — the religious center full of their traditions and prejudices, piled up for three centuries — recognize that He himself had received the Gentiles, just like He received them, “Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Eph. 2:14¹⁴For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (Ephesians 2:14)).

Appropriately, then, to all this, we read next of how the gospel was extended to the Gentiles and how the churches were formed:

“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” (v.19). Those brothers still had their minds closed. However, God, who is sovereign and loves sinners, made use of their preaching in order to win souls. But the divine purpose was to give the gospel to every human being — in accordance with the great commission given by the Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mar. 16:15) — so that among those that were scattered from Jerusalem there were natives of other countries: “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. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:20-21²⁰And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. ²¹And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. (Acts 11:20‑21)).

Cornelius and his family circle were the first among the converted Gentiles. But in Antioch, far from Palestine and Jerusalem, a large number of Greeks were converted, a work of God so surprising that, “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” (v.22). Look at the Jewish believers’ change in attitude! Rather than some of them arguing with the scattered that had already drawn closer to the Gentiles, on the contrary, they (“the church that was in Jerusalem”) sent a brother and apostle that had the gift of “pastor” in order to see how the believers among the Gentiles would be found. The grace of God was already working effectively in Jerusalem. “Who, [that is to say, Barnabas] 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. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (v. 23-24). In keeping with the perfect knowledge and fervent love of Christ, who is the head of the church, Barnabas, the “pastor” (shepherd), came in order to encourage the Lord’s flock after the “evangelist” had brought the news of salvation to Antioch (Compare 1 Cor. 14:3³But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3)). Barnabas knew that, in times past, the law of Moses had worked “wrath” (Rom. 4:15¹⁵Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. (Romans 4:15)). Now in Antioch, he saw that the grace of God had worked “peace.” He rejoiced. Then he “exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” Barnabas discerned that the new believers’ most pressing need was to have and continue with purpose of heart in the Lord.

Such a purpose kept in the believer’s heart is like the rudder on a ship — it is like the fins of a fish that swims against the current. The Christian is seen with the urgent need of being well steered through the sea of life. And, in order to not lose his line, he often has to go against the flow of this world flooded in wickedness, by using the energy of the Holy Spirit that dwells in him.

Much spiritual blessing came from Barnabas’ visit to Antioch. But, he discerned something else, something that the young church lacked: a teacher that would teach them the word of God.

On noticing this spiritual necessity, Barnabas began to think of Saul who could be found in his native city, Tarsus, (where he went when the unbelieving Hellenists in Jerusalem wanted to kill him — see Acts 9:29²⁹And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. (Acts 9:29)). “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 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” (Acts 11:25-26²⁵Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: ²⁶And 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. (Acts 11:25‑26)). Barnabas was a good man; he did not foster any envious or jealous spirit. He saw the spiritual need in Antioch that he himself could not meet. He brought Saul. After the “evangelist” came the “pastor”; now after the “pastor” came the “doctor,” or “teacher,” It was persecution which sent the “evangelist” to Antioch; it was the church of Jerusalem which sent Barnabas, the “pastor” to Antioch; and it was Barnabas who brought Saul, the “teacher,” to Antioch; but above all it was Christ, the head of the church, who sent them all, according to the word: “And he gave some ... evangelists ... pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11¹¹And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)). For an entire year, Barnabas and Saul served the Lord in the church in Antioch. There the church took on its normal character as presented to Christ, their Lord, in the world; there “the disciples were first called ‘Christians.’” “Christians,” that is to say, “those that belong to Christ.” What a testimony! What an effective testimony they gave in those days! We note that the apostles Barnabas and Saul did not take over the flock in the manner of those great religious leaders of today, but rather “assembled” or “gathered together”: with the Church in Antioch. That is to say: alongside of the rest of the believers in a humble manner. Just like their Lord did here during the days of His flesh and in accordance with what Peter later wrote: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2-3²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; ³Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2‑3)). And Barnabas and Saul were “apostles” (Acts 14:14¹⁴Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, (Acts 14:14)). Later the “prophets” arrived:

“And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 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. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:27-30²⁷And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. ²⁸And 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. ²⁹Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: ³⁰Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:27‑30)).

We have already seen how the Lord Jesus, the head of the church, had done everything — sending successively, and always on time, “evangelists,” a pastor (Barnabas), and a teacher (Saul) to the new assembly in Antioch (the last two also being “apostles”). In this last transcribed passage, we see how the Lord sent “prophets.” And, one of them, who had a prophecy about the future, warned about “a great famine” that was coming, so that the church would know beforehand and would be spiritually prepared. We note that, in those days, when the inspired and written word of God was not yet complete, there was an inspired word spoken by the apostles and the prophets. Both were given by Christ, the Lord of the church, just as much as the evangelists, pastors, and teachers: “And He gave ... apostles ... prophets ... evangelists ... pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11¹¹And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)). The apostles died, as did the prophets of the early church, but we have the inspired writings of the New Testament, and their teaching is complete (see 2 Tim. 3:16-17¹⁶All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16‑17)). The Lord continues giving evangelists, pastors, and teachers, according to the spiritual need of His people in every place. Blessed be the Lord!

It is important to also note in this passage that the disciples in Antioch, knowing of the famine that was coming everywhere without warning, were spiritually prepared, and they determined to give their material goods, “every man according to his ability” (not a tithe that demanded much from the poor, and another tithe that was proportionally small for the rich). “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (2 Cor. 8:12¹²For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (2 Corinthians 8:12)). So that the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch helped their brothers among the Jews in Judea, according to what is written: “It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things” (Rom. 15:27²⁷It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. (Romans 15:27)). In this practical way, the believing Jews in Judea could come to know the reality of the precious truth of the “one body of Christ” of which the Gentiles (no longer qualified as “Gentiles”) just as the Jews (no longer qualified as “Jews”) were divinely formed into “members in particular.”