Acts Chapter 11: Peter’s Defense and the Antioch Church


Summary
Acts 11 narrates Peter’s explanation of Gentile inclusion to the Jerusalem church, the gospel’s expansion to Antioch, and the early development of the Christian community there. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Peter Defends Gentile Inclusion (11:1–18): Jewish believers in Jerusalem criticize Peter for eating with uncircumcised Gentiles (Cornelius’ household). Peter recounts his vision of clean and unclean animals, God’s command to visit Cornelius, the Spirit’s descent on Gentiles, and their baptism. He concludes that God’s gift to Gentiles mirrors the Jewish experience, silencing critics, who then praise God for granting Gentiles repentance unto life.
  • The Gospel in Antioch (11:19–24): Persecution after Stephen’s death scatters believers, who preach to Jews in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. Some from Cyprus and Cyrene share with Greeks in Antioch, leading to many conversions. The Jerusalem church sends Barnabas, who, seeing God’s grace, encourages the believers. He fetches Saul from Tarsus to teach the growing church, where disciples are first called Christians.
  • Famine Prophecy and Relief (11:25–30): Prophet Agabus predicts a famine (circa AD 46). Antioch believers send relief to Judea through Barnabas and Saul, showing unity and generosity.
Cross-References
  • Peter’s Defense:
    • Acts 10:1–48: Cornelius’ conversion.
    • Leviticus 11:1–47: Clean and unclean animals.
    • Acts 2:4: Spirit’s descent at Pentecost.
    • Ephesians 2:14–18: Unity of Jew and Gentile.
  • Antioch Ministry:
    • Acts 8:4: Scattering spreads the gospel.
    • Galatians 3:28: No distinction in Christ.
    • Acts 13:1–3: Antioch’s mission hub.
    • Isaiah 49:6: Light to the Gentiles.
  • Famine Relief:
    • Acts 21:10–11: Agabus’ later prophecy.
    • 2 Corinthians 8:1–5: Generosity in hardship.
    • Romans 15:26: Gentile aid to Judea.
  • General Theme:
    • Acts 1:8: Gospel to all nations.
    • John 10:16: One flock under Christ.
Theological Meaning
Acts 11 is rich with theological themes that underscore the gospel’s inclusivity and the church’s unity:
  • God’s Inclusive Grace: Peter’s vision and Cornelius’ conversion (11:9–17) confirm God’s acceptance of Gentiles by faith, breaking Jewish barriers (Romans 10:12; Acts 15:11).
  • Spirit’s Confirmation: The Spirit’s outpouring on Gentiles (11:15) mirrors Pentecost, validating their salvation without Law observance (Galatians 3:2–5; Acts 2:17).
  • Church Unity: Criticism (11:2) gives way to praise (11:18) as Jerusalem embraces God’s work, fostering unity (Ephesians 4:3; Psalm 133:1).
  • Gospel’s Spread: Scattering from persecution (11:19) and preaching to Greeks (11:20) show God uses trials to advance His mission (Philippians 1:12; Acts 8:1).
  • Encouragement’s Role: Barnabas’ joy and exhortation (11:23–24) strengthen the Antioch church, modeling pastoral care (Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
  • Christian Identity: The term “Christians” (11:26) marks believers’ distinct identity as Christ-followers, reflecting their witness (1 Peter 4:16).
  • Generosity in Community: Antioch’s relief for Judea (11:29–30) demonstrates love and mutual support, uniting diverse churches (2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 6:10).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why did Jewish believers criticize Peter (11:2–3)?
    • They objected to Peter eating with uncircumcised Gentiles, violating Jewish purity laws (11:3; Leviticus 11). They were unaware of God’s new work (Acts 10:28; Galatians 2:12).
  2. What was Peter’s vision, and what did it mean (11:5–10)?
    • Peter saw a sheet with clean and unclean animals, with a voice commanding him to eat (11:5–7). It symbolized God’s acceptance of Gentiles as “clean” through faith (11:9; Romans 14:14).
  3. How did Peter justify Gentile inclusion (11:15–17)?
    • Peter noted the Spirit’s descent on Cornelius’ household, like Pentecost, showing God’s equal gift to Gentiles (11:15–16; Acts 2:4). He couldn’t oppose God’s work (11:17; Acts 15:8).
  4. Why did the Jerusalem church praise God (11:18)?
    • Recognizing the Spirit’s work, they accepted that God granted Gentiles “repentance unto life,” affirming His inclusive plan (11:18; Romans 15:9; Acts 13:47).
  5. How did the gospel reach Greeks in Antioch (11:19–20)?
    • Scattered believers preached to Jews, but Cypriots and Cyrenians boldly shared with Greeks, leading to conversions (11:20; Acts 8:4). God blessed their initiative (11:21; Matthew 28:19).
  6. Why was Barnabas sent to Antioch (11:22–23)?
    • Jerusalem sent Barnabas to verify the Gentile conversions (11:22). Seeing God’s grace, he encouraged steadfastness, strengthening the church (11:23; Acts 4:36; Hebrews 13:7).
  7. Why were believers called Christians in Antioch (11:26)?
    • The term “Christians” (Christ-followers) likely originated in Antioch, a diverse city, to identify disciples distinctly (11:26; 1 Peter 4:16). It reflected their public witness (Acts 26:28).
  8. What was the famine prophecy, and how did Antioch respond (11:28–30)?
    • Agabus predicted a famine under Claudius (circa AD 46; 11:28; Josephus, Antiquities 20.2.5). Antioch believers sent aid to Judea via Barnabas and Saul, showing solidarity (11:29–30; 2 Corinthians 8:14).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: The events (circa AD 43–46) follow Cornelius’ conversion (Acts 10) and precede the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15; 11:1). Antioch, a major Roman city, was a mission hub (11:19; Acts 13:1). Persecution after Stephen’s death (AD 34–35; 11:19) scattered believers. Claudius’ famine (11:28) is documented (Suetonius, Claudius 18.2). Barnabas and Saul’s relief mission (11:30) aligns with Galatians 2:1–10.
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why eating with Gentiles was taboo (11:3). Jewish law restricted fellowship to avoid impurity (Galatians 2:12). The vision’s animals (11:6) symbolized Gentile inclusion (Ephesians 2:11–13). “Greeks” (11:20) likely means Hellenistic Gentiles or proselytes. “Christians” (11:26) may have been a Roman label, later embraced (Acts 26:28). Famine relief (11:29) was proportional, reflecting communal care (1 Corinthians 16:1–2).
  • Application: Acts 11 calls believers to embrace God’s inclusive gospel, encourage one another, and support the church generously. It urges trust in the Spirit’s guidance and unity despite differences, advancing Christ’s mission (Colossians 3:11).
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