“Peter Defends Proclaiming the Good News to Gentiles”

Acts 11:1-18

INTRODUCTION: In the previous chapter the Apostle Peter adventured in faith and obedience to Caesarea to proclaim the “Good News” to the Gentiles. He had overcome, for the present, his hatred of the Gentiles. The chapter ends with the Gentiles being added to the Body of Christ. AS we enter into a study of the first eighteen verses of chapter eleven, we see that not all of Peter’s fellow-believers were happy with his actions. Peter was glad he had taken six witnesses with him on his journey of faith.  Please study along with us as we strive to open up the Scriptures.

It seems by the reading of the text that Peter and his fellow-workers spent some time in Caesarea after the conversion of the household of Cornelius. It is also apparent that the news of Peter’s actions preceded him to Jerusalem. Gareth Reese writes the following,

“In Acts 8:1 Luke has told us that the apostles stayed in Jerusalem, even though the church was scattered by the persecution that arose after Stephen’s death. The brethren who were throughout Judea would be many if those who were dispersed by the persecution. ‘Throughout Judea’ is the correct translation, and we are apprised of the fact that news of what happened at Cornelious’s house spread like wildfire across   the length and breadth of Judea. It was something that Christians were talking about.”

It seems that one of the things that the Jewish Christians could not understand was that the Gentiles had received the Word. Gareth Reese further writes,

“Gentiles also, i.e., as well as the Samaritans!  Cornelius and his friends were representatives of Gentiles in general, and their baptism and welcome into the Church was a precedent. ‘Receiving the Word’ is equivalent to their belief and obedience. We do not know how long after the conversion of Cornelious and his household it was until the news reached Jerusalem, but the context implies that the news reached Jerusalem while Peter was still staying in Cornelius’ house in Caesarea.”

In verse 2 we have the phrase, “And Peter came up to Jerusalem.” Was peter summoned to appear or did he come on his own? Only eternity will yield the answer. In verse 12 we’re told that Peter was accompanied by the same six witnesses he took with him to Caesarea. In the latter half of the verse the brethren of the circumcision took issue with him.  This opposition would later evolve into the Judaizing party that would plague Paul. That fellow-believers were taking issue with the position that Peter favored has cause some problems for those who claim that Peter was the first Pope.

It seems, here in verse three, that they were more concerned about Peter’s entering and eating with Gentiles than anything else. This apparent violation of the ceremonial rules was not based upon the Law of Moses, but rather on tradition when the people should have been giving God the glory for the victories in Peter’s ministry, they were busy arguing about “unclean” foods. Do we argue about less unimportant things while this world goes to Hell?

PETER ACCOUNTS THE VISION FROM THE LORD: Acts 11:4-10

In the next seven verses the Apostle Peter recounts the events that transpired to those who have assembled. He tells them what led him to be with the Gentiles. Peter had prejudices based on tradition. Even today in the Lord’s Body we have prejudices based on tradition. He began to explain about the vision. In verse 4 we’re told that he proceeded to explain to those in an orderly manner what had happened.

In verse 5 Peter relates to them that he was in Joppa praying. He tells them that it was at this time that he went into trance. It was at that time that the object came down to him.

In verse 6 Peter says that he fixed his gaze on the object. It was then that he saw the unclean creatures. In verse 7 came the voice to Peter saying, “Arise, Peter, kill and eat.” Peter recalls his arrogant answer based upon hatred and prejudice. Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered my mouth.”

In verse 9 Petter recounts what the voice from heaven replied. In verse 10 Peter tells them and us that this event happened three times. Also, he tells them that the object was drawn back into the sky.

 

PETER IS INSTRUCTED TO GO TO CAESARE: Acts 11:11-12

In Verse 11, Peter tells those assembled that it was at that time the three Gentiles arrived before him. In verse 12 Peter says that he was commanded by the Holy Spirit to go with the Gentiles without any misgivings. Gareth Reese writes the following,

“The verbs translated ‘without misgivings’ is the same verb translated ‘took issue’ in verse 2. Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, raised no such opposition as the Jewish Christians were raising.”

Further on in this verse, Peter tells of the six brethren who accompanied him to Caesare. He makes it clear that both he and the six entered into the house of the Gentiles.

PETER RECOUNTS CORNELIUS’ EXPERIENCE: Acts 11:13-14

Peter tells those assembled of what Cornelius had told him happened in his life. Cornelius had been instructed to send for Peter. Why had Cornelius been instructed to send for Peter? In verse 14, we have the answer: “And he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and your household.”

PETER RECOUNTS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: Acts 11:15-17

Peter relates that he had begun to speak to Cornelius and his household. The message appears in Acts 10:34-44. Peter says that as he was speaking, “the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as he had dome on us at the beginning.” What does “at the beginning mean?” It is here that we have the only date of the beginning of the Church, i.e., the Day of Pentecost.

In verse 16 Peter related the words of Jesus in Acts 1:5; In verse 17 we have the phrase “If God therefore gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also.” The same gift is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the “us” has reference only to the Twelve. Further in the verse Peter says since they had believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, he felt that he should not stand in God’s way.

 

THE RESPONSE OF THE FELLOW CHRISTIANS: Acts 11:18.

Luke tells us that when they heard this, they quieted down, and glorified God. They were, as Peter was, convinced that the Lord was behind it all and they were ready to praise Him.

In our next article we’re going to study about the beginning of the work in Antioch. The events took place prior to the events we have been studying. It is believed that they fit into the narrative after Acts 8:1-4. Please read Acts 11:19-30. Until next time, Maranatha (I. Cor. 16:22).