Gospel Outreach International

Have you ever wondered how the early church transitioned from a solely Jewish community to one that embraced all nations? This Bible study explores Acts 11, where we witness a pivotal moment in Christian history as Peter defends his ministry to Gentiles and the gospel begins to spread beyond Jewish circles. Through Peter’s vision and the growth of the church in Antioch, we see God’s plan unfold to bring salvation to all peoples.

As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. Acts 11:15

• Until Cornelius, the early church was made up almost entirely of believers of Jewish descent, with the Ethiopian eunuch being a notable exception.
• Peter faced an inquest from Jewish believers who were displeased that he ate with uncircumcised Gentiles.
• Peter gave a concise report about his vision and experience with Cornelius, convincing the Jewish believers that God had granted salvation to Gentiles.
• Following the persecution after Stephen’s death, believers scattered to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, initially speaking only to Jews.
• Some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to Greeks in Antioch, resulting in many conversions.
• Barnabas, described as having great spiritual discernment, was sent to investigate and endorsed the work in Antioch.
• Barnabas sought out Saul (Paul) in Tarsus and brought him to Antioch to help with the growing church.
• The prophet Agabus predicted a famine in Judea, prompting Gentile believers to send aid to the Jewish Christians.
• This act of generosity demonstrated practical Christianity and the unity developing between Jewish and Gentile believers.

and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. Acts 11:26

Jesus’ command to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth” was gradually being fulfilled as the early church broke through cultural and religious barriers. We see how God worked through Peter’s vision and the bold actions of believers in Antioch to expand His kingdom beyond Jewish circles. Jesus’ heart for all nations becomes evident as both Jews and Gentiles are brought together into one body of believers. The practical demonstration of love shown by the Gentile believers sending aid to their Jewish brothers and sisters reminds us that our faith must be expressed in tangible ways. Just as God challenged Peter’s preconceptions, Jesus continues to challenge us today to look beyond our comfort zones and reach out to those who are different from us with the good news of salvation.

Bible References

• Acts 11:1-30
• Acts 11:1-18
• Acts 11:19-30
• Acts 4:36
• Acts 21
• 1 Corinthians 9
• Galatians 2
• Colossians 4
• Acts 1:6