THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH REACHING OUT TO OTHERS ACTS 11:1-30

Transcription

1 1 THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH REACHING OUT TO OTHERS ACTS 11:1-30

2 2 Text: Acts 11:1-30, The Church In Antioch Reaching Out To Others 1. And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3. Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5. 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: 6. 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. 7. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 10. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea unto me. 12. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man s house:

3 And 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; 14. Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16. 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. 17. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. 19. Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21. The Lord s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22. News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26. and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great

4 4 numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. 27. During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29. The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. 30. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. Introduction: I. The news of Cornelius conversion reached the brethren in Judea. A. When Peter returned to Jerusalem believing Jews confronted him, called him on the carpet for preaching Christ to uncircumcised Gentiles. 1. How wrong these self-righteous Jews were! 2. Are we self-righteously adamantly contending for positions that are clearly wrong? B. Peter s defense satisfied the Jerusalem church and they thanked God that He had granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles. II. The next great section of Acts begins with Acts 11:19 and continues through the rest of the book. A. The effort to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world began in earnest with this passage.

5 5 B. The initial driving force in the world wide spread of the gospel was the scattering of disciples following the martyrdom of Stephen. III. It is our responsibility to go and do likewise; that is, to preach the gospel to the lost so their souls can be saved. Commentary: Peter Explains His Actions Acts 11:1, And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. I. The headline news of the conversion of Gentiles in Caesaria reached Jerusalem before Peter returned to the city. A. This startling news disturbed the Jewish circumcised Christians in Jerusalem who were prejudiced against all non-jews. B. They were not disposed to even consider Gentiles as possible recipients of the gospel. Acts 11:2, And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, I. When Peter returned to Jerusalem Jews, Christians, those of the circumcision, contended (disputed) with him about his having preached to Gentiles. A. At that time the church, except for Cornelius and his relatives and close friends, were Jews, either native born or proselytes. B. Judaizing teachers caused great problems in the church in those early years. The battle was joined for control of the church.

6 Galatians 2:12, For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 2. Peter was not here regarded as the chief apostle. The Jewish Christians confronted Peter without hesitation. II. These Jewish Christians did not object so much to Peter s preaching to Cornelius as they did to his leading him to Christ without first requiring him to become a Jewish proselyte and to undergo circumcision. Acts 11:3, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. I. The charge was, You went in (associated) to uncircumcised men, and did eat with them. A. How awful! B. Use of the term uncircumcised is an expression of scorn and ridicule in regard to Peter s actions. II. What attitudes do we have which are comparable to the ones depicted there? Acts 11:4, 5, 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:

7 7 I. Peter defended his actions well. He reviewed the events in order of occurrence. II. Events in chronological order: A. Peter while in Joppa was praying. B. During this prayer Peter being in a trance saw a vision of a vessel descending as it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. It came to Peter. Acts 11:6-10, 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. I. Continuing recitation in order: A. Peter focused on the contents of the vessel/sheet and saw therein all kinds of four-footed beasts, creeping things and birds. B. A voice told Peter, Rise, kill and eat. C. Peter answered, Not so, Lord: I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean. 1. This is bewildering because Jesus years before had made all meats clean. 2. This shows the power of custom and tradition, then and now.

8 8 A. These events were repeated three times accompanied by the voiced command, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. Acts 11:11, 12, And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea 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: I. Peter further reported: A. Immediately after these events connected with Peter s vision three men arrived at the house where Peter was staying. B. The Holy Spirit commanded Peter to go with them to Caesaria. C. Six Jewish brethren (witnesses) who were now present with Peter in Jerusalem went with him from Joppa to Caesaria and entered Cornelius house. II. No distinction is to be made regarding the matter of preaching the gospel. The gospel is equally for all. Acts 11:13, 14, And 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; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. I. The account continues: A. Cornelius related how the angel had appeared to him and had told him to send to Joppa for Simon Peter.

9 9 B. Peter, the angel said, would speak words by which Cornelius and all his house would be saved. Humans were involved in every conversion, Saul s, Cornelius, etc. Acts 11:15, And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. I. Peter told the Jerusalem brethren who were contending with him that: A. as he began to speak B. the Holy Spirit fell on them (Cornelius, his kinspeople and close friends all of whom were uncircumcised Gentiles). C. as the Holy Spirit had fallen on the apostles on Pentecost of Acts Cornelius as well as his relatives and friends clearly received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 2. Pentecost is here called the beginning...of what? 3. From Pentecost to Cornelius conversion some seven to ten (10) years had passed. 4. Peter was arguing that God had shown his approval of Gentiles in the same manner as he had shown his approval of the Jewish apostles on Pentecost. Acts 11:16, 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. I. Peter recalled the words of the Lord Jesus who had said,

10 10 A. John indeed baptized with water. B. You shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. II. Scriptures: A. Mark 1:8, I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. B. Acts 1:5, For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 11:17, Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? I. Peter s trump question was: A. Since God gave to believing Jews and Gentiles the same gift, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as he did unto us Jewish Christians, B. Who was I, that I could withstand God? 2. If Peter had snubbed Cornelius he would have been opposing God. 3. Peter did not intend to oppose God. 4. We had better not withstand God! Acts 11:18, When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. I. When Peter s opposition heard this,

11 11 A. They ceased objecting, complaining about Peter s going in to lodge and eat with uncircumcised Gentiles. 1. They held their peace 2. and glorified God. B. They honestly concluded: 1. Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life. 2. Would we have decided honestly and contrary to life long prejudices? 3. Peter s contenders are worthy of honor for being open to the truth when they heard it. II. Unfortunately this was not the end of the matter. A. For years Jewish Christians tried to bind circumcision and other Jewish regulations on Gentile converts. 1. Galatians 6:13, For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. III. God granted repentance unto life. A. Men repent, but God alone can accept repentance as a step toward spiritual life. B. God is no respecter of persons.

12 What God requires and accepts of one he requires and accepts of all. The Church in Antioch Acts 11:19, Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. I. Those scattered upon the death of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch preaching the gospel only to other Jews. II. Jesus had commanded the disciples to preach the gospel to all nations. A. Because of cultural bias the early Jewish Christians evidently understood this to mean Jews living in various nations of the world. B. If this had continued the disciples of Christ would have historically been relegated to the status of a sect of the Jews. Acts 11:20, Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. I. However, some of those scattered at the death of Stephen, men of Cyprus and Cyrene in particular, preached the gospel to Gentiles/Greeks in Antioch of Syria. II. Antioch in the first century was a major city: A. population of 500,000. B. situated astride the Orontes River some 20 miles from the sea.

13 13 C. covered a large area. D. remarkable beauty boasting two great colonnaded streets intersecting at city center dividing the city into four quadrants. E. Roman Emperors added temples, theatre, bath, aqueduct and circus. F. founded before 300 B.C. by the Seleucidae. G. center of heathenism with its harlot-priestesses who worshiped Apollo and Daphne and promoted immorality. III. At one time 100,000 believers resided in Antioch. A. John Chrysostom lived there, was born there about 346 A.D., became Patriarch of Constantinople. B. Several heresies began there including that of Arius. Acts 11:21, The Lord s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. I. God blessed these early proclaimers of the Gospel in Antioch and, as a result, many, a great number: A. believed. B. turned to the Lord. 1. Believing and turning to the Lord are not the same things. 2. Without believing a person cannot turn to the Lord, but a person can believe without turning to the Lord.

14 Acts 3:19, Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. 4. Acts 18:8, Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. Acts 11:22-24, News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. I. The church in Jerusalem heard that the gospel had made many converts among Gentiles in Antioch. A. The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to appraise the situation. B. When he saw what the grace of God had accomplished in Antioch he was glad! C. Barnabas (son of Exhortation) encouraged all the converts to cleave unto the Lord with their whole heart. II. Barnabas was glad the Gentiles had believed the gospel because he was: A. a good man. B. full of the Holy Spirit.

15 15 C. full of faith. II. As a result of these events many more people were converted, added to the Lord. IV. This was evidently three years after Saul s conversion because he now was in Tarsus of Clicia, his home town. Acts 11:25, 26, Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. I. Barnabas left Antioch, found Saul in Tarsus, and then returned to Antioch with Saul. A. Barnabas ministered. B. He secured help from others, in this case Saul, in ministry. II. Barnabas and Saul worked as a team with the Antioch church. Many more were converted through their preaching. III. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. A. Disciple (learner) is used 261 times in the first five books of the New Testament and not once in all the other New Testament books. B. Christian (one like Christ; a follower of Christ, a member of the party of Christ) occurs only three times in the New Testament. It has become the premier designation of followers of Jesus Christ.

16 Isaiah 62:2, The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow Peter 4:16, However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 3. Acts 26:28, Then Agrippa said to Paul, Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian? 4. Acts 11:26, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:27, 28, During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) I. In those days in which Saul and Barnabas were preaching in Antioch: A. Prophets came down to Antioch from Jerusalem. B. Agabus was the main speaker among these prophets on this occasion. 1. Agabus is also mentioned in Acts 21:10, After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. C. He announced as guided by the Holy Spirit that a worldwide famine was coming.

17 17 D. The famine came later during the reign of the Roman Emporer Claudius, A.D The famine actually came A.D. II. Jewish prophets came to Antioch asking for help because of a famine which had not even happened at that time. III. Prophets in the early church were numerous and prominent. A. 1 Corinthians 12:28, And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. B. 1 Corinthians 14:28, If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. C. Ephesians 2:20, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. D. Ephesians 4:11, It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. Acts 11:29, 30, The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. I. The Christians in Antioch decided to send aid to Jerusalem, each according to his ability.

18 18 II. They not only resolved to send help to Jerusalem, but they actually sent their contributions to Judea. A. The contributions were sent by the couriers Barnabas and Saul, to the Jerusalem elders, not to the Jerusalem apostles. B. The Gentile Christians certainly here turned the other cheek and went the second mile in dealing with Jews who had before hated them. C. Christians in this century help in times of disaster on a worldwide basis. Conclusion: 1. Jerusalem had sold its possessions and given to support needy members. 2. Antioch was grateful for the gospel which came from Judea. 3. Conversion changes us into generous givers. I. What more can be done to: A. save more souls in our community? B. save more souls in other parts of the world? II. Saving souls was and is the prime job of the church! III. Christian can stand for: A. Charitable, caring, content, courteous

19 19 B. Helpful, happy C. Responsible, righteous, responsive D. Innocent, industrious E. Sanctified, satisfied F. Truthful, teachable G. Incorruptable, informed H. Able, abounding, anointed I. Neighborly, nurturer IV. Each of us is to imitate Christ, be like Christ. Let us go and do as he did!

20 20 Questions Acts The and in heard that the had received the of. 2. When arrived back in, they that were of the contended with him. Did the other apostles contend with Peter? 3. According to Acts 11:3, with what wrongdoing did they charge Peter? 4. Jesus had made all meat clean. How do you account for Peter s continuing to stedfastly adhere to the Mosaic regulations regarding clean and unclean meats? 5. gave them (Cornelius house) the like as he did unto us, who on the, what was I, that I could. 6. What was that like gift?

21 When those who had contended with Peter heard these things, they held their, and saying, Then hath also to the granted unto. 8. Was Saul of Tarsus (Paul the Apostle) baptized with the Holy Spirit? See Acts 9: Those who were scattered abroad upon the that arose about traveled as far as, and and, preaching the word to none but unto the only. 10. There were some, men of and, who, when they arrived in, preached Jesus to the. 11. The Lord blessed the efforts of these men and a great, and unto the Lord. 12. When the church heard of the gospel s success in, they sent to encourage the new converts. 13. Were there other reasons Barnabas was sent to Antioch?

22 was glad when he saw what the grace of God had wrought in. He them all that with of they would unto the. 15. was a man, and full of the and of : and much was added unto the. 16. went to looking for. When he found him, he brought him back to. They worked together there for a. 17. The were called first in Antioch. 18. from came to. One of them,, stated that a great would engulf the world. This came to pass in the days of. 19. The in decided to send, according to their, to the in. 20. They sent this help by the hands of and. The funds were sent to the. Why was it not sent to the apostles?

23 Those who contended with Peter evidently thought they were right. When have you thought you were right religiously only to realize later that you were wrong? 22. For tried to bind and other on. 23. Were disciples who were on both sides of this question still saved? How much can disciples differ today without loosing their salvation? 24. Why did the Jerusalem church send Barnabas to Antioch? 25. How many times is the word Christian used in the New Testament? How many times is the word disciple(s) used in the New Testament?