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Lesson 19. Acts, Chapter 11. Time Frame (Acts 11). Chapter begins immediately after Cornelius conversion, as Peter goes to Jerusalem and defends his preaching to the Gentiles (1-18)
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Lesson 19 Acts, Chapter 11
Time Frame (Acts 11) • Chapter begins immediately after Cornelius conversion, as Peter goes to Jerusalem and defends his preaching to the Gentiles (1-18) • Sometime between Cornelius’ conversion and the death of Herod in A.D. 44 (chap. 12), the events in Antioch took place (40-43 A.D.)
Peter in Jerusalem (1-18) 1 • Apostles and Brethren in Judea heard about the Conversion of Cornelius (1-3) • “Those of the circumcision” would refer to the Judaizers rather than Jews in general • They contended with Peter about his preaching to the Gentiles • Peter’s Answer (4-14) • Includes a recounting of his vision (4-10) • Includes a recounting of Cornelius’ vision (11-14)
Peter in Jerusalem (1-18) 2 • The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (15-16) • Note: The event happened “as I began to speak”. Coupled with verse 14, indicates that Holy Spirit baptism NOT for salvation • Event on this occasion the same as on Pentecost “at the beginning” • Significance in the phrase “at the beginning” • Beginning of Gospel • Beginning of Kingdom/Church
Peter in Jerusalem (1-18) 3 • The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (15-16) • Peter in verse 16 identifies this as the “baptism” (immersion) in the Holy Spirit • Identical gift as that given to the Apostles on Pentecost • Significance: This gift is given to indicate that it is not whether one is circumcised or not that determines his standing before God, rather faith in Christ
Peter in Jerusalem (1-18) 4 • The Gentiles Inclusion was God’s Will (17) • Peter could not withstand God’s will • Man must submit to the will of God • The Jews were Convinced (18) • Praise to God, the giver of life • Granting Repentance indicates that God had granted unto the Gentiles the right to gain life by responding to the gospel by repentance.
Barnabas and Saul at Antioch (19-26) 1 • Church established in Antioch (19-22) • A new and important portion of the history of the church begins with these words • Up to this point, Luke’s history deals primarily with efforts to preach to the Jews • From this point on the emphasis is upon efforts to convert the Gentiles • Persecution mentioned here is that following Stephen’s death, as recorded in (8:1-ff)
Barnabas and Saul at Antioch (19-26) 2 • Church established in Antioch (19-22) • Phoenicia – Country, 120 miles long and 15 miles wide, located north of Palestine between the shores of the Mediterranean sea and the slopes of the Lebanon mountains. • Cyprus – An island off the southern coast of Asia Minor, in the Mediterranean Sea • Antioch – Located in Syria, on the banks of the river Orontes, near the junction of the Lebanon and Taurus mountain ranges
Barnabas and Saul at Antioch (19-26) 3 • Church established in Antioch (19-22) • Initially the preaching was done only to the Jews • Men from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles (Hellenists) also. • Context would indicate the word “Hellenists” here is referring, in contrast, to the Gentiles rather than to the Hellenist Jews.
Barnabas and Saul at Antioch (19-26) 4 • Church established in Antioch (19-22) • God blessed their efforts at preaching, and many were saved. (“believed” and “turned to the Lord”). • Barnabas sent to Antioch (22-24) • Barnabas was well qualified, (cf. Acts 4:36-37), to encourage the brethren in Antioch • Note description of Barnabas (vs. 23-24) A good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
Barnabas and Saul at Antioch (19-26) 5 • Barnabas brings Saul to Antioch (25-26) • Saul in Tarsus, comes to Antioch • Saul and Barnabas spend a year in Antioch • Assembled and taught (importance of teaching). • The name Christian (26) • One of three times the word is used (cf. Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). • The only “proper” name used for God’s children in the New Testament
Famine in Judea (27-30) 1 • Prophets visit Antioch (27-28) • While Saul and Barnabas were laboring with the church there • Agabus, speaking from inspiration, prophesied an impending famine. • Famine took place during the reign of Claudius Caesar (AD. 41-54). Several famines during his reign • One in Judea happened in 45 AD, which would fit nicely in this context
Famine in Judea (27-30) 2 • Benevolence purposed by Christians in Antioch (29-30) • Individuals determined (free will offering) • Congregation sent the gift directly • Money sent to the elders in Judea • Money sent for the benefit of the Christians during this emergency • This constitutes a pattern with regard to the scope and method of benevolence in the New Testament