Acts 11 to 12
Common Theme
God advances His mission through the Spirit’s leading even in the face of persecution. He grows the church among the Gentiles and proves His sovereignty by rescuing His people and humbling those who oppose Him.
Questions
- How do these chapters challenge your assumptions about who is included in the reach of the gospel?
- What do you observe about God’s sovereignty in both deliverance and judgment?
God Shot
These chapters reveal God as the sovereign Lord who is unstoppable in carrying out His purposes. He delights in saving, guiding, and protecting His people while bringing down human pride that attempts to stand against Him.
Deeper✝
Acts 11
The church ultimately praises God for this revelation, acknowledging a new principle regarding Gentiles. The text highlights the challenges faced by those introducing change within the church, drawing parallels to historical figures like William Booth and modern evangelicals who encounter criticism for their innovative approaches. It underscores the importance of gaining communal approval for new directions while cautioning against alienation from traditional beliefs.
Acts 11:19-30 describes the early church’s expansion, particularly the conversion of Gentiles in Antioch. Initially, the message was shared only with Jews, but some from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to Greeks as well. Antioch, a significant city in the Roman Empire with a large Jewish population, was known for its cosmopolitan nature and lax morals. The Jerusalem church sent Barnabas, a respected figure known for his encouragement and godliness, to investigate the developments in Antioch. He recognized the grace of God at work and encouraged the new believers to remain steadfast in their faith. Barnabas, realizing the need for further teaching, sought out Saul (Paul) to assist him, leading to a year-long teaching ministry in Antioch. It was here that the disciples were first called "Christians," a term likely coined by the local population.
Additionally, a prophecy from Agabus foretold a famine during Emperor Claudius’s reign, prompting the Antioch church to send aid to the Jerusalem church, showcasing their missionary spirit. This reversal of roles highlighted the growing significance of the Antioch church in the early Christian mission. The passage emphasizes that significant contributions to the church often come from unknown individuals rather than prominent figures, reminding believers that faithfulness to God’s calling is what truly matters, regardless of public recognition.
Acts 12
Acts 12:1–24 describes the persecution of early Christians under King Herod Agrippa I, who executed James and imprisoned Peter to gain favor with the Jews. This marked a significant deterioration in Jewish-Christian relations. The irony of Peter’s imprisonment during Passover, a time of celebration for Jewish deliverance, contrasts with the church’s fervent prayers for his release. Despite their earnest prayers, the church initially disbelieves Peter’s miraculous escape, highlighting their lack of faith. Peter’s desire to inform James of his release indicates James’s leadership role in the church.
Herod’s reaction to Peter’s escape is to execute the guards, reflecting his need to restore his image after humiliation. Following this, Herod receives flattery from delegates of Tyre and Sidon, but his death, described as a gruesome irony, underscores the contrast between his outward glory and inner decay. The chapter concludes with a report of the church’s growth, emphasizing that despite hostility, the gospel continues to spread.
The application section discusses God’s sovereignty in times of trouble, illustrating various responses Christians may have to crises, from miraculous deliverance to compromised faith. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the importance of obedience to God, as the early church remained committed to proclaiming the gospel despite threats, demonstrating their faith in God’s sovereignty and purpose.
A missionary team consisting of Saul, Barnabas, and John Mark is sent out from Antioch, following a directive from the Holy Spirit during a time of worship and fasting. Barnabas, a leader from the Jerusalem church, is mentioned first, indicating his prominence. The team includes diverse members, such as Simeon, Lucius, and Manaen, highlighting the church’s multicultural nature. The church’s commitment to prayer and fasting underscores the seriousness of their mission.
✝Deeper summary excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.