Acts 11-13

Acts 11

News spreads that Gentiles received the word of God. Jewish believers criticize Peter because:

• he entered a Gentile home
• ate with uncircumcised people

Peter recounts:

• the vision of unclean animals
• Cornelius’ vision
• the Holy Spirit falling on Gentiles
• Peter’s conclusion: “If then God gave the same gift to them…”

The believers glorify God: “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

The Gospel Spreads to Antioch

Believers scattered after Stephen’s death preach in:

• Phoenicia
• Cyprus
• Antioch

Initially many preached only to Jews, but some begin preaching to Greeks/Gentiles.Many believe.

Barnabas and Saul in Antioch

The Jerusalem church sends Barnabas to Antioch.

• Barnabas encourages believers and sees God’s grace at work
• He then brings Paul (Saul) from Tarsus.
• They teach there for a year.

“In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”

• Χριστιανός (Christianos) “party of/belonging to Christ”

Prophets come from Jerusalem. 

• Agabus predicts a famine.
• The Antioch church sends financial aid to believers in Judea through Barnabas and Saul

Acts 12

Herod Agrippa I persecutes believers.He:

• kills James son of Zebedee with the sword (first apostle martyred) 
• imprisons Peter
• The church prays earnestly for Peter.

The night before trial, Peter sleeps between soldiers An angel appears:

• chains fall off
• prison doors open
• Peter initially thinks it is a vision.

Peter goes to Mary, John Mark’s mother (a new Mary and a new John). A servant girl named Rhoda recognizes Peter’s voice, but in excitement forgets to open the door.

Herod gives a public speech. The crowd shouts “The voice of a god, and not of a man!”

• Herod accepts the praise.
• However, an angel strikes him because he did not give God glory. 
• He dies.

Despite persecution: “the word of God increased and multiplied.”

Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem with John Mark

Acts 13

from https://www.jesuswalk.com/paul/03_galatia.htm

 Barnabas and Saul Sent Out

At Antioch are prophets and teachers including:

• Barnabas
• Saul
• Simeon called Niger
• Lucius
• Manaen

While worshiping and fasting,the Holy Spirit says “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul…”

The church:

• fasts
• prays
• lays hands on them
• sends them out

This is the beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey

Ministry in Cyprus

Barnabas and Saul travel to Cyprus from Seleucia 

• They encounter Bar-Jesus (Elymas), a false prophet/magician
• Another man named Sergius Paulus summoned Paul and Barnabas to hear the Word
• Elymas opposed them 
• Paul rebukes him and Elymas becomes temporarily blind.
• Sergius Paulus believes.

From here Saul is regularly called Paul

 Arrival in Pisidian Antioch

• They travel from Paphos to Perga
• John Mark leaves and returns to Jerusalem.
• Paul and Barnabas continue to Pisidian Antioch.
• They attend synagogue and are invited to speak.

Paul summarizes Israel’s history:

• patriarchs
• Exodus
• judges
• David

God fulfilled His promises through Jesus.

Paul proclaims:

• Jesus descended from David
• Jesus was crucified
• God raised Him from the dead

Paul quotes:

• Psalm 2
• Isaiah 55
• Psalm 16
• Habakuk 1:5

Many Jews and Gentiles want to hear more.

• The next Sabbath huge crowds gather
• Some Jewish leaders become jealous and oppose Paul.

The gospel now turns toward Gentiles.

• Paul quotes Isaiah 49: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles…”
• Gentiles rejoice and many believe
• persecution arises
• Paul and Barnabas are expelled

Yet:“the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

They had to Iconium

Application

The church recognizes that salvation is for ALL nations. Jesus didn’t just die for the Jews, but for the Gentiles as well.  The Gospel continues to be shared, despite persecution. When the Holy Spirit gives us a calling, we must follow.