Acts 11:1
The apostles and brothers throughout Judea soon heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.
The apostles and brothers
This phrase refers to the early Christian leaders and believers who were primarily based in Judea. The term "apostles" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." These were the original disciples of Jesus, entrusted with spreading His teachings. "Brothers" (Greek: "adelphoi") indicates the close-knit community of believers, emphasizing the familial bond among Christians. This highlights the unity and shared mission of the early church, rooted in their common faith in Christ.

throughout Judea
Judea was a region in the ancient Near East, significant as the historical and religious heartland of the Jewish people. The mention of Judea underscores the geographical spread of the early church and its roots in Jewish tradition. This region was central to the ministry of Jesus and the early church, serving as a launching point for the spread of the Gospel.

soon heard
The rapid dissemination of news reflects the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities. The Greek word "akouō" (heard) implies not just hearing but understanding and processing the information. This suggests the importance of communication and the eagerness of the early church to stay informed about the work of God among them.

that the Gentiles also
The term "Gentiles" (Greek: "ethnē") refers to non-Jewish people. This is a pivotal moment in the early church, as it marks the expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. The inclusion of the Gentiles signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3). This was a radical shift, challenging Jewish exclusivity and highlighting the universal scope of God's salvation plan.

had received
The Greek word "dechomai" (received) implies a welcoming acceptance. This indicates that the Gentiles not only heard the Gospel but embraced it wholeheartedly. This acceptance is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in opening hearts to the message of Christ, transcending cultural and ethnic barriers.

the word of God
This phrase refers to the Gospel message, the good news of Jesus Christ. In the Greek, "logos" (word) signifies not just spoken words but the divine message and revelation of God. The "word of God" is living and active, as described in Hebrews 4:12, and it carries the power to transform lives. The reception of this word by the Gentiles marks a significant milestone in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that His message is for all people, regardless of their background.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Apostles
The primary leaders of the early Christian church, tasked with spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. They were based in Jerusalem and were pivotal in the early church's decision-making processes.

2. Brothers throughout Judea
Refers to the early Christian believers scattered throughout the region of Judea. They were part of the Jewish community that had accepted Jesus as the Messiah.

3. Gentiles
Non-Jewish people who were traditionally not part of the covenant community of Israel. The inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith was a significant development in the early church.

4. Judea
A region in the ancient Near East, significant as the location of Jerusalem and the heart of Jewish religious life. It was the starting point for the spread of Christianity.

5. The Word of God
Refers to the message of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which was now being received by the Gentiles.
Teaching Points
The Universality of the Gospel
The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This challenges believers to embrace diversity within the body of Christ.

Breaking Down Barriers
The early church's acceptance of Gentiles serves as a model for breaking down barriers and prejudices that may exist within the church today.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit guides the church in understanding and implementing God's will, as seen in the acceptance of Gentiles. Believers should seek the Spirit's guidance in their own lives.

The Importance of Community
The response of the apostles and brothers in Judea highlights the importance of community in the Christian faith. Believers are encouraged to support and learn from one another.

Obedience to God's Call
Peter's obedience in sharing the Gospel with Cornelius demonstrates the importance of following God's call, even when it challenges existing norms.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of the Gentiles in Acts 11:1 challenge our understanding of who can be part of the Christian community today?

2. In what ways can we, as a church, ensure that we are welcoming to all people, regardless of their background?

3. How does the account of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10-11 encourage us to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our interactions with others?

4. What barriers exist in our own lives or communities that prevent us from fully embracing the universality of the Gospel?

5. How can we apply the principle of unity found in Galatians 3:28 to our daily interactions with fellow believers and non-believers alike?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 10
This chapter provides the context for Acts 11:1, detailing Peter's vision and the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile, which led to the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian faith.

Galatians 3:28
This verse emphasizes the unity of all believers in Christ, regardless of ethnic or social distinctions, reinforcing the message of inclusion seen in Acts 11:1.

Romans 10:12-13
These verses highlight that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in the eyes of God, as all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Peter's ApologiaAlexander MaclarenActs 11:1
Bigotry is Concealed SelfishnessW. Baxendale.Acts 11:1-8
Bigotry, Narrowness OfPaxton Hood.Acts 11:1-8
Peter Reports to the ChurchJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Acts 11:1-8
Peter to Jewish ChristiansD. Fraser, D. D.Acts 11:1-8
Religious ContentionFontaine.Acts 11:1-8
Rents in the Primitive ChurchK. Gerok.Acts 11:1-8
Sectarianism, the Strife of BrethrenW. Williams.Acts 11:1-8
The Best Testimony of the Servant of God Against Opposition and MisapprehensionK. Gerok.Acts 11:1-8
The Dispute in the Early ChurchBiblical MuseumActs 11:1-8
The Ecclesiastical OppositionD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 11:1-8
Rectification and EnlargementW. Clarkson Acts 11:1-18
The Church of God Set on the New Foundation of LibertyR.A. Redford Acts 11:1-18
The Spirit of Sect and the Spirit of the GospelE. Johnson Acts 11:1-18
People
Agabus, Barnabas, Christians, Claudius, Cyprians, Cyrenians, Grecians, John, Peter, Saul, Simon, Stephen
Places
Caesarea, Cyprus, Cyrene, Jerusalem, Joppa, Judea, Phoenicia, Syrian Antioch, Tarsus
Topics
Apostles, Brethren, Brothers, Gentiles, God's, Judaea, Judea, Message, Nations, News, Receive, Received, Throughout, Various
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 11:1

     1690   word of God
     5661   brothers
     6604   acceptance, human

Acts 11:1-3

     7105   believers
     7336   circumcision, spiritual
     7512   Gentiles, in NT

Acts 11:1-18

     5250   centurion
     7525   exclusiveness

Acts 11:1-22

     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Library
April 27 Evening
A new name.--REV. 2:17. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.--Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.--They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.--Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Exhortation of Barnabas
[Footnote: Preached before the Congregational Union of England and Wales.] 'Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.'--ACTS xi. 23. The first purely heathen converts had been brought into the Church by the nameless men of Cyprus and Cyrene, private persons with no office or commission to preach, who, in simple obedience to the instincts of a Christian heart, leaped the barrier which seemed impassable
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Nickname Accepted
'The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch' --ACTS xi. 26. Nations and parties, both political and religious, very often call themselves by one name, and are known to the outside world by another. These outside names are generally given in contempt; and yet they sometimes manage to hit the very centre of the characteristics of the people on whom they are bestowed, and so by degrees get to be adopted by them, and worn as an honour. So it has been with the name 'Christian.' It was given
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Peter's Apologia
'And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea 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
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Preaching at Antioch
'And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they ware come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.'--ACTS xi. 20, 21. Thus simply does the historian tell one of the greatest events in the history of the Church. How great it was will appear if we observe that the weight of authority among critics and commentators sees here an extension of the message of salvation
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Repentance unto Life
By "Repentance unto life," I think we are to understand that repentance which is accompanied by spiritual life in the soul, and ensures eternal life to every one who possesses it. "Repentance unto life," I say, brings with it spiritual life, or rather, is the first consequent thereof. There are repentances which are not signs of life, except of natural life, because they are only effected by the power of the conscience and the voice of nature speaking in men; but the repentance here spoken of is
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Completion Op the Fifth Continental Journey.
1849-50. The disorganized state of Germany presented a serious obstacle to John and Martha Yeardley's resuming their labors on the Continent. FROM JOHN YEARDLEY TO JOHN KITCHING. Scarborough, 6 mo. 23, 1849. We spent two days at Malton with our dear friends Ann and Esther Priestman, in their delightful new abode on the bank of the river: we were comforted in being at meeting with them on First-day. On Second-day we came to Scarborough, and soon procured two rooms near our own former residence. The
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
Acts Chs. 1-12. The Book of Acts. The book of Acts is the only purely historical book of the New Testament. It is as a continuation of the gospel of Luke. It follows the fortunes of the infant church and gives us all the light we have in regard to its further organization and development, but it does not claim to be a complete history of the work of the early church. As a history it is as remarkable for what it omits as for what it narrates. The central theme is the triumph and progress of the gospel
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace.
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Some Associated Questions
A BRIEF reference to some of the other difficulties, which have been found in Luke's references to matters of contemporary history, will form a fitting conclusion to this study. In some cases all that is wanted to solve the difficulty is proper understanding of Luke's words. That, for example, is the case with Acts 11:28, where the statement, that in the days of Claudius there was famine over all the world, has been misinterpreted to imply that harvests failed and a famine ensued in every part of
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

What God Hath Cleansed
'There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2. A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Breaking Out of Discord
'And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles:
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Rome Protects Paul
'And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the Temple, I was in a trance; 18. And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me. 19. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: 20. And when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Knowledge and Obedience.
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father."--COL. i. 9-12. The Epistles
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

Other New Testament Names for "Being Filled with the Spirit. "
That we may see how full the New Testament is of this blessing, and that we may the better understand what it is and how it is obtained, let us just glance at some other terms used by the Holy Ghost when speaking of it. 1. "Baptized with the Holy Ghost." "Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" (Acts i. 5). See also Acts xi. 16, Matt. iii. 11, Mark i. 8, Luke iii. 16, John i. 33. Now, though "baptized" and "filled" are sometimes convertible terms, it is instructive to note
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Luke.
Lucas, Evangelii el medicinae munera pandens; Artibus hinc, illinc religione, valet: Utilis ille labor, per quem vixere tot aegri; Utilior, per quem tot didicere mori!" Critical and Biographical Schleiermacher: Ueber die Schriften des Lukas. Berlin, 1817. Reprinted in the second vol. of his Sämmtliche Werke, Berlin, 1836 (pp. 1-220). Translated by Bishop Thirlwall, London, 1825. James Smith (of Jordanhill, d. 1867): Dissertation on the Life and Writings of St. Luke, prefixed to his Voyage and
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

For if they be Urged from the Gospel that they Should Put Nothing By...
31. For if they be urged from the Gospel that they should put nothing by for the morrow, they most rightly answer, "Why then had the Lord Himself a bag in which to put by the money which was collected? [2572] Why so long time beforehand, on occasion of impending famine, were supplies of corn sent to the holy fathers? [2573] Why did Apostles in such wise provide things necessary for the indigence of saints lest there should be lack thereafter, that most blessed Paul should thus write to the Corinthians
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

As it Is, However, They, against the Apostle of Christ...
27. As it is, however, they, against the Apostle of Christ, recite a Gospel of Christ. For so marvellous are the works of the sluggards, hindered that they want to have that very thing by Gospel, which the Apostle enjoined and did on purpose that the Gospel itself should not be hindered. And yet, if from the very words of the Gospel we should compel them to live agreeably with their way of understanding it, they will be the first to endeavor to persuade us how they are not to be understood so as
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Whether Chrism is a Fitting Matter for this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that chrism is not a fitting matter for this sacrament. For this sacrament, as stated above (A[1], ad 1), was instituted by Christ when He promised His disciples the Holy Ghost. But He sent them the Holy Ghost without their being anointed with chrism. Moreover, the apostles themselves bestowed this sacrament without chrism, by the mere imposition of hands: for it is written (Acts 8:17) that the apostles "laid their hands upon" those who were baptized, "and they received the
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

How Does it Come?
How does the Filling of the Spirit come? "Does it come once for all? or is it always coming, as it were?" was a question addressed to me once by a young candidate for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many asking the same question. We have considered how the Fullness is obtained, but now we proceed to consider, How does the Fullness come? In speaking of the blessing of being filled with the Spirit, the New Testament writers use three tenses in the Greek--the Aorist, the Imperfect, and the
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

The Ministry of Angels.
1 High on a hill of dazzling light, The King of Glory spreads his seat, And troops of angels stretch'd for flight, Stand waiting round his awful feet. 2 "Go," saith the Lord, "my Gabriel go, "Salute the virgin's fruitful womb,[1] "Make haste, ye cherubs, down below, Sing and proclaim the Saviour come." 3 Here a bright squadron leaves the skies, And thick around Elisha stands;[2] Anon a heavenly soldier flies, And breaks the chains from Peter's hands.[3] 4 Thy winged troops, O God of hosts, Wait on
Isaac Watts—Hymns and Spiritual Songs

As That, "Take no Thought for the Morrow...
29. As that, "Take no thought for the morrow," and, "Take therefore no thought what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or what ye shall put on." [2344] Now when we see that the Lord Himself had a bag in which was put what was given, [2345] that it might be kept for necessary uses as the time should require; and that the Apostles themselves made much provision for the indigence of the brethren, not only for the morrow, but even for the more protracted time of impending dearth, as we read in the
St. Augustine—On Lying

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