Acts 11

(1)  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 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 fourfooted 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 Caesarea 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:
(13)  And he shewed 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 as 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 they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
(20)  And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were 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.
(22)  Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
(23)  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.
(24)  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
(25)  Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
(26)  And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
(27)  And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
(28)  And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
(29)  Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
(30)  Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

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Study Questions

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1. What is meant by the “circumcision” and why would they object to the conversion of the Gentiles? Verses 1-3.

2. How does Peter propose to overcome the prejudice of the Jewish brethren? Verse 4.

3. Does this agree with the account in Acts chapter 10? How is it more vivid than Acts 10:11? Verse 5.

4. As Peter considered the vision, what did he see, hear, and say? Verses 6-9.

5. How is this description more vivid than that in Acts 10:16? Verse 10.

6. How many Jewish brethren went with Peter to Caesarea and what do you now think was Peter’s purpose in taking them? Verses 11-12.

7. How did Cornelius know to send for the apostle Peter? Verse 13.

8. How would Peter’s coming to Caesarea be the answer to Cornelius’ prayer? Verse 14.

9. What beginning is referred to and who is the “us” upon whom the Holy Spirit fell? Verse 15.

10. How do we know the Gentiles received the baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit and not another measure? Verse 16.

11. If Peter could not withstand God, what is the implication concerning others who opposed accepting the Gentiles? Verse 17.

12. How was the response of the Jewish brethren wonderful and how is their response an example for us today? Verse 18.

13. What was sounded out simultaneously from Jerusalem to all surrounding provinces? Verse 19.

14. To what does the phrase “some of them” refer? Verse 20.

15. What is the turning point in the plan of salvation? Verse 21. (See Acts 3:19 in the American Standard Version)

16. Why was Jerusalem still the chief center of religious influence? Verse 22.

17. For what purpose was Barnabas sent to Antioch? Verse 23.

18. Why was Barnabas the right man to send to a congregation of new converts? What success did he have? Verse 24.

19. How far was Tarsus from Antioch? Verse 25.

20. Can you see any connection between Saul’s being at Antioch for a whole year (with Gentiles) and the reason he was chosen by God? Verse 26. (See Acts 9:15)

21. Did the early church really have prophets? If so, what was their purpose and why don’t we have them today? Verse 27. (See Ephesians 4:11-13)

22. How accurate was the prophecy of Agabus? Verse 28.

23. How much confidence did the early church have in the prophecy of Agabus? Verse 29.

24. What are elders and what is their work? Verse 30.