Act 11

Outside Of The Box

V. The Prejudice—11:1–2, 17–19

A. Prejudice—vv. 1–2. Prejudice means to be narrow minded—making up your mind without having all the facts

CONTEMPT PRIOR TO INVESTIGATION

A. Prejudice—vv. 1–2. Prejudice means to be narrow minded—making up your mind without having all the faI

Those who protested Peter’s familiarity with the Gentiles in Caesarea, particularly His eating with them, were not from the whole Christian group, but from the “circumcision party.” Apparently, this was a small, ultraconservative group within the larger group. They were the “Tea Party” of early Christianity, the meticulously orthodox, the right-wing of the movement{10]. Their platform rested upon the assumption that Christianity was a movement within Judaism, and therefore must conform to the life and practice of Judaism as they knew it. A man could not be a Christian unless he was a Jew first; he could not be baptized until he had been circumcised. Needless to say, if this line had been adopted, there never would have been a successful Gentile mission. Most Gentiles had real problems with some of the more “external” aspects of the Jewish Law, such as circumcision and the food laws. Such factors doubtless had kept many Gentiles like Cornelius, who believed in the God of the Jews from becoming full Proselytes.(non jewish convert)

B. Peace—vv. 17–19. After hearing what God was doing among the Gentiles, the Jews rejoice with Peter and others of God’s blessings among the Gentiles.

The gospel is for all people. Some would like to keep the gospel to their own small group. They enjoy hearing God’s Word from their pastor, but have no concern for those outside the church without Christ. As long as they hear the gospel they are satisfied. The church must reach out to all people.

16

The First Christians

After Stephen’s death the Christians were scattered. As they spread out they preached the gospel. The Holy Spirit filled these people with the fire of God. This was the same fire that Jeremiah had burning in his bones—. More and more Gentiles heard the gospel and as the result, the great commission of Christ () was being fulfilled.

I. The Preaching—vv. 19–21

A. Persecution—v. 19. As persecution came the Christians were scattered and as the result, the people at Antioch heard the gospel.

The Christian will always face persecution!

B. Preaching—v. 20. They preached to the Greeks of the Lord Jesus Christ.

C. Power—v. 21. The Lord was with them. A good number believed and accepted the Lord.

II. The Person—vv. 22–26

A. Sending—v. 22. The Christians at Jerusalem sent Barnabas from Jerusalem to Antioch. The church at Jerusalem was interested in what was happening at Antioch.

B. Satisfaction—v. 23. When Barnabas saw what was happening he was happy and exhorted the people to live for God regardless of the price. Note the price: , .

C. Spirituality—v. 24. Note the character of Barnabas: he was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. As the result of the work of Barnabas, “Much people were added unto the Lord.”

D. Showing—vv. 25–26. Barnabas remained in Antioch about one year. The non-Christians at Antioch saw the followers of Christ living a Christian life, and the non-Christians called these followers of Christ—Christians.

The Meaning of Discipleship

“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

The disciples were called Christians because they were:

1. Men Inspired by a Personal Experience with God

2. Men Who Possessed a Strong spiritual Conviction

3. Men Who Behaved with Christlike Manners

III. The Passion—vv. 27–30

A. Prophets—v. 27. Some of the prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.

B. Prophecy—v. 28. They foretold of a coming famine which would take place in that area.

C. Passion—v. 29. All the followers of Christ gave help to those in need. Every person gave “according to his ability.”

Giving shows true Christianity and is a good test of spirituality. The word Christian is used in the wrong way many times. Often people say, “If you are not Jewish, then you are Christian.” What is a Christian? To be in the Christian family, you must be born into it—. After you are in the Christian family you follow the teachings of the Bible.