Acts 11

V.1

Word spreads fast. And quickly it has become known that the gentiles too had received the word of God.

Notice how even this early the gospel is seen as the word of God, showing the reverence that they had for it as being divinely inspired.

Also, making the connection between the Word, and Christ. (John 1:1)

V.2

However, rather than being applauded for taking the gospel to the gentiles, Peter faces criticism.

They are more concerned with their reputation, than with the souls of those who are lost.

We should not find it strange if we face the same thing.

John 15:18–20 ESV

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

V. 4-18 Peter’s Response

How does Peter repond to such sharp criticism?

Proverbs 15:1 ESV

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 29:11 ESV

11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Peter simply explains the events to them in order and allows them to come to their own conclusion.

How do you usually respond to criticism?

V. 15, 16

Peter points to the gift of the Holy Spirit as the sign of God’s approval. He connects this event to the day of pentecost as well.

It is the Holy Spirit, above all else, that shows us as belonging to Christ.

V.17

Essentially, Peter is saying, “You criticize me for going to the gentiles when it was actually God who went to them”.

When we refuse to go to a certain people, we stand in God’s way.

Their response is to glorify God for His grace.

2 Timothy 2:24–26 ESV

24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

2 Peter 3:8–10 ESV

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.