Fighting for the Truth

Now that Cornelius has come to the faith. Peter returns to Jerusalem and is met by the Calvinists of his day. Men who believed the promises and spirit of God were not for everyone, but only for a select group of “chosen” people.

In verse 2, they “contend” with Peter, meaning that they begin to dissect the situation and the actions that he took and begin to criticize. Their accusation is plain in verse 3, you ate with uncircumcised Gentiles! You broke the traditions of the elders. You should be put out of the Temple and the synagogue!

Peter defended his honor and his testimony truthfully and faithfully. Just how we must defend the truth of God’s Word.

Even when we are questioned by men, we must stand as Peter stood, unwavering in the truth.

Rehearse the Vision

For Peter this vision was the will of God revealed to Him. He could not question its veracity or its intent. God had clearly revealed and clearly interpreted this vision to him.

Stand on the Truth of God’s Word

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Peter showed the vision which had been given to him. The meaning was not lost on these Jewish men, and it was probably the strongest evidence that Peter had to defend himself.

Be ready to give your testimony of God’s grace in your life.

Stand on God’s Plan

What God has shown you about His will for your life, stand on it! Be steadfast, be firm in your commitment to God.

We talked last week about how God will not allow those who are seeking Him with their whole heart to flounder. Even when He does not show His will right away, He is simply teaching us to wait on Him.

Display your Faith

Acts 11:12 KJV 1900

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:

Peter’s action displayed his faith

James 2:18 KJV 1900

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Peter’s words displayed his faith

Peter took an awfully big risk giving this information to those who were criticizing him. If they rejected the vision which he gave, they would have cut ties with him completely. But he faithfully and truthfully told what God was doing. He was not afraid to own his faith publically.

Give God the Credit

Acts 11:15 KJV 1900

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

This was God’s work from the beginning. It was not Peter’s idea nor his preference.

Peter gave God credit

Acts 11:17 KJV 1900

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?

Peter credited God with the changed lives and the miraculous display of Holy Spirit power.

His opponents gave God credit

Acts 11:18 KJV 1900

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.

The staunchest Jew in the room could not help but praise the name of the Lord when they began to realize that God was in these events.

The promise made to Abraham 2,000 years before was being fulfilled.

Genesis 22:16–18 KJV 1900

16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

All nations, tribes, and tongues could now be part of the New Covenant. God was offering His grace to everyone that believeth.

Romans 1:16 KJV 1900

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Conclusti

As you walk with God and face people who are skeptical:

Rehearse the Vision - tell what God is doing

Display your faith - obey God’s will

Give God credit