Acts Chapter 14

The Gospel Message to a New City

After leaving Antioch in Asia Minor, Paul and Barnabas moved inland to Iconium, another city where the population was a mixture of Jews and Gentiles. They then followed their familiar pattern of evangelism; they went into the synagogues first. For many weeks, they declared Christ to the Jews and God-fearers who gathered for worship. Their preaching was a huge success. The number who believed among the Jews and Gentiles were a great multitude. The success of the Apostles did not come without opposition from the unbelieving Jews. Some of the Jews resented the new teachings and angrily rejected it. In their daily interaction with the Gentiles, they slandered Paul and Barnabas causing even the Gentiles to rise up against them. Even though God gave the Apostles the power to do great miracles as proof that it was of His power, the people was still divided. Because of the hostilely of the unbelieving Jews and the threat to stone them, Paul and Barnabas fled into Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia. There they began to preach the gospel .While preaching in Lystra Paul encountered a man who was lame from birth. Paul being filled with the Holy Spirit perceived that the lame man had faith to be healed and commanded the man to stand upright and walk.

The miracle led to results Paul and Barnabas never anticipated. By the miracle being performed in a public place and in a short time, everybody knew about it. The people flocked to the Apostles claiming that they were gods who came down from heaven in the likeness of men. The town folks even had names for them. Barnabas was called Jupiter and Paul was called Mercurius. Jupiter and Mercurius were two popular gods in the Roman world. There was a local tradition that these two gods had visited the city once in the past and seeing what took place, they decided that they had come again. When Paul and Barnabas saw the priest bring a sacrifice they recognized that things had gotten out of control. They rush among the people and rent (torn) their clothes crying out that they should stop because they were mere ordinary men such as themselves. Paul told them that God has never been far from their lives. He has always been the source of every good thing. From Him came refreshing rain, plenty harvests and satisfying food. Until now He had allowed the nations to walk in their own way. Even then, however they had evidence of the existence of God in creation and in providence. Paul message had its desired result. The people reluctantly ceased from their intention of offering sacrifices to the Apostles.

Jews from Pisidia Antioch and Iconium caught up with Paul and Barnabas in Lystra. They succeeded in turning the people against them. The same crowd that wanted to reverence them as gods now stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that they had killed him. The Scripture does not tell us if Paul was really dead, but what it does tell us is the commitment of the man named Paul. Paul and Barnabas departed for Derbe the next day. In Derbe, the Apostles had the rare opportunity to preach in peace without opposition. They saw many turn to Christ and they were able to spend time discipling them. Afterward, they traced their steps through the cities where they had already established churches. It appears that they entered each city unnoticed and stayed only a short time because there is no record of further opposition. Yet, they stayed long enough to accomplish several key objectives: (1) They “confirmed” (strengthened) the believers by teaching sound doctrine, (2) hey warned them that the only path to the kingdom of God leads to many days of trouble; (3) They ordained elders for every church. That is, they chose men who could serve as pastor-teachers and (4) they gave time to prayer and fasting. The theme of their prayer was to seek God’s blessing upon His work. After returning home (Antioch of Syria) and without delay, they summoned the whole church and told them everything that happened on their missionary journey (mainly how God open the doors to the Gentiles to receive salvation). Paul and Barnabas lodged in Antioch for a good long time.

Questions/Answers:
1. What does the word “rent” means?
Tearing or pulling garments apart, often as a sign of mourning: Gen. 37:34; Lev. 10:6; 21:10; 1 Sam. 4:12 etc., repentance: Gen. 37:29; Josh. 7:6 etc., blasphemy: Matt. 26:65; Mark 14:63.

2. Who were Jupiter and Mercurius?
Jupiter the Latin name of Zeus king of the Greek gods. The King James Version translates Zeus as Jupiter. Mercurius in the King James (Mercury) was the Greek god of commerce, science, invention, and cunning. He also served as messenger and herald for the other gods. Hermes was identified by the Romans with Mercury.

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Acts Chapter 11

Peter Justifies His Ministry to the Gentiles

The news that Peter had preached to Cornelius’s household and won them to Christ spread quickly throughout the churches of Judea. Peter was called back to Jerusalem to explain to those of the “circumcision” (Jews), who had become offended. They sharply criticized Peter. The charge against Peter was simply “you who are a devout and faithful Jew was associating and eating with the unclean Gentiles”. Peter simply summarized the whole event leading up to association with Cornelius and his household. Peter explained that it was the will of God that Gentiles are to be considered clean and that he was to preach Christ to them. He testified that when the Gentiles heard the message of Christ, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as the Spirit fell on the Jews on the day of Pentecost. In conclusion, Peter justified his ministry to the Gentiles by arguing that he did not dare to “withstand God”. The intellectual questions ended and the theological discussion stopped with the report that God had given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. They rejoiced in the Lord. This was a major turning point for the early church. They had to accept those whom God had chosen, even if they were Gentiles.

The wave of disciples that fled Jerusalem after the death of Stephen (Acts 7:59) confined their ministry to the Jews. They made converts in Phoenicia (on the Mediterranean coast north of Palestine), Cyprus (a large Mediterranean island west of Palestine), and Antioch (a city in Syria, north of Palestine). After God led Peter to share the gospel with Cornelius, other disciples began to seek out Gentile audiences. Some of the Jews won to Christ in Cyrus and Cyrene (a city on the North African coast of the Mediterranean, west of Egypt) came to Antioch where Jewish churches already existed. But now that the gospel had broken down the wall between Jews and Gentiles, the newcomers saw a need to evangelize the Greeks. They sought them out and gave them the gospel. Through the power of God, many believed. Almost overnight, a strictly Jewish church became a church with perhaps as many Gentiles as Jews.

It was in Antioch that Christianity was launched on its worldwide mission and where the believers aggressively preached to Gentiles. News of what was happening in Antioch soon reached the ears of Jerusalem. Now there was no controversy. Peter’s defense of his visit to Cornelius’s house had silenced all opposition including Gentiles in the church. Instead of provoking an argument, the news brought joy. The leaders in Jerusalem decided to send Barnabas to Antioch to investigate what they were hearing and to facilitate the work there. Barnabas found ample evidence of the mighty hand of God at work. He rejoiced at what he witnessed. The grace of God had radically transformed the new believers, leaving no room for doubt, that they were truly saved. Barnabas being full of the Holy Spirit and true to the meaning of his name (“son of encouragement) encouraged the believers and rejoiced with them.

Barnabas could have easily taken this opportunity to expand his own ministry and further his own importance, but being a man full of the Holy Spirit does a selfless and strategic thing, he seeks out Saul of Tarsus. Realizing that a man with Saul’s education and gifts was well suited to teach highly cultured Greeks, Barnabas was the first Jerusalem disciple to believe in the authenticity of Paul’s conversion and had confidently introduced him to the Apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27-29). For a whole year Barnabas and Saul worked as a team in teaching and preaching the disciples. At about this time a new name was coined for the followers of Christ. They were called Christians. At about this time there were serious food shortages during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius (A.D 41-54) because of a drought that extended across much of the Roman Empire. It was significant that the church in Antioch assisted the church in Jerusalem. The daughter church had grown enough to be able to assist the established church. The people of Antioch were motivated to give generously because they cared for the needs of others. This is “cheerful giving”) which the Bible commands (2 Cor. 9:7). The aid was entrusted to Barnabas and Saul to take to Jerusalem. These two men were doubtless chosen because both were highly regarded and personally known to church leaders.

Question/answers:
What does the term “Christian” means?
The word occurs three times in the new testament The designation of the early followers of Christ as Christians was initiated by the non-Christian population of Antioch (Acts 11:26) and originally it was probably a term of mocking or derision–“little Christ”. Eventually, however, Christians used it of themselves as a name of honor not of shame (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Prior to their adoption of the name, the Christians called themselves believers (Acts 5:14), brothers (Acts 6:3), or saints (Acts 9:13), names which also continued to be used today.

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Acts Chapter 10

Peter at Cornelius’ House

Not far from Joppa was another coastal city, Caesarea. There lived a Roman centurion named Cornelius of the Roman army. A centurion was the commander of about one hundred men. This Caesarea, sometimes called Palestinian Caesarea, was located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, 32 miles north of Joppa, the largest and most important port city on the Mediterranean in Palestine. Cornelius was a Gentile (not a Jew), and yet Scripture described him as a devout man, faithful in good works and in a life of prayer. How did it happen that a Gentile with a background in a heathen religion of Rome came to worship the true God? Cornelius was not alone. In his day, the Jewish religion attracted many followers. In the synagogues throughout the Roman world, the congregation was a mixture of Jews and Gentiles, called “God fearers”. Although most of these Gentiles did not go through all the rituals necessary to be considered actual Jews, they separated themselves from paganism and kept the moral law of God. Cornelius was a God-fearer so outstanding in his piety that God chose him to be the first Gentile-convert to Christianity.


About the ninth hour of the day (3 PM), an angel appeared to him while in prayer. Seeing such an angel he became afraid. But the angel calmed his fears by assuring him that God was pleased with his prayers and his alms. The angel instructed Cornelius to send for once named Simon surnamed Peter down in the city of Joppa and follow his instructions. Cornelius commanded three trusted servants, two from his household and a Roman solider. It is quite possibly that the Roman solider could have been a God-fearer himself. While Cornelius’ men were on their way to Joppa, Peter was having a quite day at the house of Simon the tanner. At about the sixth hour (12:00 noon), Peter went to the roof top for prayer. After spending time with the Lord in prayer, Peter became hungry and asked for some food. While waiting for the food, Peter fell into a trance (that is God took control of his mind while still awake). Peter saw a strange vision. A large sheet appeared in the sky and descended before his eyes. Riding on the sheet was a whole zoo of animals. Among the sheet were clean and unclean animals. Leviticus chapter 11 explains to the Jewish people what animals are clean and unclean. When this strange sheet stopped before his eyes a voice commanded Peter to “Rise Peter kill and eat”.


Peter had no doubt that the animals were real, yet being a good Jew who always kept the laws, Peter refused to obey, even though he recognized the voice to be that of the Lord. Peter’s refusal to obey God brought a stern rebuke from the Lord. The Lord informed Peter “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common”. Again he was commanded to eat and again he refused. This was done three times until the sheet disappeared into the heavens. While Peter was trying to understand the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrived at the gate belonging to Simon the tanner. Peter himself did not hear the men inquire about him, but the Spirit informed Peter that his attention was required and that he should go with them because He, the Spirit, sent them. When Peter came to the front gate, he asked their purpose. They identified themselves as messengers from Cornelius, a Roman centurion, but they quickly added that he Cornelius was no ordinary Gentile. He was a God-fearer highly respected by the Jewish community.


After being explained why they were there, Peter raised no objection, but invited them to stay overnight until the next morning. This is the first direct encounter Peter has with a Gentile. As they ready to leave some of Peter’s brothers accompanied him down to Cornelius’ house. The men accompanying Peter will play an important role in what the Lord has planned for Peter. They will be able to corroborate what is about to happen at Cornelius’ house. At Cornelius’ house Peter found that Cornelius had assembled a large company, including many of his relative and close friends. Seeing Peter entering his house, Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet to worship him; Peter immediately refused the honor and, picked him up saying that “he is also a man”. This is a major point for Peter a devout Jew. Peter inform Cornelius that it is unlawful for a Jew to be associated with a Gentile who is considered unclean, but the Lord showed him that he should not call what He (the Lord) call clean, unclean. At this point I believe it is important to understand Peter’s vision. God expressed himself symbolically, using animals to represent people, because he was simultaneously canceling restrictions against both. He was declaring that Gentiles should not be treated as unclean, and also He was nullifying the dietary laws in the Old Testament. Putting these laws aside was necessary to enable the church to reach Gentiles.


Peter asked why he was sent for. Cornelius replied by telling Peter of his encounter with the angel. Cornelius asked Peter to share with them the things God commanded. Peter began by marveling at God’s perfect justice. The Jews held themselves to be superior to other people, but God does not accept a man just because he is a Jew. Nor does he reject a man because he is a Gentile. As Peter said “God is no respecter of persons.” Peter then used language to describe how a man gain acceptance with God. He said the requirements are to fear God and work righteousness. Yet although Cornelius and perhaps other Gentiles listening to Peter had won a measure of acceptance with God, they were lacking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To be saved, they needed to put their faith in Jesus. Therefore, Peter started his sermon by demonstrating that Jesus deserved their faith.


The facts about Jesus’ life and death were already well known to Peter’s audience, as they were to everyone in Palestine. As he summarized the life and ministry of Jesus, Peter emphasized that Jesus was not just some famous man, He was the Christ promised by the Prophets. More than that, He was the Lord of all. Then Peter stressed the contrast between Jesus’ life and death. His life was devoted to doing good. Through the power of God’s Spirit, He cast out demons from those under the power of Satan. Yet what was the end of this good man? He was taken by the authorities and hung on a tree. Peter refers to the cross as a tree because to be hung from a tree was the most disgraceful death a Jew could imagine. Paul, paraphrasing the Law of Moses said, “cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Gal. 3:13). But the injustice in Jesus’ death did not stand. God raised Him up on the third day after His burial. Jesus then showed himself to his disciples and appointed them to be witnesses everywhere of His resurrection. Peter was sure he saw the risen Lord. He was no ghost because they ate and drank together.


Briefly, Peter spoke of God’s direction in his life. The risen Christ charged Peter and the other Apostles to go about preaching. Their message— the message that Cornelius and his loved ones wanted to hear was very simple: The one way of salvation is to believe in Jesus. Whoever believes in him will receive remission (Forgiveness) of sins and gain everlasting life. As Peter spoke of the things of the risen Lord the Holy Spirit fell upon those who heard the word with the unmistakable sign of speaking in tongues. These tongues were actual human languages, for the Jewish believers with Peter heard them magnifying God. It is important to take notice here that Peter did not lay hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit (as he and John did down in Samaria), but the Holy Spirit came spontaneously on them in response to Peter’s message concerning Christ. The Jewish believers were beside themselves because the Holy Spirit was poured out on these Gentiles. Peter realized that if God baptized these Gentiles with the Holy Spirit, he could not refuse to baptize them with water. Without delay, Cornelius and his household were baptized in the name of the Lord. Cornelius and his household were the first Gentiles converted to Christianity. Asking Peter to stay for a few days, allowed Peter to instruct them more fully in their new found faith

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