Acts 11
Summary. . In this chapter, Peter details the conversion of the Gentiles, and we see how the Lord works with His disciples to fulfill His plan of salvation by spreading the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ to all people. Acts 11:1-3. Peter is questioned about the Gentiles. Peter has been pointed out by those of the circumcision as having spoken to the Gentiles about the Lord God Almighty. Acts 11:4-18. Peter reports to the church in Jerusalem about the Gentiles. The apostle has the courage from the Lord to explain to everyone. He recounts how the Lord directed him and Cornelius to meet, and how he proclaimed the Gospel to the outsiders, and how the Holy Spirit fell upon all those listening. This report willalso help others understand their own duties toward the Lord. Acts 11:19-21. The Gospel is proclaimed to the Jews and the Gentiles. After the days of tribulation, the Lord had people and a plan for spreading the good news, and the Lord God Almighty was working in their hearts, where they should go. The believers, being dispersed, proclaimed the good news to the Jews and the Gentiles alike. Acts 11:22-26. Barnabas and Saul at Antioch. Barnabas is sent to the church in Antioch, where he ministers and brings Saul to Antioch as well, who is added to the work according to the Lord's plan. In Antioch, the believers are first called Christians, a term that has a special meaning for believers around the world, as humans will now learn more about the love of God Almighty. Acts 11:27-30. Prophets from Jerusalem come to Antioch. The Lord God Almighty sent prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch, who would also be involved in spreading the good news among the Gentiles and warning them about a famine that was to come upon the world. In response, the believers in Antioch showed their love for the believers in Judea by sending help for the ministry.
1
Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God .
Comments Acts 11:1
“Now the apostles and the brothers ...” When the believers heard the good news that more people, the Gentiles, had received the Lord God Almighty, this good news also stirred up their hearts to want to go out more and spread the good news.
“That the Gentiles also ...” By tradition, the Gentiles were considered outsiders; when the good news was told that the outsiders had received the word of God, it also made all the believers' hearts rejoice and be happy.
“That the Gentiles also ...” By tradition, the Gentiles were considered outsiders; when the good news was told that the outsiders had received the word of God, it also made all the believers' hearts rejoice and be happy.
2
Also, when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision began contending with him,
Comments Acts 11:2
The apostle of the Lord God Almighty has been pointed out regarding that he had talked with the Gentiles about the Lord God Almighty; the doubtful minds also wanted to stir people up that those people are Gentiles and do not belong to their race because they believe that the Lord God Almighty belongs to them and not to the outsiders.
3
saying, You went in to men uncircumcised and did eat with them.
Comments Acts 11:3
People use their own understanding to justify the work of God. The Lord God Almighty has a plan for His disciples to work among the Gentiles. People may see the disciples joining with the Gentiles, but people forget to think that these people are humans in His image as well. The disciples went and joined with them in order to give them the way to be saved. The beloved Son of God's deeds could be spread by telling, not keeping among the apostles; that is the purpose for them to join the Gentile. Gentiles.
4
Now, Peter having begun, he expounded to them in order, saying,
Comments Acts 11:4
The apostle has courage from the Lord God Almighty; in order to explain to everyone, he will tell the people the reason that he went to the Gentiles, and that will help everyone else to understand their own duty as well.
5
I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance, I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending like a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even unto me;
Comments Acts 11:5
“I was in the city of Joppa praying ...” This vision is a miracle that shows what could be in the human world. By the mercy of the Lord God Almighty, the apostle saw the vessel coming down to him from heaven. The vessel from heaven came down for human eyes to see in the vision.
“A certain vessel descending ...” When the Lord God Almighty sent the big vessel down, held by four corners, the size of the vessel was greater than what humans could imagine. When the human sees through the vision, the vessel will not be very big, but the inside has more dimensions for carrying. All the animals that came down with it were in great numbers; this amount of animals and the size of the vessel were beyond what humans could imagine.
“And it came even unto me.” The blessed apostle has been chosen personally by the Father to see this vision coming down to him; when the vessel comes to whoever, that person will see what it is inside and will be able to remember all things as well.
“A certain vessel descending ...” When the Lord God Almighty sent the big vessel down, held by four corners, the size of the vessel was greater than what humans could imagine. When the human sees through the vision, the vessel will not be very big, but the inside has more dimensions for carrying. All the animals that came down with it were in great numbers; this amount of animals and the size of the vessel were beyond what humans could imagine.
“And it came even unto me.” The blessed apostle has been chosen personally by the Father to see this vision coming down to him; when the vessel comes to whoever, that person will see what it is inside and will be able to remember all things as well.
6
into it having looked intently, I considered, and I saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the birds of the heaven.
Comments Acts 11:6
The Lord God Almighty had chosen all these animals to be in the vessel, and in each animal will perform a miracle in itself for the human world; the humans will use them according to their needs, but when humans use these animals, they all must think and thank the Lord God Almighty who sent them to humans; and humans should not try to destroy all these animals because all these animals are a blessing from the Lord God Almighty Himself.
7
And I heard also a voice saying to me, Rise, Peter; kill and eat.
Comments Acts 11:7
The Lord God Almighty has given a simple command to His apostle; humans always expect a complicated order from the Lord God Almighty, but the Lord God Almighty also understands human limitations. Whatever command the Lord God Almighty gives to humans, the only one thing humans are to do is listen and obey; this command also has meaning in itself to the purpose.
8
But I said, Not so, Lord ; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.
Comments Acts 11:8
Now, the apostle replied to the Lord God Almighty from his own life way of living that he has been taught from a young age; what he can or cannot eat has been taught since childhood, and that created in His mind the confusion about what he should do; but the order from the Lord God Almighty also was working in his heart. The decision that he makes will point out to the life on himself what it would be: if he truly believes and obeys the Lord God Almighty or he will stick with his own tradition, that will be the result of his own answer.
9
But the V oice answered a second time out of heaven, What God has cleansed, you do not call common.
Comments Acts 11:9
“But the Voice answered a second ...” To make the apostle pay attention completely, the Lord God Almighty called out the second time.
“What God has cleansed.” What the Lord God Almighty has put in this vessel also all have been cleaned, the Lord God Almighty has cleansed them with His power, and all become special animals for humans because these animals the apostle saw them through the vision; the eyes of human have seen special animals in this vessel; all these animals have received the ability of multiplication, and special purpose for humans to use by the Lord God Almighty's permission.
“You do not call common.” As the verse tells us, these animals are not common because the Lord God Almighty has chosen them to be in this vessel for a purpose.
“What God has cleansed.” What the Lord God Almighty has put in this vessel also all have been cleaned, the Lord God Almighty has cleansed them with His power, and all become special animals for humans because these animals the apostle saw them through the vision; the eyes of human have seen special animals in this vessel; all these animals have received the ability of multiplication, and special purpose for humans to use by the Lord God Almighty's permission.
“You do not call common.” As the verse tells us, these animals are not common because the Lord God Almighty has chosen them to be in this vessel for a purpose.
10
Now this was done three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven.
Comments Acts 11:10
Whatever the Lord God Almighty has shown the same thing to the apostle three times, it also has special meaning for all humans; this vision from the apostle lets all humans know that they all have received the blessing from the Lord God Almighty to receive all these animals for them to use and consume; each animal has its own purpose, but humans must use them and give thanks to the Lord God Almighty for His mercy.
11
And behold, immediately three men stood at the house in which I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.
Comments Acts 11:11
The Lord God Almighty had a plan for His apostle, and the things happened immediately; the outsiders acted according to the plan of the Lord and came at the right moment. The apostle's feeling will be confirmed with the appearance of the outsiders at the place where they stay. The Lord God Almighty will guide the deed and the decision of the apostle. Let all readers pay attention that when the Lord God Almighty plans, all things will happen at the right time; follow the voice in your heart.
12
And the Spirit told me to go with them, not having discriminated. And these six brothers also accompanied me; and we entered into the man's house;
Comments Acts 11:12
“And the Spirit told me ...” The Lord God Almighty knows the heart of humans. He has sent the Holy Spirit to tell the apostle what he must do; everything according to the plan, the apostle cannot delay or doubt, but his heart will listen to the voice of the Lord, and the doubt will disappear. For the apostle to enter into the house of an outsider is not easy to do, but with the Holy Spirit's work, he will listen and obey.
“And these six brothers ...” The faithful disciples who accompanied the apostle were also witnesses of the meeting. Without knowing what would happen, these witnesses accompanied the apostle; the miracle work that happened changed the witnesses' lives as well.
“And these six brothers ...” The faithful disciples who accompanied the apostle were also witnesses of the meeting. Without knowing what would happen, these witnesses accompanied the apostle; the miracle work that happened changed the witnesses' lives as well.
13
then he told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, Send to Joppa, and send for Simon, who is called Peter;
Comments Acts 11:13
The Lord God Almighty gave detailed messages to the outsider, specifying where to go and whom to take. The plan for work began with this disciple; the Lord God Almighty guided the outsider each step to take, to bring the disciple.
14
who will speak to you words, in which you will be saved and all your household.
Comments Acts 11:14
“Who will speak to you words.” The plan to save humans began at this point, when the Lord God Almighty sent the disciple to give the good news to the outsiders; the Gospel for all humans to be saved began at this point.
“In which you will be saved ...” The good news that the Lord God Almighty instructed the apostle to tell the outsider, first will save this household, but to save these people will spread out the good news furthermore to the Gentiles; the Lord God Almighty will use this time in spreading the good news to the outsiders.
“In which you will be saved ...” The good news that the Lord God Almighty instructed the apostle to tell the outsider, first will save this household, but to save these people will spread out the good news furthermore to the Gentiles; the Lord God Almighty will use this time in spreading the good news to the outsiders.
15
And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, even as also upon us at the beginning.
Comments Acts 11:15
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them.” When the apostle gave the Gentiles the good news to be saved, the Father's mercy poured upon them all, by sending the Holy Spirit to all who had their hearts open to receive the good news.
“Even as also upon us at the beginning.” Many people have doubt regarding the apostle's activity in preaching the word; but here in this place, let all readers understand that all the activity of the apostle is appointed by the Lord; they all have been baptized in the Holy Spirit; the good news the apostle has proclaimed to people is speaking through the Holy Spirit Himself.
“Even as also upon us at the beginning.” Many people have doubt regarding the apostle's activity in preaching the word; but here in this place, let all readers understand that all the activity of the apostle is appointed by the Lord; they all have been baptized in the Holy Spirit; the good news the apostle has proclaimed to people is speaking through the Holy Spirit Himself.
16
Then, I remembered the word of the Lord , how H e said, John indeed baptized with water; but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit .
Comments Acts 11:16
“Then, I remembered the word of the Lord ...” The word that comes out of the beloved Son of God's mouth is alive, as the verse tells. When the apostle heard it, the living word stayed in the heart, and the memory of it came when the duty was performed; when the apostle proclaimed the good news, the living word came out to all hearers.
“But you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit baptism will be upon all the hearers whose hearts open to receive the good news with a sincere heart.
“But you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit baptism will be upon all the hearers whose hearts open to receive the good news with a sincere heart.
17
If then God gave to them the same gift as also to us, having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ , who was I, to be able to forbid God ?
Comments Acts 11:17
“If then God gave to them ...” In the eyes of the Lord God Almighty, all humans are the same, regardless of race or language, but if all their hearts sincerely seek the Lord God Almighty, He will receive them all the same.
“Having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Give attention, all believers: the verse tells us clearly that when they believed in the beloved Son of God, they received the same gift that every believer receives.
“Who was I, to be able to forbid God?” The apostle himself knows his place as well, that he himself cannot stop the Lord God Almighty's will; the will of the Lord God Almighty will be done regardless of who agrees or disagrees.
“Having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Give attention, all believers: the verse tells us clearly that when they believed in the beloved Son of God, they received the same gift that every believer receives.
“Who was I, to be able to forbid God?” The apostle himself knows his place as well, that he himself cannot stop the Lord God Almighty's will; the will of the Lord God Almighty will be done regardless of who agrees or disagrees.
18
Then, having heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God , saying, Then also to the Gentiles, God has given repentance unto life.
Comments Acts 11:18
“Then, having heard these things ...” When all believers heard the word of the apostle regarding the action that he did, all accepted the will of the Lord God Almighty for this work to be done among all people.
“Then also to the Gentiles ...” The Lord God Almighty loves all humans the same way and gives everyone a chance to be saved. The Gospel must be told to every human; when the word has been spread all over, those who did not come and accept the Lord God Almighty will not receive forgiveness but will have to go and wait to be judged. The chance to be saved is now; when you hear the word, let all readers pay attention: the Lord God Almighty gives everybody the same chance to be saved; come, the Lord God Almighty is waiting for you.
“Then also to the Gentiles ...” The Lord God Almighty loves all humans the same way and gives everyone a chance to be saved. The Gospel must be told to every human; when the word has been spread all over, those who did not come and accept the Lord God Almighty will not receive forgiveness but will have to go and wait to be judged. The chance to be saved is now; when you hear the word, let all readers pay attention: the Lord God Almighty gives everybody the same chance to be saved; come, the Lord God Almighty is waiting for you.
19
Therefore, indeed, those having been dispersed by the tribulation that happened over Stephen, travelled to Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none except only to Jews.
Comments Acts 11:19
“Therefore, indeed, those having been dispersed ...” When the faithful servant has been in great trouble, the Lord God Almighty's children have been separated and have gone all around the area; the Lord God Almighty has also been with them, guiding and helping them with the work to be done.
“Travelled to Phoenicia, and ...” With the tradition of family and teaching from the old age, it made them feel uncomfortable to speak with the Gentiles, but spoke only among the same kind of people. The belief that only their race belongs to the Lord God Almighty had made them face a difficult time with the outsiders, but the Lord God Almighty will teach them to know that every human belongs to the Lord and all have the same right to be saved and come to worship the Lord God Almighty.
“Travelled to Phoenicia, and ...” With the tradition of family and teaching from the old age, it made them feel uncomfortable to speak with the Gentiles, but spoke only among the same kind of people. The belief that only their race belongs to the Lord God Almighty had made them face a difficult time with the outsiders, but the Lord God Almighty will teach them to know that every human belongs to the Lord and all have the same right to be saved and come to worship the Lord God Almighty.
20
But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, having come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the gospel -- the Lord Jesus .
Comments Acts 11:20
“But there were some of them ...” The Lord God Almighty had people and a plan for spreading the good news, and the Lord God Almighty was working in their hearts, where they should go.
“Spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the gospel.” The Lord God Almighty stirred the believer's hearts, whom they should talk with, but the believers will have to learn the rules of whom and what they should tell. The gospel, if not told in the proper way, will not be as effective as it should be. The Lord God Almighty will teach all believers what they should do.
“The Lord Jesus.” The believers whom the Lord God Almighty stirred their hearts to proclaim the coming of the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, will have a hard time in teaching the people. To proclaim to outsiders the only way to be saved will be the most difficult, not only for believers to say it, but also for outsiders to accept this good news.
“Spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the gospel.” The Lord God Almighty stirred the believer's hearts, whom they should talk with, but the believers will have to learn the rules of whom and what they should tell. The gospel, if not told in the proper way, will not be as effective as it should be. The Lord God Almighty will teach all believers what they should do.
“The Lord Jesus.” The believers whom the Lord God Almighty stirred their hearts to proclaim the coming of the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, will have a hard time in teaching the people. To proclaim to outsiders the only way to be saved will be the most difficult, not only for believers to say it, but also for outsiders to accept this good news.
21
And the hand of the Lord was with them; then, a great number that believed turned to the Lord .
Comments Acts 11:21
The apostle and the believers acted according to the will of the Father, and the will of the Lord God Almighty went along with the gospel. The Holy Word drew the hearts of people to come and believe; the living word of the Lord God Almighty had shown miracle powers upon the listeners.
22
Now, the report concerning them was heard in the ears of the church being in Jerusalem, and they sent forth Barnabas as far as Antioch,
Comments Acts 11:22
“Now, the report concerning them ...” The good news travels fast among humans; when the Gentiles received the Holy Word and believed, what happened also stirred up the hearts of His own people. The believers multiplied, and the result of this multiplication has been proven, because the apostles and believers listened to the voice of the Lord in their hearts.
“And they sent forth Barnabas ...” When the believers heard the news that the Gentiles had also been saved, doubt came to their hearts as well, prompting them to send the trustworthy believer to check on them and to know what the Gentiles had truly heard regarding the Lord God Almighty.
“And they sent forth Barnabas ...” When the believers heard the news that the Gentiles had also been saved, doubt came to their hearts as well, prompting them to send the trustworthy believer to check on them and to know what the Gentiles had truly heard regarding the Lord God Almighty.
23
who, having come, and having seen the grace of God , rejoiced, and was exhorting all, that with a purpose of heart to remain in the Lord ;
Comments Acts 11:23
“Who, having come, and having seen the grace of God.” The faithful servant of the Lord came to see what the outsiders had received, and when he saw the Lord God Almighty's touching their hearts as they all had been touched as well, the gladness that the Gentiles had received the Gospel made the doubt disappear from his heart.
“Rejoiced, and was exhorting all ...” The faithful servant gave them the encouragement to keep their hearts truly to the Lord God Almighty; also, he was telling them to stay firm without doubt in worshiping.
Q: What does it mean to say, “with a purpose of heart”? A: For the new believer's heart, the doubt comes easily, which is why it needs the reminder from another believer to stay firm in faith.
“Rejoiced, and was exhorting all ...” The faithful servant gave them the encouragement to keep their hearts truly to the Lord God Almighty; also, he was telling them to stay firm without doubt in worshiping.
Q: What does it mean to say, “with a purpose of heart”? A: For the new believer's heart, the doubt comes easily, which is why it needs the reminder from another believer to stay firm in faith.
24
for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith; and a great multitude was added to the Lord .
Comments Acts 11:24
“For he was a good man ...” The faithful servant with a sincere heart towards the Lord God Almighty had received the gift of the Holy Spirit and faith, not just for the heart but for the soul as well; the faith that is very deep, reaching to the soul, and will stay, remain; the great work had begun at this place and time.
“And a great multitude was added to the Lord.” Let all readers pay attention: when the work of the Lord God Almighty is among the believers, people can see it, and joy also comes to every heart that sees this, leading to worship. People who worship the Lord God Almighty with a sincere heart also feel the power of faith among believers.
“And a great multitude was added to the Lord.” Let all readers pay attention: when the work of the Lord God Almighty is among the believers, people can see it, and joy also comes to every heart that sees this, leading to worship. People who worship the Lord God Almighty with a sincere heart also feel the power of faith among believers.
25
Then, he went forth to Tarsus to seek Saul,
26
and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. Now it came to pass, that they also gathered together a whole year in the church and taught a great multitude. Then the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Comments Acts 11:25-26
“Then, he went forth to Tarsus to seek Saul ...” The Lord God Almighty sent the faithful servant to retrieve His faithful apostle; this is the first step regarding new faith for the Gentiles. The Lord God Almighty has a plan to save the Gentiles as well; the new faithful apostle will be added for work according to the plan.
“Now it came to pass, that they also gathered together ...” The Gentiles in large numbers have been called to be saved; the Lord God Almighty has used the apostle in a significant role, which even the believers before will be amazed by this work happening among the Gentiles.
“Then the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” The name for the believers has been established at this time; the term “Christians” has a special meaning for believers around the world, as humans will now learn more about the love of God Almighty. The love of the Lord God Almighty will be proclaimed through the new apostle to the Gentiles.
“Now it came to pass, that they also gathered together ...” The Gentiles in large numbers have been called to be saved; the Lord God Almighty has used the apostle in a significant role, which even the believers before will be amazed by this work happening among the Gentiles.
“Then the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” The name for the believers has been established at this time; the term “Christians” has a special meaning for believers around the world, as humans will now learn more about the love of God Almighty. The love of the Lord God Almighty will be proclaimed through the new apostle to the Gentiles.
Comments Acts 11:26a
The Lord God Almighty brought prophets to the town; these prophets would also be involved in spreading the good news among the Gentiles.
Comments Acts 11:26b
“And having risen up one ...” The name of the prophet of the Lord has also been mentioned; this prophet of the Lord will announce directions on what should be done for His people.
“He made known by the Spirit ...” By the mercy of the Lord God Almighty, He led His prophet to warn the people that a great famine would impact all humans throughout the world.
“Which came to pass ...” The children of the Lord God Almighty were under the control of outsiders; this warning will help them draw closer to the Lord. His children will come and beg the Lord God Almighty for safety because of the hardships of life they are facing.
Q: Do we still have this kind of prophecy work these days? A: The Lord still works this way, but humans choose to ignore the warnings. However, there are no new revelations or prophecies about the Lord Jesus; all must line up with the Word of God we have today, the Bible. Nevertheless, the Lord still cares for His people and, by His mercy, warns them when great troubles come. With mercy for humans, when great troubles come upon the earth, the warning will be given by the Lord.
“He made known by the Spirit ...” By the mercy of the Lord God Almighty, He led His prophet to warn the people that a great famine would impact all humans throughout the world.
“Which came to pass ...” The children of the Lord God Almighty were under the control of outsiders; this warning will help them draw closer to the Lord. His children will come and beg the Lord God Almighty for safety because of the hardships of life they are facing.
Q: Do we still have this kind of prophecy work these days? A: The Lord still works this way, but humans choose to ignore the warnings. However, there are no new revelations or prophecies about the Lord Jesus; all must line up with the Word of God we have today, the Bible. Nevertheless, the Lord still cares for His people and, by His mercy, warns them when great troubles come. With mercy for humans, when great troubles come upon the earth, the warning will be given by the Lord.
27
Now in these days came down prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28
And having risen up one of them named Agabus, he made known by the Spirit that a great famine is about to be over all the world-- which came to pass under Claudius.
29
And the disciples, according as anyone was prospering, determined each of them to send for ministry to the brothers dwelling in Judea,
Comments Acts 11:29
The believers, true brothers in the Lord God Almighty, all had one heart in helping their brothers in faraway places; all with one heart considered brothers far away as part of the same family, the same God. Give attention, all believers: this is the way the Lord God Almighty wants all His children to care for one another as a family.
30
which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Comments Acts 11:30
True heart, true faith, trust, that what is important, by sending all the help in the hands of faithful servants to help brothers at a distance. The Lord God Almighty's love in their hearts also made them show that love towards each other.
Life and faith applications. 1) The Lord God Almighty loves all people, regardless of their race or language, and desires that all believers would share the good news of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. 2) All humans should know that they all have received the blessing from the Lord God Almighty to receive all the animals of the earth for them to use and consume; each animal has its purpose, but humans must use them and give thanks to the Lord God Almighty for His mercy. 3) All believers should be baptized in water by immersion and seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit by the gift of tongues. 4) We should show love to other believers in need, regardless of their location on earth, by helping them as the Lord provides and guides us.