Acts Bible Study: Day 18
Today’s passage: Acts 11:1–18
Focus verse: “Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17)
God has just shown Peter that Jesus is for everyone, both Jew and Gentile. First, God revealed this to him supernaturally through a vision. Then God revealed it to him tangibly by giving the Holy Spirit to Gentiles.
Peter knows this and accepts it. But not everyone is so open-minded and ready for God to do a new thing.
This news, that the Gentiles can be saved and receive the Holy Spirit, spreads quickly through the church of Jesus. It’s huge.
It may be the biggest thing to happen since Jesus rose victorious over his death. Certainly it’s the biggest thing to happen to the church since Pentecost.
Yet, as often happens when God does a new thing, criticism arises from people who like the old way.
This time the disapproval comes from circumcised believers. “How dare you enter the house of an uncircumcised man. To make things worse, you even ate with them.”
Yes, everything Peter did at Cornelius’s was contrary to the religious law and Jewish tradition.
He associated with Gentiles (who are uncircumcised), entered their home (thereby making himself unclean), and shared a meal with them (something unthinkable).
This was all Peter’s detractors could see. They missed the bigger news that Gentiles are part of God’s plan too. As the saying goes, “They couldn’t see the forest for the trees.”
Circumcision was a big deal for the Jews, at least for the men. It was more than a religious ceremony that all Jewish boys underwent.
It was a rite that spiritually connected them with God and tangibly separated them from all other people, collectively known as Gentiles. It served as a mark of distinction and a source of pride.
However, despite their closed-mindedness, they give Peter a chance to speak.
Peter unveils the whole story to them starting at the beginning: In Joppa praying, a vision, and a strange command to eat unclean food. Three times for emphasis. Three Gentiles, unclean men, show up. God says to go with them, and Peter does.
He enters Cornelius’s Gentile home and speaks to his Gentile family and friends. He tells them about Jesus, and the Holy Spirit shows up and comes upon the Gentiles.
Then Peter has them baptized. “If Papa gave them the same gift that he gave us, who am I to object?”
Peter’s explanation addresses their concerns, and they praise God. “Who would have thought it? Even Gentiles can be saved.”
Questions:
- When God does a new thing, are we the first to embrace it, or are we quick to oppose it?
- What are some examples?
[Discover more about circumcision in Genesis 17:10–14, Romans 3:28–30, Romans 4:9–11, and Colossians 3:11.]
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Read more about the book of Acts in Acts Bible Study: Discover How the Early Church Can Inform What We Do Today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
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Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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