Peter Gave Explanation for Accepting the Gentiles <Acts 11:1-18>

Introduction:

*  The work of the Holy Spirit not only enables man to preach the word boldly, but it also unites the church.

* When God’s word is being preached far and wide and the number of believers grow, there will surely be challenges in governance.

* If one does not rely on the Holy Spirit, there will surely be divisions.

* <Ac 5:1-11>: Ananias and Sapphira deceived the Holy Spirit.

* <Ac 6:1-4>: Widows overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

* <Ac 11:1-3>: Those who are circumcised criticised Peter for going into the house of uncircumcised men and eating with them.

* The dispute between Jewish believers and Peter showed that although some Jews could believe in Jesus, they could not get out of the narrow-mindedness in Jewish tradition.

* Peter did not abuse his apostolic authority, but explained to the Jewish believers with facts.

* Peter had witnesses who could validate what he said.

* We must learn how to enlighten others with our explanation.

* Humans have rationality and will respond to reason.

* If we can convince others through our explanation, then we have truly won their hearts.

* Gospel actually calls us to be a rational person, not one who is just relying on feelings.

Read <Acts 11:1-18>

1. <v1-3> Gospel spread among the Gentiles, but the Jewish believers are torn.

* There were two possible reasons why Peter went to Jerusalem:

(1) To report God’s work among the Gentiles to the church in Jerusalem.

(2) To explain to the Jewish believers on things they might feel conflicted about (how he interacted with the Gentiles).

* Jewish believers seemed to separate faith and relationship.

2. <v4> Peter explained to the Jewish believers .

* In the church, we need someone to explain, but we need people to be able to listen to explanation.

3. <v5-10>  Peter’s explanation highlighted two truths:

(1) The importance of how the gospel spread from the Jews to the Gentiles.

(2) What is true is worth repeating.

* <Eph 2:16-19>  and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,

* <Col 3:11> Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

* Our understanding of salvation will cause us to seek harmonious relationship with others.

4. <v11-12> 2 important points:

(1) The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them.

(2) These six brothers also went with me.

5. <v13> Even the angel entered his house.

6. <v14> Peter brought the message of salvation to Cornelius’ family.

7. <v15> Gentiles and Jews received the same Spirit.

8. <v16> Peter remembered the words of the Lord.

* <Mk 1:8>  I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

* Holy Spirit is the agent God uses to cleanse the souls of man.

* Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit, man will not acknowledge their sins and repent.

* <Isa 49:6> He says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

9. <v17> Who can stand in God’s way?

* We must not oppose God’s work because of our own will or traditions.

* What God wants to do, man cannot oppose, instead man should follow.

10. <v18> Everyone accepted Peter’s explanation.

* With the Holy Spirit, Peter explained to everyone with facts, no one had objections.

* They not only understood rationally, but in their hearts, they also gave glory to God.

* The debate of whether Gentiles need to be circumcised will re-surface in <15:1> but for now it has come to a close.