Acts 11: “The Disciples Were Called Christians at Antioch”
- Even though God worked 3 miracles in the connection with Cornelius (first Gentile) conversion, He used a man to make the Gospel known to mankind.
- Isa. 62.2: “The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings Your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will shall name.”
- If God is not one to show partiality, we should not be prejudiced in any way toward mankind, whether physically or spiritually.
- Holy Spirit baptism occurred before Peter spoke; it also occurred before Cornelius believed on Christ. Holy Spirit baptism is not the one baptism spoken of in Ephesians 4.
- V.2: The Jews contended with Peter and charged him with a fault.
- V.4: Peter explained to them in order from the beginning.
- V.12: “The Spirit told me to go with them, nothing doubting.”
- V.14: who will tell you words whereby you and your entire household shall be saved.”
- V.17: “…what was I that I could withstand God?”
- V.18: “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
- V.22: The church at Jerusalem sent out Barnabas to Antioch; he encouraged them all…that they should continue with the Lord.
- V.25: Barnabas left for Tarsus (Paul’s home) to seek Saul.
- V.26: They returned to Antioch and stayed for 1 year.
- V.26: “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
- Acts 11: 27-30: The scriptural way to send brethren relief:
- V.28: a great famine throughout the world and relief sent:
- According to each one’s ability
- Sent to the brethren who lived in Judea
- Sent it to the elders
- Barnabas and Saul carried it to them
- Acts 14.23: “And they appointed elders in every church.”
- Rom.15.25-26: “But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.”
