Acts Chapter 11 — The Gospel Spreads to the Gentiles
Peter explains to the Jerusalem church why he visited the Gentiles, and the Gospel begins to flourish in the city of Antioch.
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Notable Verses
Acts 11:9
“But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, don’t you call unclean.’”
This verse signifies the divine instruction to move beyond traditional dietary and social barriers to reach all people.
Acts 11:18
“When they heard these things, they held their peace and glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life!””
This marks a major turning point where the Jerusalem church officially recognizes the salvation of the Gentiles.
Acts 11:26
“The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
This is the historical origin of the name used to identify followers of Jesus Christ.
Chapter Summary
In Acts Chapter 11, Peter returns to Jerusalem and is questioned by Jewish believers for associating with uncircumcised Gentiles. Peter recounts his vision of the sheet from heaven and the Holy Spirit's descent upon Cornelius’s household, leading the Jerusalem leaders to conclude that God has granted repentance to the Gentiles as well. Meanwhile, believers scattered by the persecution following Stephen’s death travel to Antioch, where they begin preaching to Hellenists. The church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch, who then brings Saul from Tarsus to help teach the growing community. For a full year, they minister there, and it is in Antioch that the disciples are first called 'Christians.' The chapter ends with the prophet Agabus predicting a widespread famine, prompting the Antioch believers to send financial relief to their brothers and sisters in Judea through Barnabas and Saul.
Frequently Asked Questions
They were concerned because Peter had entered the home of uncircumcised Gentiles and eaten with them, which was contrary to their traditional understanding of Jewish law. Peter explained that God had initiated the encounter through a vision and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. This occurred while Barnabas and Saul were spending a year teaching and establishing the church in that city.
Agabus was a prophet who came from Jerusalem to Antioch. He predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would occur across the Roman world, which took place during the reign of Claudius.
After hearing the prophecy of a coming famine, the disciples in Antioch decided to send relief to their brothers and sisters in Judea. Each person contributed according to their means, and the gift was delivered by Barnabas and Saul.
Study Note
The city of Antioch was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire, making it a critical strategic hub for the spread of the Gospel to the Hellenistic world.
Related Chapters
Acts Chapter 10
This chapter provides the firsthand account of the events Peter summarizes to the leaders in Jerusalem.
Acts Chapter 13
The church in Antioch, established in chapter 11, becomes the launching point for the first missionary journey.
Galatians Chapter 2
Paul discusses the interactions between Jewish and Gentile believers, referencing the shared ministry in Antioch.
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