The Apostles in Jerusalem
Acts 11, verse 1. Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. Acts 11, verse 2. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, Acts 11, verse 3. saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” Acts 11, verse 4. But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: Acts 11, verse 5. “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. Acts 11, verse 6. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. Acts 11, verse 7. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ Acts 11, verse 8. But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ Acts 11, verse 9. But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ Acts 11, verse 10. Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. Acts 11, verse 11. At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. Acts 11, verse 12. Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. Acts 11, verse 13. And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, Acts 11, verse 14. who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ Acts 11, verse 15. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Acts 11, verse 16. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Acts 11, verse 17. If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” Acts 11, verse 18. When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
The Gentile Church: Antioch
Acts 11, verse 19. Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. Acts 11, verse 20. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. Acts 11, verse 21. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11, verse 22. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. Acts 11, verse 23. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Acts 11, verse 24. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Acts 11, verse 25. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. Acts 11, verse 26. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Aid to Jewish Christians
Acts 11, verse 27. And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Acts 11, verse 28. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Acts 11, verse 29. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. Acts 11, verse 30. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.