Bible Studies
After hearing that the Gentiles had also "received the word of God" some took issue with Peter, saying that they do not follow a certain religious practice. Peter himself was criticized for just eating with them (verses 1-3). As Christians we should not look down on anyone. We ought not to have the attitude expressed by the Jews in verse 3 in response to Peter, "...you went and ate with them" (emphasis mine).
From verses 4-16 Peters explains to the Jews gathered the scenario given in chapter 10. Then he says in verse 17, "If God gave to them the same gift as he gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?" Do you and I at times stand in the way of what God wants to do, because of our wrong attitudes?
The reply by Peter totally changed the thinking of those who expressed reservations about the conversion of the Gentiles. Verse 18 says that they "quieted down, and glorified God," acknowledging that he had granted "repentance that leads to life" to them as well. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (emphasis mine).
Some refused, however, to go along and spoke "the word to no one except the Jews alone" (19). Others began "preaching the Lord Jesus" to the non-Jews in Antioch (20). God blessed their ministry and added a multitude of new believers. News of this reached the congregation in Jerusalem and it sent Barnabas to Antioch, where he encouraged them to have a "resolute heart to remain true to the Lord" (23). Barnabas then went to Tarsus to get Saul. Together they stayed in Antioch for a whole year to disciple the new converts. This is very important to note. Evangelism and discipleship should always go hand in hand. New believers must be taught if they are to grow and mature in their new faith. Verse 26 says that the disciples were first referred to as Christians in Antioch. The word "Christian" means "little Christ."
In an unrelated topic, the chapter closes with an account of a prophet named Agabus foretelling a great famine, so the congregation in Antioch gave a generous love gift to help provide for the believers in Judea and sent it with Saul and Barnabas. Verses 28-29 say that the famine was in Judea during the time of the reign of Claudius. History supports this claim written by Luke in these verses. Such a famine at this time, and in Judea, did indeed, take place. These two verses, then, are very significant. They attest to the 100 percent accurary of a prophet of God, and to the trustworthiness of the New Testament.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. Have you ever been criticized for associating with people for the purpose of evangelism, that others view with contempt?"
2. Do you have an attitude of allowing God to work in the lives of others that you may view as undeserving of His grace?
3. Does your local church focus on evangelism along with discipleship?
4. Do you live up to the name "Christian," which means "little Christ?"
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