Tyndale Open Study NotesActs 11

Jews traditionally kept themselves separate and did not eat or interact in a social setting with Gentiles (10:28; 22:21–22; see John 4:9, 27; 18:28; Galatians 2:12–14). The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem learned that Gentiles had received the word of God. Then they criticized Peter's unusual actions and asked for an explanation, which Peter provided.

Peter reviewed what had happened. He explained that God had directed the whole series of events (11:12). Peter ate with Gentiles (non-Jews) because God made it evident that he should (11:4–12). Peter then saw the Holy Spirit come upon the Gentiles, realizing God accepted and blessed them like Jews who trusted in Jesus (11:15–17; see 1:5). Peter followed God's will by admitting Gentiles to the church.

Peter gave a clear and careful explanation. Those who had objected were convinced. They saw that God was at work in the Gentiles' believing in Jesus and in their receiving eternal life.

However, the question of including Gentiles was not finished. Soon it would lead to a serious crisis in the church (15:1–35; see also Paul's letter to the Galatians).

• After Stephen's death, persecution forced Christians to move to other areas (8:1–3). They traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.

• Antioch in Syria was a busy, diverse city. It was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire, after Rome and Alexandria. Antioch played a key role in spreading the Christian message to non-Jewish people.

Jewish Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene made the first organized effort to teach Gentiles about Jesus.

As with the household of Cornelius, many Gentiles believed in Jesus. The growth of Christian faith among Gentiles had to remain in harmony with the church at Jerusalem. So, the Jerusalem Christians sent Barnabas to Antioch to oversee the developments there. Barnabas could see that God’s blessing was on what was happening, so he supported it with joy.

Barnabas saw that Saul had a special gift for preaching and teaching. The wise judgment of Barnabus led to a successful ministry in Antioch.

The term Christians might have first been an insult. The Greek text uses this term in only two other New Testament passages (26:28; 1 Peter 4:16).

• some prophets: See “The Gift of Prophecy” Theme Note.

• Agabus: See also 21:10–12.

Claudius was the nephew of Tiberius Caesar (Luke 3:1). He ruled as Roman emperor from AD 41 to AD 54.

His last wife was his niece Agrippina. Claudius adopted her son, Nero.

Agabus's prophecy resulted in the Christians in Antioch helping the Jewish Christians in Judea. They gave as much as they could and trusted the funds to Barnabas and Saul. This act of love and support showed the difference Jesus had made in their lives. Saul (also called Paul) mentions this visit in his letter to the Galatians (Galatians 2:1–10).

This is the first mention in the book of Acts of elders as officers in the Christian church (see also 14:23; 15:2–23; 16:4; 20:17–35; 21:18; compare 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).