Sunday, November 7, 2021
Acts 11:1-18
“Unrighteous Recoil”
Service Overview: Sometimes the mere mention of a word can drum up negative feelings. To Jews in Bible times, “Gentile” was one such word. Staying or eating with one would have especially been taboo. But the church being established could know no such prejudice, and so God was at work through Peter to not only purge existing prejudice but reveal the greater beauty of the gospel as it was intended for all mankind.
Memory Verse for the Week: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6 (NIV)
Background Information:
- Most Jewish believers thought that God offered salvation only to the Jews because God had given his law to them (Exodus 19–20). A group in Jerusalem believed that Gentiles could be saved, but only if they followed all the Jewish laws and traditions—in essence, if they became Jews before they became Christians (this would be the topic of discussion at the Jerusalem council—chapter 15). Both groups were mistaken. God chose the Jews and taught them his laws so they could bring the message of salvation to the whole world (see Genesis 12:3; Psalm 22:27; Isaiah 42:4; 49:6; 56:3-7; 60:1-3; Jeremiah 16:19-21; Zechariah 2:11; Malachi 1:11; Romans 15:9-12). (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 187)
- Just how upset these Jewish believers were is shown by their use of a very derogatory slang word for Gentile, (lit.) “foreskinned” (Gk. akrobustian). (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Locations 4717-4718)
- One key to the situation was that nearly all the really important facts were unknown. This is often the case in misunderstandings. Another key is that these Jewish Christians who were involved believed sincerely that the Mosaic regulations as regards clean and unclean foods, and so forth, were still in force. They considered that a Gentile, in order to be a Christian, must first become a Jew; or, to put it another way, a Gentile must come into the Church by way of the synagogue. It was not a mere quibble, but a deep-rooted problem of conscience and creed. It would trouble the Church for a long time. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 125)
- In verse 12 there is a significant sidelight. Peter says that he took six brethren with him. Together with himself that made seven persons present. In Egyptian law, which the Jews would know well, seven witnesses were necessary completely to prove a case. In Roman law, which they would also know well, seven seals were necessary to authenticate a really important document. So Peter is in effect saying, “I am not arguing with you. I am telling you the facts and of these facts there are seven witnesses. The case is proved.” (William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, 87)
- At minimum, the Jewish Christians had serious questions about bringing Gentiles into the family. Luke honestly describes how some of them not only had doubts, but were convinced that Peter had gone beyond proper bounds. (Phillip A. Bence, Acts: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, Kindle Edition)
The question to be answered is…
Why in the world is Luke still writing about Gentile inclusion!?!?
Answer…
Such a monumental theological shift in God’s redemptive narrative required unquestionable verification.
The word of the day is… reveal
Four facets of this text and what they reveal…
- The accusation; again revealing the lingering prejudice.
(vv. 1-3 | Proverbs 18:15; John 10:16; Romans 11:25; Galatians 5:2-11)
Word of Peter’s eating with Gentiles caused a negative reaction among the Jewish believers back in Jerusalem. The incident violated Hebrew customs and presuppositions. (Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 187)
Peter no sooner returned to Jerusalem when he was met by members of the strong legalistic party in the church of Judea (“they that were of the circumcision”) who rebuked him for fellowshipping with Gentiles and eating with them … It was not only a matter of religion, but also of culture, and cultural habits are very hard to break. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 358)
- The explanation; again revealing the progression of God’s redemptive plan.
(vv. 5-14 | John 3:16-18; Acts 4:12; Rom. 2:28-29; 4:11; Galatians 2:3; 5:6; 6:15; Titus 3:5)
The conversion of Cornelius was a landmark in the history of the gospel’s advance from its strictly Jewish beginnings to its penetration of the Roman Empire. True, it did not settle any of the issues relating to Jewish-Gentile relations within the church, nor did Jewish believers take it as a precedent for a direct outreach to Gentiles. But it did show that the sovereign God was not confined to the traditional forms of Judaism and that he could bring a Gentile directly into relationship with himself through Jesus Christ and apart from any prior commitment to distinctive Jewish beliefs or lifestyle (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 396)
- The declaration; again revealing the universal access all people have to God and his Spirit through Jesus.
(vv. 15-17 | Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Colossians 3:11; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2)
But the decisive thing was God’s act in giving the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles just as at Pentecost. This was God’s doing from beginning to end. “What was I, that I could withstand God?” is Peter’s conclusion. By implication, although it is graciously unstated, the question is, “Do you question God and His acceptance of these Gentiles by your suggestion that I was wrong in receiving them?” (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 126)
- The celebration; revealing a healthy attitude towards such a change in the early believers.
(v. 18 | Isaiah 43:19; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:6-8; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 12:11)
This is a remarkable example of the spiritual health of this young church. Though steeped in centuries of Jewish rules and regulations, they had seen enough of God’s wonders over the past few months to know that God was moving in some new ways. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 192)
Nothing could be said to counter Peter’s argument. His critics were silenced. God had acted, and had clearly shown his will. That he had bestowed his blessing on Gentiles also—or even on Gentiles—giving them through his Spirit a change of mind and heart and the assurance of eternal life, was a matter for wonder and praise. Their objections ceased; their praise began. (F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Acts, 246)
Conclusion…How can a text like this inform, influence, and shape our faith?
A. By challenging us to check our own attitudes towards change when it needs to happen.
(Prov. 17:22; Ecc. 3:1; Rom. 15:5; Philippians 1:27; 2:14-15; 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
On one hand, Christians cannot throw out all traditions without losing ideas and practices central to the faith. On the other hand, some traditions require modification if the church is to remain faithful to its divine calling. (Phillip A. Bence, Acts: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, Kindle Edition)
We get into trouble when experience becomes the law of the Christian life. “It happened to me in a certain way; therefore, that’s the way it has to happen to everybody.” (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 166)
B. By prompting us to listen before lobbing accusation.
(Prov. 18:15; 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 7:1-29; Luke 6:37; Romans 14:12-13; James 2:13)
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. (Mark Twain)
Their reactions demonstrate how to handle disagreements with other Christians. Before judging the behavior of fellow believers, it is important to hear them out. The Holy Spirit may have something important to teach us through them. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 188)
C. By charging us to receive any who may come, from wherever they may be coming.
(Mat. 7:1-5; Mark 16:16; John 1:12; 13:34-35; Rom. 15:7; 10:13; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 4:32)
Prejudice dies hard. But we need to learn from these early lessons regarding the scope of God’s grace in the gospel. Often we find it difficult to believe that God can accept other people without these others first becoming like us. Yet God does accept them. And it is good he does, because if he did not, you and I would never have become Christians. (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 195)
Gospel Application…
God’s Spirit is given to all who will turn, in faith, to Jesus. In him is life that is truly life.
(John 3:16; 10:10; 11:25-26; Romans 6:23; Galatians 2:20; 1 Timothy 6:19)
God takes people as they are. They do not have to become something else before they can come to Jesus (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 190)
The whole gospel is capsuled in this last phrase. Repentance is turning from sin and turning to Christ in faith. The result is life, the life of the Spirit imparted and continuous. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 126)
Among true Christians there is no such thing as haves and have-nots. Anyone who is a Christian is born of the Spirit, indwelt by the Spirit, and has been baptized by the Spirit and empowered by God for ministry. (Sproul, Acts, 165)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Look at this passage again carefully. In what ways do you see unity growing within the church?
- How are you affected as you see the timing and plan of God in people’s lives? How have you experienced this in your own life?
- How do you see unity between people from different backgrounds lived out in our church? How might you play a part in fostering more of that kind of unity?
- How did Peter respond to the criticism he received? How do you respond to criticism?
Quotes to note…
God takes people as they are. They do not have to become something else before they can come to Jesus (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 190)
We also must understand that no two of us come into the Christian life at the same point in development. We all bring different baggage into our Christian life. Sins that you may struggle with concern things I put away the first week I was a Christian, whereas things that never bothered you took me forty years to get over. The point of this text is that God’s Holy Spirit is poured out on each one of us, and if we are in Christ, we have His Spirit. However, there is no magic bullet that is going to get us out of our weakness instantly. There is no substitute for making diligent use of the means of grace, of diligently pursuing the truth of God through the Word of God, because the Spirit of God works with the Word and through the Word and never against the Word. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 166)
The dissension was resolved by the willingness of good people to admit a wrong attitude and to change their minds. When Peter’s critics heard the facts of the case, explained with the help of the Holy Spirit, their objections ceased. Evidently there was no carping. They were open to the truth, willing to be corrected. The change of mind was not grudging, but accompanied by praise to God for His mercy to the Gentiles. Love “rejoices in the truth,” even when admitting an error. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 126)
This did not end the matter completely, for this same legalistic party later debated with Paul about the salvation of the Gentiles (Acts 14:26—15:2). Even after the Jerusalem Conference, legalistic teachers continued to attack Paul and invade the churches he founded. They wanted to woo the believers into a life of obedience to the law (Gal. 1:6ff.; Phil. 3:1–3, 17–21). It is possible that many of these legalists were genuine believers, but they did not understand their freedom in Jesus Christ (Gal. 5:1ff.). (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 358)
The proof of Christianity always lies in facts. It is doubtful if anyone has ever been argued into Christianity by verbal proofs and logical demonstrations. The proof of Christianity is that it works, that it does change men, that it does make bad men good, that it does bring to men the Spirit of God. (William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, 87)
Peter’s defense did not rest on what he himself did, but on what God did. God had made no distinction between Jew and Gentile, so how could Peter? (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, 382)
The Lord is preparing a next step for each of us. It may be the same one the church and Peter needed to take in order to become inclusive rather than remain exclusive of certain types or kinds of people or groups. And then this passage gives us the assurance that the Lord will move us on in our growth and that the one place He’ll never allow us to stay is where we are. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 192)
Lack of immediate success is not proof that one has taken a wrong step in trying to follow after God. Sometimes God leads us into difficult situations. Missionaries in difficult areas of the world sometimes spend many long years before they see even an initial convert to the faith. But if you arrive in a place and find that the ground is prepared and people respond to the gospel, that is obviously a great confirmation. (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 193)
