Sermon Notes-The Challenge based on Acts 11:1-18

Introduction: What is the definition of challenge? Challenge can be defined in multiple ways: engage in a contest or fight, a demand for explanation; a calling into question or the quality of requiring full use of one’s abilities, energy or resources. We will see in our Scripture this morning from Acts that Peter faced a challenge from his friends and religious leaders.  It actually fits the definitions above: it could become a fight, it required an explanation and it uses all Peter’s abilities, energy and resources.

React-vs. 1-3

·         Why is this story repeated?  It is important for the rest of the story which includes Paul’s missionary journeys in the rest of the book of Acts.

·         Vs. 1-Others throughout Judea hear that the Gentiles have received the Word of God.

o   The Good News spread quickly about what had happened with Cornelius

·         Vs. 2-The circumcision party (religious leaders) criticized Peter

o   We see that the Good News of God working often faces opposition

o   Circumcision party most likely refers to a particular group within the church not the whole church.  It might reference a group later in Acts 15 that is asking for new converts to Christianity to be circumcised.

·         Vs. 3-You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them

o   A similar objection Jesus faced when eating with sinners in the Gospels.

o   Remember Peter before his own vision would have had the same response.  All of us have the opportunity to have our bias or beliefs corrected or changed by the Holy Spirit. What views do I hold regarding God, the church or the world might I need to let God speak into?

Retell-vs. 4-15

·         Notice how Peter responds to the challenge.  He doesn’t try to change their theology or minds by debating, but instead by simply retelling how God worked.

·         Vs. 4-Peter retells the story of his vision. Notice Peter retells from his perspective so it reads a little differently than Acts 10.

·         Vs. 5-10-As Peter was praying, God spoke to Peter

o   A great sheet let down from heaven including animals-beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air.

o   A voice spoke-“Rise Peter, kill and eat”

o   Peter said no because these animals were unclean

o   Voice spoke again “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

§  This is important because what was meant to set apart or make holy previously in the Old Testament has now been fulfilled through Christ death and resurrection.  Jesus now sets us apart and makes us holy not what we do or not do, or do or do not eat.

o   This happened three times

·         Vs. 11-15-Immediately after the vision

o   Three men arrived at Peter’s house from Caesarea

o   The Holy Spirit told Peter to go with them making no distinction

o   They entered the man (Cornelius) house and he tells about his vision

§  Angel told him to send to Joppa and bring Simon called Peter who will declare a message by which you will be saved and your household

§  As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning

·         This story is a reminder that God speaks to accomplish His purposes which is the salvation of those who are lost.  When God speaks, we are never the same.

·         It also is a reminder that God shows no favoritism.  Salvation was for the Jews and the Gentiles.  Praise God!

Rejoice-vs. 16-18

·         Vs. 16-Peter remembers Jesus’ words about Pentecost from Acts 1:5

o   You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit

o   The Spirit now defines the boundaries and character of the people of God, not the law of Moses.^[1]

·         Vs. 17-If God gave them the same Spirit, who I am to stand in the way?

o   the same Spirit was given to Gentiles as to Peter and his Jewish audience^[2]

·         Vs. 18-After hearing this, they were silent.  And they rejoiced and praised God because God has “granted repentance that leads to life.” We celebrate when anyone says “Yes” to Jesus!

·         In practical terms, this narrative challenges Christians to be wary of allowing any cultural, social, or inherited religious barriers to hinder the acceptance of new converts into the church. At the same time, it is an encouragement to recognize when a work of God’s Spirit is taking place—perhaps in unexpected ways, in unexpected quarters—and a warning not to be found opposing that work. Sadly, history shows that some of the greatest opposition to gospel initiatives has come from church officials.^[3]

Response (Reflect)

·         Pray with others, prayer team or pastors or Confess/Repent

·         Take communion

·         Ask God: How would you like me to be challenged today?

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^[1] Peterson, D. G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 348). Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

^[2] Peterson, D. G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 348). Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

^[3] Peterson, D. G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 350). Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.