A New Voice of Freedom

Podcast 149, Acts, “Pt 11, Ch 11”Acts Chapter 11 is a continuation of the theme taught in Chapter 10 that the gospel must all be carried to the Gentiles. This was the birth of a new church, a New Testament, and the saints had to break old traditions and learn new doctrine. When the Jews who had been converted, referred to as, “they that were of the circumcision,” heard it, they contended with Peter. Acts 11:1-3And the apostles and brethren that were in Judæa heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.It is not easy to break a 2000-year old tradition. The Jews were isolationists. Remember the words of Peter to Cornelius.Acts 10:28And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.Acts Chapter 10 gives us the story of Peter’s vision and how quickly he responded to the Lords new commandment. As he said to Cornelius.Acts 10:29Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? To gainsay means to contradict, to oppose, to dispute, or to speak against. Peter symbolizes the faith of the other saints. Notice how quickly, like Peter, the ‘gainsayers’ were also converted. First Peter rehearses the experience of the vision, which he had seen three times:Acts 11:4-17But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?Upon hearing of his vision, like true saints, they responded to a prophet’s voice.Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.However, word had not reached the entire church.Acts 10:19-21Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.Two amazing things occur. (One) As mentioned, was that there was a great change of perception, and it was this: God is no respecter of persons. Jesus Christ is Lord of the entire earth, not just to the seed of Abraham. From this point on the definition of the seed of Abraham changes for it includes all, both Jew and Gentile, who come unto Christ and are converted. A great renaissance occurs. (Two) For the first time members of the church are called Christians. Now the identity of The Chosen has changed from Jew to Christian.Acts 11:22-26Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.A third thing occurs. Christianity becomes an organized charity to help the poor.  Acts 11:27-30And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Christianity begins to define itself and its mission. From that very humble and small beginning they start to become a world church. They remembered Christ’s admonition:Matthew 28:18-20And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.The model of the Church of the Firstborn begins to unfold. We learn that the church is well organized. We learn that it is led by apostles and prophets, Peter being the appointed leader. We learn that Christ is the Chief Cornerstone. We learn that new doctrine comes from the Lord by revelation through the Holy Ghost through his ordained leaders. We learn that the doctrine of Christ is to be taught to the entire world through missionary work.