Acts 11 | Daily Bible Reading & Reflection

Acts 11 Devotional: Witness the defense of Peter and the growth of the church in Antioch. Explore how the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles, confirming that salvation is a gift of grace for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Dear brothers and sisters, peace in Christ. Welcome to Acts Chapter 11. Today, we witness a monumental shift in the history of the early Church. What started in a small room in Jerusalem is now spreading like wildfire to the ends of the earth. We see the apostles grappling with the beautiful reality that God’s grace knows no borders. Let us open our hearts to the expansive, inclusive love of our Savior.

Acts Chapter 11 Introduction:

The Open Door and the First "Christians"

Acts 11 begins with a moment of tension: Peter is criticized by the believers in Jerusalem for eating with uncircumcised Gentiles. In response, Peter recounts his vision and the clear work of the Holy Spirit among Cornelius and his household. The result is a beautiful moment of worship where the Jewish believers realize that "God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." The scene then shifts to Antioch, where a vibrant, multicultural church is born. It is here, in the midst of this diverse community, that the followers of Jesus are first called "Christians."

What can we learn from this today? In this chapter, we see the Mission of the Universal Church. As your Statement of Faith affirms, the Church is the body of Christ, composed of all true believers born of the Spirit. Acts 11 teaches us that the Gospel is not the property of one culture or group; it is the "power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." We also see the essential role of Encouragement, as Barnabas is sent to Antioch and "rejoices" in the grace he sees there. Finally, we see the Unity of the Spirit in action, as the new believers in Antioch immediately move to send relief to their brothers and sisters in Judea during a famine. True faith always results in a love that holds nothing back from those in need.

Bible Verse - Acts 11

11 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

5 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:

6 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.

7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

13 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;

14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16 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.

17 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?

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

19 Now 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.

20 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.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

22 Then 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.

23 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.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26 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.

27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 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 Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Prayer

When the believers heard Peter’s report, they "had no further objections and praised God." As we enter into prayer, let us join them in praising the God who grants repentance and life to all people.

Prayer Theme: "One Body in Christ"

Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You for Your heart for the nations. We believe that salvation is a gift of Your grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and we thank You that this gift has been extended to us. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your work of regenerating hearts, convicting the world of sin, and uniting believers of every tongue and tribe into one Body.

Lord, I ask that You would give me the heart of Barnabas today. Help me to be "full of the Holy Spirit and faith," looking for the evidence of Your grace in the lives of those around me. Forgive me for any subtle prejudices or barriers I have built in my heart that prevent me from seeing others as You see them. Teach me to be generous, not just with my words, but with my resources, being quick to respond to the needs of my brothers and sisters in Christ. May I wear the name "Christian" with humility and integrity, reflecting the character of Jesus in everything I say and do.

We pray for the global Church, especially in places where there is division or persecution. May the unity of the Spirit be a powerful witness to a fractured world. We lift up missionaries and church planters who are laboring in difficult fields; grant them the same "open doors" You gave to the believers in Antioch. We pray for our local community, that our church would be a place where everyone—regardless of their background—can find the life-changing grace of the Gospel. Amen.

Daily Application Question

The believers in Antioch were "first called Christians" because their lives so clearly reflected the life of Christ. If someone were to give you a name based only on your actions this past week, what name would they choose?

Frequently Asked Questions about Acts 11

Why were the Jewish believers upset with Peter at first? For centuries, Jewish law and tradition strictly forbade eating with or associating with Gentiles to maintain ritual purity. They did not yet fully understand that Jesus had fulfilled the law and made all things "clean" through His sacrifice.
What is the significance of the city of Antioch? Antioch became the first great "missionary center" of the Church. It was a diverse, pagan city where the Gospel proved its power to transform people from vastly different backgrounds.
Why is the name "Christian" significant? The suffix "-ian" means "belonging to the party of." Being called a Christian meant being recognized as a "partisan of Christ." While likely intended as a nickname or slur by outsiders, the believers adopted it as a badge of honor.

Thank you for joining us for Acts 11. May you walk today in the joy of being part of God’s global family, empowered by the Spirit to demonstrate His love. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow for the dramatic rescue of Peter in Acts Chapter 12.

Navigate the Journey

Previous: ← Acts Chapter 10 | Next: Acts Chapter 12 →

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