YOUTH STS LESSON 195 PETER DEFENDS OUTREACH TO THE GENTILES

MEMORY VERSE:
“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18).

TEXT: Acts 11:1–30

Our last study in the book of Acts of the Apostles focused on the conversion of Cornelius, the centurion (a military ruler) in Caesarea, and his household. The angel of God had appeared to him and instructed him to send men to Joppa to call Peter. He was told that Peter would tell him all he needed to know about the way of salvation.

Unfortunately, when the vision about the invitation from this Gentile ruler came to Peter, being a Jew, he would have rejected it. But the Spirit of God told him to go with the men without doubting. On getting to Caesarea, in Cornelius’ house, he found many people waiting to hear the gospel. He preached to them and “God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 15:8).

This conversion of the Gentiles led to misunderstanding among the Jewish believers. In an attempt to resolve the misunderstanding, Peter explained all that happened. The people were pleased with Peter’s explanation and rejoiced in the Lord for the salvation of the Gentiles. The Antioch church, the first Gentile church, was founded and Barnabas was sent to consolidate the faith of the believers there.

CONTROVERSY ABOUT THE CONVERSION OF THE GENTILES

(Acts 11:1–18; Matthew 5:13–16; 28:19; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 15:1, 2)

“And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea 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” (verses 1–3).

After the conversion of the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house through Peter, there was an argument as to why he mingled with them. This opposition is not unconnected with the strong Jewish religious background of many of these believers. Long ago, God had told the children of Israel, through Moses, that they should have nothing to do with all the Gentile nations within their land or in the surrounding. This was to prevent them from being negatively influenced.

“When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly” (Deuteronomy 7:1–4).

Question 1:

Should watchfulness against bad influence hinder us from preaching to sinners?

This mindset had affected the children of Israel largely. The complying Jews adhered strictly to the letters of the law and actually had nothing to do with any Gentile citizen (John 4:9). Complying with the law of Moses, they avoided any dealing with the Gentiles. But God wants us to influence others, including sinners, positively.

However, Jesus had said, just before His ascension, that we should go and preach to every creature in all nations (Mark 16:15). Our watchfulness should not make us exclude any sinner.

Question 2:

How should misunderstanding be handled in the church?

This case of misunderstanding was handled in a beneficial way to the church. It is worthy of note to say that the brethren who had an opinion against Peter went to him directly to express their views. They did not begin to gossip what they did not have any idea of.

When we feel someone has done something we are not comfortable with, instead of backbiting and creating a slander out of what we do not have full understanding of, it is important that we go to the concerned person. The person may be apparently wrong, but we should first approach him (Matthew 18:15). If we cannot resolve the matter amicably, then we are to call in other believers with the aim of settling the matter peacefully or call in leaders if that fails (Matthew 18:15–17).

On the part of Peter, he did not become defensive when called to explain his action. He owed them the responsibility to explain what he did and why he did it. The explanations cleared the mind of the people of all grudges and rancor. Later, they glorified God for what He did in the lives of the Gentiles.

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

Besides, this led to active supportive mission to the Gentile world. There were other cases of misunderstandings in the New Testament church that yielded peaceful results because they were addressed properly (Acts 15:1, 2, 22–31; Galatians 2:11–14).

CHRIST-LIKE COMMITMENT TO THE GOSPEL

(Acts 11:19–26; 8:14, 15; 14:1–3, 21–23; 15:36; 16:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7)

“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” (verse 19).

Those believers that were scattered upon the death of Stephen were scattered abroad. They had gone far from Jerusalem before this event that opened the eyes of the church to minister to the Gentiles. They had travelled as far as Phenice, Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the word to none but to the Jews only. That was how much they knew, and God worked with them.

The disciples were committed to the gospel. They did not allow the persecutions or pains to halt their zeal for the Lord. However, when they got to Antioch, they preached the gospel to some Grecians.

“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” (verse 20).

Question 3:

Who were the Grecians?

The “Grecians” or “Hellenists” was a term used to identify the group of Greek-speaking Jews or those Gentiles who became converted to Jewish religion. No doubt, the Antioch church circumcised and comprises both Jews and Gentiles uncircumcised (Acts 15:1).

God recognised their work, backed them up, and many believed in Christ.
“And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (verse 21).

This information got to the church in Jerusalem. At this time, they were more liberal to the Gentiles. They sent a mature leader, Barnabas, to go and strengthen the work of the Lord in that city.

“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” (verse 22).

Question 4:

What is the role of the church in the life of newly converted believers?

Immediately he got there, he began the work of follow-up through exhortation.

“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” (verse 22).

The church should make conscious effort to help those who are just getting converted. This could be done by sending converted youths who are already matured to encourage the newly converted ones. Our gospel task does not end with preaching to souls; it includes follow-up to ensure the saved ones remain in the Kingdom.

Question 5:

What should we do to have effective follow-up activity?

Besides Barnabas’ exhortation, his spiritual life also had impact on the people. He lived a good life which was controlled by the Holy Spirit and faith in the word of God.

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

Besides those who were already converted, much people were added to the Lord. If our efforts to mature young converts would be fruitful, we must lead a good life. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Barnabas also got Saul involved in the ministry.

“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” (verses 25, 26).

Saul had always had vision for the Gentiles from the Lord (Acts 9:15; Galatians 1:15–17). We can then say that Barnabas got a man of like mind involved in the work of follow-up. To carry out effective follow-up, we need to choose the right people who have the same vision.

It is important to note that the work so prospered that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Those converts lived according to the teaching of Christ they were taught. We also should pattern our lives towards the teaching of Christ so that we can have an unquestionable Christian identity.

COMMENDABLE CHARITY AND GIVING BY THE CHURCH

(Acts 11:27–30; Proverbs 29:18; Acts 21:8–11; Luke 6:38; Amos 3:7)

“And 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 Caesar” (verses 27, 28).

As Barnabas and Paul laboured among the people, some ministers (prophets) came from Jerusalem to visit them. One of them named Agabus stood up and prophesied that there would be economic problems throughout the world. This was not a mere psychological prediction but an inspiration from God so that the people of God would know what to do. The confirmation was its fulfilment.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18).

Understanding of what lies ahead prepares us to either seize opportunities or avoid dangers. Before the arrest of Paul, God had used the ministry of the prophets to inform and prepare him for the challenges ahead of him (Acts 21:10, 11). We need the inspired teachings, directions and counselling through our leaders in order to be adequately prepared for the future.

More than hearing the teaching, acting positively on what we hear is very important.

“Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” (verses 29, 30).

When the disciples heard of what was ahead, they sent relief to those who might negatively and adversely be affected. When God’s word comes to us, it is so that it can help us to make better decisions.

Question 6:

How can Christian youths show an expression of Christian love?

Youths are expected to show love to others by giving. We are to give from what we have to encourage others to get closer to God. We should also share our knowledge by teaching difficult subjects to those who have challenges in those subjects. When we care and share, God will bless and increase us.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).