ADULT STS LESSON 195 PETER DEFENDS OUTREACH TO THE GENTILES
MEMORY VERSE:
“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? 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 11:17–18)
TEXT: Acts 11:1–30
The conversion of Cornelius and his household through the ministration of Apostle Peter was a novel and outstanding event that witnessed the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles. This incident transcended Peter’s knowledge and comprehension, as he contended with the initial revelation from God concerning the salvation of the Gentiles. This was because the Jews had the erroneous notion that the gospel was their exclusive possession in Judea. Especially those who were of the circumcision heard of the development and wondered why Peter should take the gospel across Jewish territory. Thus, they contended with him, but in turn, he narrated the circumstances surrounding his action.
Before this Spirit-led action of Peter in the previous chapter, the church did not make any major effort to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, yet Christ had commanded His disciples to take the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
PETER’S REPLY TO THE PEOPLE’S ACCUSATION
(Acts 11:1–18; Luke 24:44–48; Malachi 1:11; Galatians 2:11–14; Proverbs 15:1; 1 Peter 3:15)
News of the conversion of Cornelius and his entire household quickly spread to Judea. But the reaction of the apostles and brethren to Peter’s encounter with the Gentiles was shocking. Rather than praise God and rejoice that the gospel had reached farther, they chided him, saying, “Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.” They had forgotten that Jesus’ mandate to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” transcends territorial, tribal, racial, religious, and educational barriers.
Preachers and ministries that expressly or otherwise restrict their outreach to a specific section of society are guilty of the same error as those who criticised Peter’s action. Peter responded to his accusers with meekness and humility. This is instructive to believers and ministers of the gospel: we must use soft words to turn away wrath and pacify our accusers (Proverbs 15:1).
Peter reminded them that the Holy Spirit led him to Cornelius. He stated objectively what happened from the beginning in order to justify his actions. The points he made are as follows:
- He received a vision that nullified the distinction the ceremonial law set between the Jews and the Gentiles.
- He heard the overruling voice from heaven that gave him liberty against his own reservations to relate with those they had hitherto considered unclean.
- The things he disputed as unclean in his vision were drawn again to heaven to prove the source of the revelation.
- The Spirit told Peter to go with the messengers sent by Cornelius.
- Some brethren who had respect for circumcision went with him and were witnesses.
- An angel spoke to Cornelius also, instructing him to send for Peter to speak to them about the salvation of their souls.
- As he was preaching to them, the Holy Ghost came on them as He descended on the Jewish believers.
- This was confirmed by the word of God that, “John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.” This Peter must have remembered while ministering to them.
Believers who claim that God is leading them in any aspect of life and service need to have a clear testimony of divine approval. Though the gospel is universal, it is a spiritual work and warfare that must be done with divine support. No believer should embark on missionary work without a clear calling of God to serve in that capacity.
God is still actively involved in evangelism and the spreading of the gospel, and He is the invisible Partner ever ready to instruct, lead, direct, and protect His servants. It is, however, important to wait patiently on the Lord for His instructions before organising major outreaches (Acts 16:6–10). All souls are to be harvested to the Lord through the gospel, no doubt, but there is an appropriate timing to enter a particular ripened field for harvesting.
To round off his defence, Peter declared that he could not have done otherwise:
“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?” (Acts 11:17).
God, His word, and His will are irresistible. As Creator of the universe, He said, “I will work and who shall let [hinder] it.” No sinner, as stout-hearted as he or she may be, can withstand the omnipotent God and the gospel He has given to be preached for our salvation. Saul could not kick against the pricks, that is, resist God’s authority. The realisation of this makes a believer not oppose God’s plan of salvation, as that would be an impossible task.
Having heard Peter’s narration of the move of God in Caesarea, the brethren “held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18). They accepted Peter’s explanation and surrendered to the overruling will of the Holy Ghost.
Believers must not only submit to the revealed will of God concerning sinners’ salvation but must make deliberate efforts to win them to the Lord. Had the Jewish believers searched the Scriptures, they would have discovered that the salvation of the Gentiles had been prophesied severally (Genesis 12:3, 5; 22:18; Psalms 22:27–31; 65:2, 5; 86:9; 102:18; Isaiah 2:2–3; 9:2; Jeremiah 16:19–21; Hosea 2:23; Zechariah 2:10–11; Matthew 3:9; 8:11; Luke 13:29–30; John 10:16; Acts 1:8; 9:15).
Describing their salvation as a mystery revealed through the Holy Spirit, Paul the apostle said he was chosen for the purpose of preaching the gospel to them (Ephesians 3:1–8; 2 Timothy 1:11; Romans 11:11–13, 17–21). In His great mercy and love, God has granted the privilege of salvation to the Gentiles. But in order to receive and enjoy the gift, there must be repentance from sin and faith in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
ACCELERATION OF THE GOSPEL THROUGH PERSECUTION
(Acts 11:19–21; 8:4–8; Matthew 10:7, 23, 26; Acts 4:18–20; 12:24)
The martyrdom of Stephen and the eventual scattering of the believers led to the preaching of the gospel to far regions such as Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch. Although persecution makes us uncomfortable, it helps to redirect our focus and fulfil the Great Commission. The aim of persecutors has always been to hinder the spread of the gospel, both in Bible times and in contemporary days (Acts 4:7). But God has always used it to accelerate the spread of the good news.
The fire of persecution should rekindle our love for God and strengthen our resolve to spread the gospel diligently and faithfully. Persecution must be considered part of our calling as heaven-bound soldiers.
POWER OF THE GOSPEL OF GRACE
(Acts 11:22–30; Romans 1:16–17; Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 6:1–2; John 15:4–5)
The news of this spreading fire of revival, engulfing both Jews and Gentiles and leaving in its trail myriads of converts, soon reached the headquarters of the apostles in Jerusalem. The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to verify the news and to organise proper follow-up of the converts.
When Barnabas came to Antioch, he saw the genuineness of the conversion of the new converts as a manifestation of “the grace of God.” God is so merciful that He granted the Gentiles “repentance unto life,” as the brethren who contended with Peter concluded. Having repented, they received and lived lives that showed they had the “grace of God,” to which Barnabas bore witness.
We are saved, sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost, and sustained by the grace of God. All the blessings that God has and gives are by His grace. Every believer must understand that though we are saved and sustained by grace, it does not mean we do not have our part to play.
It is no wonder, then, that when Barnabas had seen the grace of God in the converts at Antioch, he “exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” New converts need to be taught to cleave to the Lord or abide in Him. They should read and study the Bible, pray always, attend Christian fellowships, and share the testimony of their conversion with others, with the aim of bringing them to Christ.
The Bible testified of Barnabas: “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.” His efforts at following up the Jewish and Grecian converts complemented the soul-winning work of the disciples. He was fruitful, as “much people was added unto the Lord.” The ministry of Barnabas resulted in the growth of the Antioch church.
Basic Christian experiences of salvation, sanctification, and Holy Ghost baptism are required of a believer who seeks to be as fruitful as Barnabas. Besides, faith, prayer, and knowledge of the word of God will make a believer excel in establishing new converts in the faith.
Nicknamed earlier as “a son of consolation,” Barnabas went to seek Saul, who had previously gone to Tarsus, and brought him to join the church at Antioch. New converts must be sought and integrated into the body of Christ. Barnabas did not only integrate Saul into the body of Christ; he also mentored him. Both of them “taught much people.”
The resultant transformation of life and character of believers at Antioch was glaring: “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Christian leaders need to take follow-up more seriously, as the early Church did. As believers, we must live so that others can see Jesus in us.
Antioch soon became a centre of spiritual activity as prophets from Jerusalem came there. In one of their meetings, Agabus prophesied of an impending famine, which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. In response, the disciples in Antioch sent relief materials to the brethren in Judea. It is evident that the church in Antioch was spiritual and responsive to the needs of other believers.
Thus, the disciples lived up to their name as “little Christs” or “Christ-like” by meeting the needs of others. Believers need to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
- Explain the negative effect of racial prejudice and religious bigotry on soul-winning efforts.
- What should be a believer’s attitude to accusations?
- Why is it necessary to receive the Holy Spirit’s guidance before embarking on any outreach?
- In what ways can persecution be profitable to the gospel?
- What can we learn from the life and ministry of Barnabas?
- With reference to the believers in Antioch, state the characteristics of a true believer.
- In what ways can believers assist fellow brethren in need?
