Peter Explains His Actions - Acts 11:1-18
Understand It
- What did the apostles and Christians in Judea hear? (11:1)
- When Peter went to Jerusalem, who criticized him? (11:2)
- Who were the "circumcised believers"? (11:2)
- What did the circumcised Christians say? (11:3)
- Why did the circumcised believers imply that it was wrong for Peter to eat with Gentiles? (11:3)
- How did Peter explain his actions? (11:4-17)
- What did Peter include in his brief explanation? (11:4-17)
- What additional information did Peter provide concerning the angel’s message to Cornelius? (11:14)
- How did Peter dispel the idea that the Gentiles were second-class citizens? (11:15-17)
- On what did Peter’s defense rest? (11:17)
- How did Peter’s argument prove convincing? (11:18)
- How did Peter’s step of including non-Jews affect the church? (11:18)
Apply It
- When might you need to take a stand for what is right in your place of work, family, or church this week?
- How can you open your heart and mind to others whom you tend to dislike?
The Church in Antioch - Acts 11:19-30
Understand It
- What was one of the results of Stephen’s martyrdom? (11:19)
- To whom was the news about Christ being told? (11:19)
- Who spoke to the Greeks in Antioch about the Lord Jesus? (11:20)
- What caused the news about Christ to take hold among many who heard it? (11:21)
- What resulted from the ministry of the Christians? (11:21)
- How did the church at Jerusalem respond to the increase in numbers of new believers? (11:22)
- How did Barnabas encourage the Christians at Antioch? (11:23)
- What was exemplary about Barnabas? (11:24)
- What happened to the work in Antioch? (11:24)
- Why did Barnabas go to Tarsus to look for Saul? (25-26)
- Where were the disciples first called Christians? (11:26)
- Who was Agabus? (11:27)
- What did Agabus predict? (11:28)
- What did the Christians do for the believers in Judea? Why? (11:29-30)
- To whom did Saul and Barnabas give the gift collected in Antioch? (11:29-30)
Apply It
- How can you do good for someone who needs your help this week?
- What can you do to enlarge the circle of people to whom you reach out?
