Welcome to Acts 11:
The Gospel's Global Reach and Antioch's Rise

Acts 11 chronicles the crucial aftermath of Peter's groundbreaking ministry to Cornelius, demonstrating the early church's struggle with and ultimate acceptance of Gentile inclusion, thereby accelerating The Great Commission. It also highlights the emergence of Antioch as a vibrant new center for Christian activity.

The chapter begins with Peter facing intense scrutiny in Jerusalem from "those of the circumcision" who criticize him for associating with and baptizing uncircumcised Gentiles. Peter's defense is a meticulously detailed, Spirit-led recounting of the entire Cornelius episode—his vision, Peter's own vision, the divine command, and especially The Holy Spirit's Role descending upon the Gentiles, just as He had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost. His compelling testimony, marked by the undeniable evidence of God's work, leads the Jerusalem brethren to cease their objections and, astoundingly, glorify God, proclaiming: "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life" (Acts 11:18). This pivotal moment officially validates Gentile inclusion through divine affirmation, demonstrating a profound Prophecy Fulfillment of God's ancient promises.

The narrative then shifts to the spread of The Great Commission beyond Jerusalem and Judea. Believers scattered by the persecution following Stephen's martyrdom, some of whom were from Cyprus and Cyrene, travel to Antioch. Instead of preaching only to Jews, they courageously begin proclaiming Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel to Hellenists (Greek-speaking Gentiles), and "the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord." The Jerusalem church, upon hearing of this burgeoning Gentile movement, wisely sends Barnabas to Antioch. Barnabas, witnessing God's grace, seeks out Saul (Paul) in Tarsus, bringing him to Antioch, where they minister together for a full year. It is in Antioch that the disciples are first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26), signifying a new, unified identity transcending former distinctions and marking the significant growth of Christianity Accepted and Opposed. The chapter concludes with a demonstration of Christian unity and care, as a prophet named Agabus foretells a great famine, prompting the Antiochian disciples to send relief to their brethren in Judea, foreshadowing the mutual support essential for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT.