Acts 10-12

Book: Acts

Jul 13

The gospel to the Gentiles: The early churches and Gentile conversions. (10:1-12:23). 1. Event: Cornelius converted. (10:1-11:18).

a. The conversion of Cornelius and his family. (10:1-48). Cornelius, who has been praying continually sees a vision which tells him to send to Joppa for Peter. (10:1-8). Peter sees a vision of unclean animals. He is told to kill and eat, for what God has cleansed is not to be considered unholy. (10:9-16). Peter gives those who came from Cornelius house, lodging. (10:17-23a). Peter goes to Cornelius' house and is told about his vision. (10:23b-33). Peter tells him that all who believe in Jesus have forgiveness of sins. (10:34-43).28 Cornelius' house receives the Holy Spirit and is baptized. (10:44-48).

Response:

a. Discussion: The reaction of the Jews to Gentile inclusion: Jews take issue with Peter concerning Cornelius entry into the church. Peter explains to them and they glorify God. (11:1-18).

b. Internal Unity: The church at Jerusalem recognizes the movement to Gentiles at Antioch, and sends a gift for the famine (11:19-30).

1) Unity of Jerusalem (Jew) church to Antioch (Gentile): Some speak only to Jews. Others speak to Gentiles. They call Barnabas who encourages them. He and Saul preach in Antioch for a year. (11:19-26).

2) c. Unity of Gentile Church to Jerusalem: The Antioch church determines to send a contribution to the church at Jerusalem because of the prophesied famine. (11:27-30).

External Opposition / Failure: The Jewish king reacts, tries to kill the movement, is killed himself.31 (12:1-23).

Opposition: Herod kills James the brother of John. He takes Peter also seeking to please the Jews. (12:1-4). Response of church: The group prays. (12:5). Divine Intervention: An angel leads Peter out to the house of John Mark. The believers there rejoice. (12:6-17). Response of Opposition: Herod cannot find Peter, so he executes the guards. Herod brings glory to himself, allowing the people to worship him as god. (12:18-22) Divine Intervention: He is struck down. (12:23). Inclusio (back to 11:30): Ministry to poor of Jerusalem completed (12:24-25).

The missionary journeys confirm the rejection of the Jews and the growth through the Gentiles of the church. (12:24-21:16). 1. The first missionary journey. (12:24-14:28). a. Antioch: The church sends them out. (12:24-13:3). 1) Saul and Barnabas return from Jerusalem with John Mark. (12:24-25).