Acts | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

ACTS 11

THE GENTILES ARE INCLUDED IN THE FAITH + THE CHURCH GROWS IN ANTIOCH

Peter returns to Jerusalem, where news of the growing church has traveled quickly. Some of the Jewish leaders are concerned about the inclusion of Gentiles, those who were not previously Jewish, into the faith. Because they see circumcision as a sign of belief in God, the Jewish people are concerned about the faith of those who are not circumcised

Peter explains his recent vision, recalling the events of Acts 10 and explaining that God has welcomed outsiders to become His followers and receive the Holy Spirit. The Jewish men are amazed at Peter’s news and glorify God, seeing the ability to repent as a merciful gift from God.

The disciples who scattered after the death of Stephen reach the cities of Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. Preaching of Jesus, many people hear the disciples and become believers. Barnabas and Saul, two advocates of the faith, both joined the disciples in Antioch for a year and taught a great number of people. In Antioch, the disciples and believers are called Christians for the first time (Acts 11:26).

STUDY QUESTIONS

Why do you think the Jewish believers wanted the Gentiles to convert to Judaism before becoming Christians? Why is this step unnecessary?

Using a study Bible or internet search, what does circumcision represent to the Jewish people?