ACTS LESSON 23

    We will begin this lesson in Acts 11:1 "And the apostles and
brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received
the word of God."

    Up until this time, they had not even tried to bring the gospel
message to the Gentile nations.  The Israelites felt that they were a
set aside nation to whom God had given this message.  They felt that
it was for them alone.

    Acts 11:2 "And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were
of the circumcision contended with him,"

    We see in this Gentile conversion, the beginning of the Gentile
church.  The Jews were so self-centered that they believed they were
the only ones God offered salvation to.  They had not had the vision
that Peter had from God showing them that all people were acceptable
to God.  The fact that Peter had baptized these Gentiles was causing
problems.  They had already forgotten that Jesus ministered to
publicans and sinners.

    Acts 11:3 "Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst
eat with them."

    We must realize that the beginning of the early church was made up
of Jewish men and women.

    Acts 11:4 "But Peter rehearsed [the matter] from the beginning,
and expounded [it] by order unto them, saying,"  Acts 11:5 "I was in
the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain
vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by
four corners; and it came even to me:" Acts 11:6 "Upon the which when
I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of
the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the
air."

    You see, Peter now is relating to them the vision God had given
him in Joppa, which convinced him that he was not to call any man
common or unclean anymore.

    Acts 11:7 "And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay
and eat."  Acts 11:8 "But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or
unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth." Acts 11:9 "But the
voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, [that]
call not thou common." Acts 11:10 "And this was done three times: and
all were drawn up again into heaven."

    If this does not convince these Jews, then they are not
convinceable.  Peter was, perhaps, the most set in Jewish tradition of
any of them, until he had this vision.  God has a way of doing away
with our preconceived ideas.

    Acts 11:11 "And, behold, immediately there were three men already
come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me." Acts
11:12 "And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting.
Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the
man's house:" Acts 11:13 "And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in
his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call
for Simon, whose surname is Peter;"  Acts 11:14 "Who shall tell thee
words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved."

    You see, Peter, at the time this happened, was the one that all
the others looked to for instruction and doctrine.  Jesus had turned
the keys over to Peter.  Peter was the foundation rock.  If Peter
okays the Gentiles, then they know it is correct.  He is explaining in
detail what influenced him to believe in allowing Gentiles to join
their ranks.

    Acts 11:15 "And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them,
as on us at the beginning."

    This they cannot criticize, because they know that the Holy Ghost
is a gift from God.  They would be questioning God, if they said
anything about the Holy Ghost falling on them.

    Acts 11:16 "Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he
said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with
the Holy Ghost."

    Peter reminds them, here, that it may be alright to criticize him
in this matter, but be sure and remember that it is Jesus Christ their
Lord who baptizes in the Holy Ghost.

    Acts 11:17 "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?"

    Peter tells them, here, that he has no intention of going against
God on this matter.  Peter knows that he, too, is a servant of God
carrying out the will of God, and not his own will.  The Holy Ghost is
not only a gift from God, but is also an empowerment to minister the
Word of God to the lost.  This gift has a purpose.  This makes our
witness filled with power from on high.  There is so much hidden in
the name Lord Jesus Christ.  Many believe in Christ the anointed one.
Many believe in Jesus the Saviour.  It is a totally different thing to
believe that the Christ (the anointed one) and Jesus (your Saviour) is
also your Lord.  When we make Jesus Christ our Lord we are saying, not
my will but thine be done in my life.

    Acts 11:18 "When they heard these things, they held their peace,
and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted
repentance unto life."

    How can they fight against God?  This just shows them, again, the
greatness of God.  This leaves no doubt.  God is interested in the
Gentiles, as well.  Salvation is to whosoever will.  One thing they
have overlooked in all of this, is those Jesus ministered to.  One of
the most vivid to me, is where the mother comes to Jesus for help for
her demoniac daughter.  This is found in Matthew 15:21-28, Matthew
15:21  "Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre
and Sidon." Matthew 15:22 "And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of
the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord,
[thou] son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil."
Matthew 15:23 "But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came
and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us."
Matthew 15:24 "But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the
lost sheep of the house of Israel." Matthew 15:25 "Then came she and
worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me." Matthew 15:26 "But he answered
and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast
[it] to dogs." Matthew 15:27 "And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs
eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Matthew 15:28
"Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith:
be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole
from that very hour."

    You see, God respects faith wherever it is.  Jesus set the example
here and in many other places.  Peter has done the correct thing.  He
has been obedient to God and not man.

































                           Acts 23 Questions


1.  What did the apostles in Judaea hear that disturbed them?
2.  Who contended with Peter?
3.  What was this the beginning of?
4.  In verse 3, what complaint did they make to Peter?
5.  What did Peter rehearse to them?
6.  What city was Peter in when he had the vision?
7.  What had the Lord told Peter to do that Peter said, not so to?
8.  How many times did the Lord give Peter the vision?
9.  Where were the three men sent from to get Peter?
10. How many of Peter's brethren went with him?
11. Who had appeared to Cornelius?
12. In verse 14, what had Cornelius been told Peter would tell him?
13. In verse 15, Peter tells them something that they cannot argue
    with, what is it?
14. What did John baptize with?
15. Who baptized with the Holy Ghost?
16. In verse 17, Peter said he would be trying to withstand whom, if
    he had not accepted them?
17. What, besides a gift from God, is the Holy Spirit?
18. In verse 18, what did these apostles do after hearing Peter's
    statement?
19. Who is offered salvation?
20. In Matthew chapter 15, who does Jesus minister to?
21. Who did Jesus tell her he was sent to?
22. Why did Jesus answer her prayer?

                                 Notes