In Acts 11-13, Peter defends his association with Gentiles in Jerusalem, recounting his vision and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius' household. Meanwhile, the gospel spreads to Gentiles in Antioch, leading to the first use of the term "Christians." Acts 12 sees Herod's persecution, including James' martyrdom and Peter's miraculous prison escape. The chapter concludes with Herod's sudden death. Acts 13 marks the beginning of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey, from Cyprus, confronting sorcerer Elymas, to Pisidian Antioch where Paul preaches Jesus as the Savior. Facing opposition, they declare their intent to focus on the Gentiles, leading to many conversions before moving to Iconium.
Acts 11: Peter
Defends His Actions and the Church in Antioch
After the events with
Cornelius, Peter returns to Jerusalem, where he faces criticism from Jewish
believers for associating with Gentiles. He defends his actions by recounting
the vision he had and how the Holy Spirit descended on Cornelius and his household.
Hearing this, the critics are silenced, praising God for granting repentance
leading to life even to the Gentiles. The chapter also mentions believers
scattering because of Stephen's persecution. Some of them reach Phoenicia,
Cyprus, and Antioch, spreading the word only to Jews. However, in Antioch, some
preach to the Greeks as well, leading to a large number of converts. The church
in Jerusalem sends Barnabas to assess the situation. Seeing the grace of God at
work, Barnabas fetches Saul from Tarsus to assist him in teaching the growing
community. It's in Antioch that the disciples are first called
"Christians."
Acts 12: James’
Martyrdom and Peter’s Miraculous Escape
King Herod Agrippa
begins to persecute the church. He has James, the brother of John, executed and
seeing the approval from the Jews, proceeds to arrest Peter. Peter is
imprisoned, awaiting trial after Passover. The night before the trial, while
the church prays fervently for him, an angel miraculously frees Peter from
prison. He goes to the house of Mary, where many believers are praying for him.
Initially, they don’t believe it’s Peter at the door, thinking it's his angel,
but are overjoyed upon realizing the truth. Peter recounts his miraculous
escape and then goes into hiding. Herod, unable to find Peter, has the guards
executed. The chapter concludes with Herod's dramatic death, being struck down
by an angel of the Lord for not giving God glory.
Acts 13: Paul and
Barnabas’ First Missionary Journey
The Holy Spirit
instructs the church in Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul (now more
commonly referred to as Paul) for the work to which He has called them. Thus
begins their first missionary journey. They first head to Cyprus, where they
proclaim the word of God and confront a sorcerer named Elymas, leading to the
conversion of the proconsul of the island. From Cyprus, they travel to Pisidian
Antioch. In the synagogue there, Paul delivers a powerful sermon, summarizing
the history of Israel and highlighting Jesus as the promised Savior. The word
spreads, and on the next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathers to hear them.
However, seeing the crowds, some Jewish leaders become jealous and oppose them.
Paul and Barnabas boldly declare that since the Jews reject the message, they
will turn to the Gentiles. Many believe, but facing persecution, Paul and
Barnabas move on to Iconium, leaving behind a joyous and Spirit-filled
community.