Acts 11 continues from Ch.10, and verse 1 reads.
Acts 11:1] And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
Not that all meats were to be received, but that the Gentiles were no longer to be considered unclean, “If” they received Jesus Christ.
Acts 11:2] And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
Those that were of Israel, they looked down on him for sitting and eating with gentiles. Imagine that, whom Christ built his church on, they looked down on.
Acts 11:3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
Breaking the law of the Hebrews.
Acts 11:4] But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
[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:
[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.
[7] And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
[8] But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
[9] But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
[10] And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
[11] And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
[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:
If you still think that Ch.10 was talking about eating anything and ignoring the food laws, then I have failed you. But if you now get it, then teach others for this is why we are disciples of Christ. To give what was freely given to you to others. Plant the seeds.
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;
[14] Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
[15] And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Like we received in Ch.2.
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’s eyes were only opened to this fact when he was in Cornelius’s house.
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?
[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.
Promised back in the prophet Isaiah. Let’s go to Isa.60 and it reads.
Isa.60:1] Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
[2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
[3] And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Knowledge of scriptures go a long way. Back to Acts and verse 19 reads.
Acts 11:19] Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
The Word of salvation to not only the Jews but for the gentiles also, has not yet reach these disciples.
Acts 11:20] And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Speaking Greek to the Helenists. Those of Israel who only spoke Greek.
Acts 11:21] And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
By the Holy Spirit they believed, and the church keeps growing.
Acts 11:22] Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
[23] Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
[24] For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Without a doubt he taught them about the gentiles now being saved as well.
Acts 11:25] Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
[26] And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Christianity was exploding throughout the region.
Acts 11:27] And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
Whenever something big is about to happen in the area, God will send a prophet.
Acts 11:28] And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
This man prophesied there would be a drought in the land.
Acts 11:29] Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
How ever one could help his brother he should help. This is the Christian thing to do. They didn’t rely on the government, they just took care of it themselves. Our strength is in our LORD.
Acts 11:30] Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Now after wrapping up both chapters 10 and 11do you feel that maybe at the least they don’t know what they are talking about when they say that all meats are clean. But “if” they just read the Word all the way through they might learn something. I’m not saying “you are going to hell for eating pork or catfish” I’m just letting you know that it is a sin against your flesh and not your soul. God created these bodies and He told us what is clean and unclean. Lev.11.
Now for these last 3 verses we read in today’s studies. I have spent the last few days in prayer for the people in N.C. But I want you to know there is something we can do. We can take care of our brothers in Christ.
There is one place that I trust. Please help our brothers and sisters in Christ by sending to (Mercury One:Home), these are the service men that have served our great nation oversees and are now serving the Lord here at home, helping those in harm’s way. Every penny will go straight to the people on the ground who need our help. They have started on day 2, flying in helicopters with not only food and water. But also, generators, refrigerators, blankets and shoes. Medicines which are the most needed to prevent more people from dying. Please Help. Again, that’s Mercury One:Home. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word, but hear our prayer. Help those who are helping others, they are awesome providers of your Light. Bless all who love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible