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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 11

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER 11

There is always a tendency for legalism to creep into the church, but we are saved by grace
through faith, not through any effort on our part. It is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). We
cannot add anything to the gift of our salvation and must guard against becoming legalistic in
our relationship with the Lord and others. Our righteousness, achieved through human works
is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) when compared to the righteousness of God we receive at
salvation. Salvation is available to anyone who will receive it. We must ever strive to live in the
grace of God in our daily lives.

OPPOSITION TO THE SPREADING OF THE GOSPEL (1-18)

With the rapid spread of the gospel, Gentiles are being born again and filled with the Holy
Spirit. The elders of the church at Jerusalem dispute with Peter because he has gone into the
home of uncircumcised men and eaten foods forbidden by Jewish law. Peter describes the
vision he received when regarding the Jews. This temporarily assuages (lessens the intensity of)
their legalism.

The church is now expanding both geographically and racially. What began in Jerusalem on the
day of Pentecost has now spread, and the elders of the Jerusalem church are becoming
legalistic. They do not want other races or cities to receive the gospel. They are trying to
combine law and grace, and the “little leaven” is destroying the “lump.”

PETER CHALLENGED

Act 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also
received the word of God.

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

The Jews begin an argument with Peter for taking the gospel to the Gentiles. They seem to
have forgotten about Jesus declaring the message of the gospel would extend from Jerusalem
to “the uttermost parts of the earth.” They have turned their focus toward and begun
emphasizing the law of circumcision.

The reaction of these men is typical of many denominations today. They are “religious,”
judging spirituality by actions that any sinner could perform.

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

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