Reference

Acts 11

Sermon Notes

I. Peter ________ to Jerusalem (v. 1-18)

A. Peter ________ criticism (v. 1-3)

B. Peter recounts the Gentiles’ ________ (v. 4-17)

C. God is ________ (v. 18)

II. The ________ grows (v. 19-30)

A. Christians share the ________ (v. 19-24)

B. Christians ________ the Word (v. 25-26)

3 ways to look like Jesus: 

1. ________ (Phil. 2:5-7; Mark 10:45)

2. Guard our ________ 1 Pet. 2:22-23; James 3:9-10)

3. ________ (Luke 22:34; Eph. 4:32)

C. Christians are ________ (v. 27-30)

Going Deeper

  1. Why was Peter criticized in v. 2-3? Why did they thing it was wrong for Peter to eat with uncircumcised men (Gentiles)?
  2. Read v. 4-14. Why do you think Peter is so specific in his recalling what happened?
  3. What occurred to Peter in v. 16-17? Read Acts 1:5. What did Jesus say?
  4. How did the Jews respond (v. 18)?
  5. Read v. 19. Who did the first group exclude in their preaching of the gospel? Do we exclude people in our proclamation of the gospel? If so, why? How do we need to change our thinking?
  6. Read v. 20-21. Who did the second group exclude in their preaching of the gospel? No one! Why did a large number turn to the Lord? God calls us to be faithful and He will make it fruitful. We can’t make fruit – only God does that. But we can be faithful to what God has called us to do.
  7. Who did the church send to Antioch? Why did they send him? What did he do for these new believers? What is the result (end of v. 24)? How will you follow his example in your life?
  8. Barnabas went to look for Saul in v. 25. When he found Saul, what did they do (v. 26)? William Larkin Jr. says “When the gospel and the Christian way of life are correctly understood, teaching and evangelism are distinct but must be seen as inseparable.” How might we separate teaching and
    evangelism?
  9. What are the believers called at the end of v. 26? F. F. Bruce says “Just as, in Palestine, the adherents of the Herod dynasty were called Herodians, so, says Luke, in Antioch the adherents of Jesus the Christ first came to be popularly known as Christians.”
  10. What are you known for? How will you aim to be like Christ in your service (Phil. 2:5-7; Mk. 10:45), guarding your words (1 Pet. 2:22-23; James 3:9-10) and forgiving others (Lk. 23:34; Eph 4:32)?
  11. Are you generous with what God has given you (v. 29-30)? How will you be more generous this week?