The Gospel Message Series

“The Gospel Message”

Acts 11:1-18

As we join with Peter heading home we see that the Gospel message that has always been intended for all is being challenged.

One might ask, “Why?”

Would it not be great that the whole earth would hear the message of redemption and then trust the only path unto salvation?

Why?

1. Some believe that they are chosen and others are rejected

2. Some do not want their enemies to be saved

3. Some perhaps believe some do not deserve salvation.

(The truth is no one deserves salvation)

And the list could be filled with the time set aside for preaching, so we will not speculate further and go to the Bible for our truth.

So how does Peter answer these?

I. The Accusation

What Do You Think You Are Doing?

Acts 11:1-3 “And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Notice the short list of those that heard

Apostles - we are seeing the 12 who were called by Christ Jesus to follow Him.

Literally apostle means separated and prepared and equipped.

Apostleship was very limited and there is no apostolic secession.

Brethren - a brother, a fellow believer, brethren in Christ.

Heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.-

Perhaps there is a problem because the Bible tells us that Jesus gave direction before he departed.

Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Contended - to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer

They made an accusation that he went were he should not go.

Not trying to be a troublemaker but I find that if we do not follow the Word of God with the Gospel message; then we are doing the very same thing.

I find it very hard to leave my comfort zone, but that does not excuse inaction.

II. The Answer

A long explanation that we have already read about.

Peter explained what had taken place and that the Holy Spirit had been the director of all that had occurred.

Acts 11:4-16 “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: 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. 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.”

III. The Acknowledgment

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?”