Acts 11:1 ¶ And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
Acts 11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
Acts 11:3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
Even without CNN and today’s technology, it didn’t take long for the news to reach the apostles and believers in Judea that the Gentiles had also “received the word of God”; in other words, they had joined the body of believers. Once Peter returned to Jerusalem, he was immediately faced with accusations of wrongdoing for eating with “uncircumcised” men. The context indicates that those making the accusations were among the Jewish leaders in the church. Rather than being happy that other sinners were finding salvation in Jesus, these men were more concerned with the fact that Peter had broken Jewish laws.
I think Peter fully understood their reaction. God had employed supernatural means to make Peter understand that God’s will supersedes Jewish law.
Acts 11:4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
Acts 11:5 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:
Acts 11:6 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.
Acts 11:7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
Acts 11:8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
Acts 11:9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
Acts 11:10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
Acts 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
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;
Acts 11:14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
So, Peter recounted his whole experience as detailed in the previous chapter. It’s interesting to note that he pointed out that he had six witnesses to verify all that had occurred at Cornelius’ home. They could testify to the fact that the Gentiles there had received the power of the Holy Ghost in just the same way the believers had received that same power on Pentecost.
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.
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?
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Peter went on to say how he remembered Jesus telling them that though they had been baptized with water by John, they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Once he witnessed these Gentiles evidencing that same baptism of the Spirit, who was he to deny the work of God. To their credit, the accusing brethren were quick to recognize their mistake and begin to glorify God for providing salvation for the Gentiles.
They shouldn’t have been surprised. The truth is that God’s plan had always been to provide salvation to both Jew and Gentile.
Genesis 12:1–3 “Now the LORD had said unto Abram…in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Isaiah 49:6 “And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”
Matthew 12:18–21 “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.”
John 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
I think God used Peter’s experience with Cornelius to lay the foundation for the future ministry of the Apostle Paul and the great growth of the church that would occur among the Gentiles. Though the body of believers was composed almost entirely of Jews in the beginning, it would not be long before the church would become predominantly Gentile.
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.
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.
Acts 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
In this section we are reminded that the persecution of believers greatly escalated after Stephen was murdered. Some believers traveled as far away as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch to seek safety. Along the way they shared the gospel message with fellow Jews. Once they got to Antioch, however, it seems that some of the believers decided to share the good news about Jesus with the Greek Gentiles. Luke tells us that the LORD approved of their efforts as evidenced by the great numbers of people who turned to the LORD in belief for their salvation.
I think it is important to point out that these Jewish believers from Cyprus and Cyrene realized on their own that being Jewish wasn’t the important thing—turning to God through faith in the LORD Jesus was. They recognized that God loved these Gentiles just as surely as He loved them. Maybe the Holy Spirit reminded them of the command of Jesus.
Matthew 28:19–20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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.”
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.
Acts 11:23 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.
Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Again, without the aid of mass media, the news got back to the church leaders in Jerusalem; so they sent Barnabas to Antioch to bring them back a report.
What Barnabas witnessed gave evidence of God’s grace at work among the people. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith. Note that he pointed out that to remain strong in their faith would require them to make a conscious effort to do so—to purpose in their hearts as did Daniel.
Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank….”
It seems that many more people came to saving faith through the ministry of Barnabas. Luke describes him as a “good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.” I am striving for just such a testimony.
Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
Acts 11:26 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.
Antioch was about 300 miles north of Jerusalem, and Tarsus about 358 miles. Barnabas decided to go find Saul and bring him to Antioch to help him in the ministry there. They ended up staying with the church in Antioch for a whole year to provide them a strong foundation in the teachings of Jesus and the scripture.
Side note: Antioch was the third most important city in the empire behind Rome and Alexandria. Research reveals it to have been a cosmopolitan city that was known for its commerce and immorality.
Luke also tells us that the term “Christians” was first coined in Antioch.
Historical note from Wiersbe: “Don’t confuse this city with Antioch in Pisidia (13:14). The ancient world had at least sixteen Antiochs, but this one was the greatest. Antioch was a wicked city, perhaps second only to Corinth.”
Acts 11:27 ¶ And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
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.
Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Acts 11:30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
During that year, a group of prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch. One of them, identified as Agabus, foretold that a great famine was in their future; his prophecy was in some way authenticated by a sign from the Holy Spirit. The historical record reveals that the reign of Claudius Caesar experienced several famines. The disciples in Antioch determined to send as much aid as they could to help the body of believers in Judea survive the time of famine. Barnabas and Saul eventually delivered their gift.
Note that these believers were concerned about their fellow believers in Judea. Each gave “according to his ability.” That would mean that some gave more and some gave less—but they gave willingly.
Acts 12:1 ¶ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
Acts 12:2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Acts 12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
Acts 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
“about that time” – In context with the previous chapter, this would seem to indicate during the time of the famine or when it was prophesied.
“Herod the king” – Research identifies this man as the grandson of Herod the Great who was Herod when Jesus was born. This Herod was known as Herod Agrippa I. It was eventually his son, Herod Agrippa II, who ended up sending Paul to Rome to appear before Caesar Nero. His grandmother was a Maccabean by descent, and this made Herod part Jewish; accordingly, he was known to observe Jewish law.
Herod was popular with the Jews, and he began persecuting the church to increase his popularity. He murdered James the brother of John as part of this persecution; James was the first apostle to die a martyr’s death. Guzik notes an interesting bit of information from Eusebius who “relates a story from Clement of Alexandria, who said the soldier guarding James before the judge was so affected by his witness that he declared himself a Christian also and was also willingly executed for Jesus along side of James (Eusebius, Church History 2.9.2-3).”
When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jews, he decided to kill Peter also. Luke further makes note that this occurred during the “days of unleavened bread,” or Passover. So Herod had Peter arrested and put in prison with the intent of executing him after the holy days.
Courson notes that the reason Herod waited was because he knew it was against Jewish law to kill a man during Passover.
Note: The Greek for “Easter” references “Passover.”
While in prison, Peter was guarded by four quaternions of soldiers. These were groups of four soldiers that served three-hour rotations throughout each day. Two would be stationed in the prison chained to Peter and two at the gates to the prison.
Acts 12:5 ¶ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
Acts 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
Acts 12:8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Acts 12:9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
Once the body of believers in Jerusalem heard about his arrest, they began to earnestly pray for him. The night before Peter was to be executed, an angel of the LORD appeared in the prison to wake Peter up and release him from his chains. The angel then told Peter to put on his clothes and sandals and follow him. Peter did as he was told, but evidently thought he was dreaming. Once they reached the iron gate that opened to the city, it opened automatically. The angel left Peter alone after taking him down the first street.
I think it is significant to note that Peter was sleeping. He wasn’t suffering a sleepless night in light of his coming execution. He had grown into a man of great faith who completely trusted that he would suffer death only if it were God’s will—and he was totally surrendered to God as his LORD. I was reminded of the words of David.
Psalms 4:8 “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”
Psalms 56:11 “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”
Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Acts 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
Acts 12:15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
Acts 12:16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
Peter quickly realized that God had once again done what seemed impossible; He had rescued Peter from certain death in spite of all Herod’s precautions.
Mark 10:27 “…with God all things are possible.”
Peter realized that God had truly sent an angel to deliver him from Herod and from those who had desired his death. He then decided to go to the house of Mary, John Mark’s mother, where many were gathered together praying (for him is implied I think). Some commentators posit that this house probably served as headquarters for the Jerusalem church, and this makes sense to me since that is where Peter chose to go.
Note: This would appear to be the same John Mark that wrote the gospel of Mark, cousin to Barnabas.
When Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer the knock; but she got so excited when she heard Peter’s voice that she forgot to open the gate. She ran to tell everyone that Peter was there, but they didn’t believe her; they thought she was seeing his ghost. It seems that they were praying with very little faith.
Peter continued knocking, and they finally came and opened the gate and were astonished to see that Rhoda had been telling the truth. He warned them to keep quiet and told them how the LORD had sent His angel to rescue him. He then instructed them to go tell James, the LORD’s half-brother and recognized head of the Jerusalem church, and the other “brethren” what had happened; I think this is probably a reference to the other apostles. Peter then left to go to another place.
The obvious question: Why did the LORD rescue Peter and not James? The obvious answer to me: Because James had already fulfilled his purpose in God’s plan, and Peter had not. I am reminded that scripture tells us that all our days are numbered before we are ever born.
Job 14:1–5 “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble….Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass….”
Psalms 139:16 “Your eyes could see me as an embryo, but in your book all my days were already written; my days had been shaped before any of them existed.” (CJB)
Acts 12:18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Acts 12:19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
When the morning dawned, the soldiers became quite distraught to find Peter missing. They knew the consequences for letting a prisoner escape. Once Herod realized that Peter was truly gone, he commanded that the soldiers guarding him be put to death and left Jerusalem to go to Caesarea to live. I would imagine he didn’t want to face the Jews he had meant to please by killing Peter.
Acts 12:20 ¶ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.
Acts 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
Acts 12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
Acts 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Luke now proceeds to explain events that would lead to the death of Herod. For some reason he was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, cities that were dependent upon him for their food supply. They had made friends with Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, and sought his intercession in arranging an opportunity to make peace with Herod. On a certain day, Herod, in all his royal regalia, sat upon his throne and addressed their representatives. The people responded to his speech by declaring him to be a god—not a man. Instead of correcting their blasphemy, Herod basked in their adoration. Immediately, the angel of the LORD struck him with an infection of worms (probably intestinal) because he did not give glory to God as LORD. He died from the infection of worms. Commentators note that this was in 44AD.
Acts 12:24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
This chapter ends with a statement that the word of God grew and multiplied in spite of all the persecution the church had experienced.
Luke also notes that having completed their ministry to the Jerusalem church, Saul and Barnabas returned (to Antioch I presume) taking John Mark with them.