ACTS 11

Acts 11:8 This is similar to Ezekiel 4:9-17. Peter had already been taught this: “Whatever goes into a 

person from outside cannot defile, since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the 

sewer (Thus he declared all foods clean.)” (Mark 7:19).

 

Acts 11:14 “and your entire household” is added to the first account. This is used by some to argue that 

even the slaves and children were baptized at that time, whether or not they believed.

 

Acts 11:16 “Baptized with the Holy Spirit” only used for this event and Pentacost-- not a norm for all

 new believers.

 

Acts 11:20 There is textual disagreement as to whether it was Hellenistic Jews or Gentiles that were 

being preached to. Antioch becomes the next major Christian center after Jerusalem.

 

Acts 11:22-24 The name Barnabas means son of encouragement.

 

Acts 11:26 The designation “Christian” only makes sense if said by a Gentile follower of Christ, since 

“Christ” to a Jew only meant Messiah. Some scholars feel that originally "Christian" was a derogatory 

term, much like saying "Jesus freaks."

 

Acts 11:28 This event is confirmed in Josephus' Antiquities 20:2. 46-47 AD was the worst for 

Jerusalem. Agabus will appear later in Acts 21. The famine was not widespread, but such inclusive 

language is used elsewhere in Acts. That means that the famine was probably after Herod's death in 44 

AD, not before. This demonstrates that the order of events is not always chronological, but may be 

according to a literary scheme. See the structure below:

[mission of mercy to Jerusalem Church (11:27-30)]

1. Herod's persecution (12:1-4)

2. Church prays for Peter's release (12:5)

3. Angel releases Peter (12:6-11)

2'. Peter appears to the church (12:12-17)

1'. Herod's fate (12:18-23)

[mission of mercy concluded (12:24-25)]

Acts 11:30 Read Galatians 2:1-10 for the account of Paul in Jerusalem. He may have brought Titus 

with him on purpose to test the question of circumcision.