Rejoice of the Conversion of Others  

In Acts 11:1-3, we see that those in Judea had heard about the gentiles receiving the word of God. It is very unfortunate that their first response was to criticize the Peter’s actions rather than praise God. Only after Peter recounted the event did the brethren praise God for His work (see verses 4-18).  

Christians must be very carefully not to be overly judgmental and quick to judge (Prov. 18:13). If you heard that someone received the word of God, you should rejoice instead of trying to find fault in the messenger.  

If you do make the mistake of speaking before you hear the whole matter, please be humble enough not to hold onto your opinion stubbornly (Acts 11:18). The good news is that the brethren were humble enough to listen and change their opinion about Peter’s deeds. They recognized that it was God working through Peter to bring the gentiles into His church and they gave God praise. Likewise, as God brings unbelievers into the truth, we should give praise to God for it.  

Also note what the disciples said about God. “Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” There is no life without repentance. Access to eternal life requires repentance towards God. As stated several times in this series, repentance is a change in mind, in feelings, and in conduct. The disciples praised God for granting the Gentiles the opportunity to change their way of life.  

The ways of man can only lead to death. Prov 14:12 and Prov 16:25 prove this. If we convert to God’s ways through repentance, then we can have eternal life. Rejoice when God gives someone an opportunity to have eternal life! It is written that an innumerable amount of people will come out of great tribulation washed in the blood of the Lamb. See Rev. 7:9-10,13-14. We must learn to rejoice at the repentance and conversion of others regardless of ethnicity.   

Lessons from Antioch  

Acts 11 reads more like a story narrative rather than a collection of doctrine; however, there are lessons we can learn from reading what the apostles were doing at this time. In this section, we will review some of those lessons.  

1. God can turn bad events into something good.  

In Acts 11:19, Luke shows us that after the assassination of Stephen, the disciples were scattered as far as Antioch, Cyprus, and Phenice. Cyprus and Phenice are on islands in the Mediterranean Sea. You can confirm this on a map at the back of a Bible. Around the same time Peter had taught Cornelius, there were converted men from Cyrene (Libya) and Cyprus who were teaching the truth to Greeks speaking Jews (Acts 11:20-21). Remember, Acts 2:9-11 shows that some of the converts at Pentecost were from the places mentioned in Acts 11. It is likely that these converts were scattered there after the death of Stephen. 

News of the work soon came to Jerusalem. Consequently, Barnabas was sent to them. (Acts 11:22-24). More people were added to the church after Barnabas arrived. God has the power to turn persecution into the conversion of many more people.  

Rom 8:28 states that all things work together for good to people who love God. Do not let persecution or other troubles shake your walk with God. If you truly love God, terrible events will turn into good when He chooses. These saints were scattered, fleeing for their lives, yet they were used to bring many new brethren into repentance. 

Read what Jesus said in Mark 10:29-30. These saints were being persecuted, but they gained many knew brethren just like Jesus said.  

2. The disciples of Jesus will assemble in true fellowship. 

Acts 11:25-26 shows us that Barnabas went to find Saul at Tarsus and brought him back to Antioch. We are not told how long Barnabas was in Antioch before going to seek Saul, but we are told that Barnabas and Saul spent a whole year assembling with the church at Antioch.  

This is important to compare with modern Christian leaders. Many of these professing leaders do not assemble themselves with new converts for extensive amounts of time. What we typically see are grand claims of mass conversions at prescheduled events that last for short periods of time. Many of these events appear to be no more than marketing campaigns, fundraisers, and book tours. This is not said to denigrate anyone. We must look at the fruits of these events. Compare what you have heard to Acts 2:41-47.  

God’s work brings people into fellowship with each other. These are long-term friendships, not temporary unions. We can know where God is working when we see His love on display (John 15:7-12; John 13:34-35).  

3. Prophets are not regulated to the Early Church 

Many do not believe that there are still prophets in church. The main reason for this is because of all the false prophets that have arisen since the early church began. Jesus warned of false prophets coming (Matt. 24:11). There would be no need for false prophets if there were no true prophets of God. Remember, satan is in the business of misrepresenting himself and his servants (II Cor. 11:13-15). Jesus said by their fruits you shall know them. Real prophets and apostles are identified by their fruits not the claims they make about themselves.  

In Acts 11:27-30, we see prophets coming to Antioch to warn Barnabas and Saul of a coming drought. Amos 3:7 tells us that God reveals what is to come to His servants. It is sad that many do not believe this and therefore miss out on crucial warnings. We should be willing to pray to God about warnings from those who claim to have received word from God. We ought to let God reveal what is true rather than be gullible or overly suspicious!  

4. Show God’s Love in Times of Trouble 

It is important to recognize that this early warning was for the benefit of the church (Acts 11:28). The love of the church at Antioch was used to provide for the church at Jerusalem. Note that the drought was not isolated to Jerusalem (verse 28). Nevertheless, those at Antioch were willing to sacrifice for those who had less.  Don’t let hard times stop you from being a vessel of God’s charity.  

Please reflect on these lessons as often as possible and live by them!