Defending God’s Grace

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 11:1-18

 

Acts 11:17-18

If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

¹⁸ When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

(NKJV)

 

Peter’s visit to the home of a Gentile comes under the scrutiny of some of the Jews. Peter responds by telling them what had happened and how he was working in obedience to what he had heard from God, which indicates confidence on his part. His confidence is not an arrogant confidence that he is right, but a confidence that he is ministering in accordance with the will of God and his plan to have the church take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). When ministering, one must always ask if they are ministering to bring glory to God or to self.

 

Without the benefit of media or social media, word has spread throughout Judea about the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius receiving the word of God (Acts 11:1). When Peter went up to Jerusalem, some men of the circumcision contend with him, saying he went into an uncircumcised man's house to eat (Acts 11:2-3). Peter then explains what happened from the beginning (Acts 11:4).

 

Peter begins by telling them of his vision while praying and in a trance while staying in Joppa. This is his vision of a sheet coming down from heaven (Acts 11:5). As Peter intently looked at the sheet, he saw that it contained four-footed animals, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air (Acts 11:6). Peter then tells them about hearing a voice that told him to kill and eat the animals he saw to which he replied with never having eaten anything common or unclean (Acts 11:7-8). The voice then told him not to call anything common that God has cleansed (Acts 11:9). These things happened three times, and then the sheet was taken up to heaven (Acts 11:10). At that very moment, three men stood at the gate of the house where Peter was staying who had come from Caesarea (Acts 11:11). The Holy Spirit told Peter to go with them, doubting nothing, which Peter did along with six of his brethren (Acts 11:12).

 

Upon entering the house of Cornelius, he tells them how he had seen an angel standing in his house who told him to send men to Joppa for Simon, whose surname is Peter (Acts 11:13). The angel told Cornelius that Peter would share words with them by which he and his household would be saved (Acts 11:14). Peter then shares that as he began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on those gathered just as it had on them at the beginning, bringing to mind the words of the Lord, saying that John baptized with water but that they shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:15-16). Peter then asks those contending with him that if God gave these Gentiles the same gift he had given them, how could he withstand God (Acts 11:17). When those contending with Peter heard what Peter said, they were silent and glorified God, now understanding that God has also granted to the Gentiles, repentance to life (Acts 11:18).

 

Peter is challenged for entering the house of an uncircumcised Gentile and must explain how he was operating in obedience to God. Since we are told these men are of the circumcision, they are Jews who still hold to the Jewish requirement of circumcision and not associating with uncircumcised men (Acts 11:2-3). While the scripture does not tell us if these men were believers, the fact that they had no answer for Peter after his explanation and came to accept that repentance to life had come to the Gentiles, we can assume they are believers (Acts 11:18). This is a game changer and turning point for the church because it can now take the gospel outside of Israel to the rest of the world, definitely a reason for glorifying God (Acts 1:8).

 

Sometimes, programs and methods to bring the Gospel to the lost may fall under contention from some in the Church. However, as long as the objective is to lift up Christ (John 12:32) and present the Gospel, allowing them to accept Jesus as Savior, they are fulfilling the Great Commission (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). However, church leaders need to examine any new program to ensure it is Christ-centered and not someone’s idea that has self-centered motives. By self-centered motives, I mean motives of financial gain, fame, or to promote a book, podcast, or website. By Christ-centered motives, I mean motives designed to bring the lost to Christ.

 

If anyone is reading this post who has not prayed for the forgiveness of their sins and to make Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.