Word + Walk: The People v. God’s Gentile Revelation
✝️ Sermon Recap: The People v. God’s Gentile Revelation
Text: Acts 11:1–18
Big Idea: God is not on trial. We are. The question is whether we will glorify Him when He acts beyond our categories.
I. The Accusation (Acts 11:1–3)
The apostles and brothers in Judea heard that Gentiles received the Word of God. Instead of rejoicing, the circumcision party criticized Peter. Their issue was not whether Gentiles received the Word but that Peter ate with them. They missed that circumcision was a reminder of God creating Israel out of nothing, not a wall to keep others out.
Reflection: Where are we tempted to criticize God’s work instead of celebrating it?
II. The Testimony (Acts 11:4–17)
Peter explained everything in order. He recounted his vision of the sheet from heaven, the Spirit’s command to go without distinction, and the confirmation that came when the Spirit fell on Gentiles just as at Pentecost. Cornelius’ vision matched Peter’s mission. Peter remembered the words of Jesus about baptism with the Spirit and concluded, “Who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
Reflection: Do we testify to what God has done, or do we argue to defend our own positions?
III. The Verdict (Acts 11:18)
The church fell silent. The criticism stopped. Then they glorified God: “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” The trial ends not with Peter vindicated, but with God glorified.
Reflection: Where do we need to fall silent, surrender, and glorify God instead of resisting Him?
🙏 Walk It Out: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1 – Criticism or Celebration
📖 Acts 11:1–3; Philippians 1:15–18
The church criticized Peter instead of celebrating God’s work.
Walk It Out: Where do you nitpick the method and miss the miracle?
Day 2 – Listening Before Speaking
📖 Acts 11:4; James 1:19–20
Peter patiently explained what happened.
Walk It Out: Who needs your testimony more than your argument?
Day 3 – Who Am I to Stand in God’s Way
📖 Acts 11:17; Isaiah 55:8–9
Peter surrendered to God’s will instead of clinging to his categories.
Walk It Out: Pray this honestly: “Lord, where am I standing in Your way?”
Day 4 – Silence That Leads to Praise
📖 Acts 11:18; Habakkuk 2:20
The church stopped talking, then glorified God.
Walk It Out: Practice two minutes of silence today, then end in praise.
Day 5 – Repentance That Leads to Life
📖 Acts 11:18; 2 Corinthians 7:10
Repentance is God’s gift that opens the way to life.
Walk It Out: What do you need to repent of today to receive more of His life?
🗣️ Adult Bible Class and Family Discussion Questions
Why did the believers in Judea respond with criticism instead of celebration when they heard the Gentiles had received the Word of God?
→ Follow up: How do we sometimes resist good news because it doesn’t fit our expectations?
📖 Philippians 1:15–18Why was eating with Gentiles such a stumbling block for the circumcision party?
→ Follow up: What cultural or religious traditions might we confuse with the gospel today?
📖 Galatians 2:11–14How do small issues sometimes overshadow the larger work of God?
→ Follow up: How can we learn to major in what God majors in?
📖 Matthew 23:23–24How does Peter’s patient testimony show us the power of telling the story rather than arguing?
→ Follow up: How can our testimony today persuade others better than debate?
📖 Revelation 12:11Why do you think God gave Peter the vision three times?
→ Follow up: Where in your life has God had to repeat Himself before you obeyed?
📖 2 Corinthians 12:7–9Why did Peter take six witnesses with him?
→ Follow up: What role does accountability play in strengthening our witness today?
📖 Deuteronomy 19:15How does Cornelius’ vision confirm that God prepares both the messenger and the hearer?
→ Follow up: Who might God already be preparing for you to reach?
📖 Romans 10:14–15Why is Peter’s statement, “the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us,” such a turning point?
→ Follow up: How should this shape the way we view people who are different from us?
📖 Ephesians 2:13–16How did remembering the words of Jesus give Peter clarity in the moment?
→ Follow up: What words of Jesus do we need to remember in our own struggles?
📖 John 14:26What does Peter mean when he asks, “Who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
→ Follow up: Where in our lives or ministries might we be resisting what God is doing?
📖 Isaiah 46:9–10Why is silence such an important step before glorifying God?
→ Follow up: How can we practice silence in order to truly hear God’s will?
📖 Psalm 46:10What does it mean that repentance is a gift that God grants leading to life?
→ Follow up: How should this truth shape the way we treat those who are far from God?
📖 2 Timothy 2:24–25
🧾 Quick Scripture Reference List
Acts 11:1–18 – Peter defends God’s Gentile revelation
Philippians 1:15–18 – Rejoice that Christ is preached
Galatians 2:11–14 – Paul confronts Peter over Gentile fellowship
Matthew 23:23–24 – Straining out a gnat, swallowing a camel
Revelation 12:11 – They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and testimony
2 Corinthians 12:7–9 – Paul pleaded three times before receiving God’s answer
Deuteronomy 19:15 – Every matter established by witnesses
Romans 10:14–15 – How will they hear without a preacher
Ephesians 2:13–16 – Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility
John 14:26 – The Spirit reminds us of the words of Jesus
Isaiah 46:9–10 – God accomplishes all His purpose
Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God
2 Timothy 2:24–25 – God may grant repentance leading to truth