The main movements in the book of Acts are as follows:1
Prologue, foundations for the church and its mission (Acts 1:1–2:41)
The church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42–6:7)
The church expands to Samaria and elsewhere (Acts 6:8–9:31)
Peter and the first Gentile converts (Acts 9:32–12:24)
Paul turns to the Gentiles (Acts 12:25–16:5)
Further penetration into the Gentile world (Acts 16:6–19:20)
On to Rome (Acts 19:21–28:31)
With regards to Peter and the first official Gentile convert, a further division can be made:2
Prelude, setting the context for Gentile mission (Acts 9:32–43)
Proclamation, the gospel is proclaimed to a Gentile (Acts 10:1–48)
Postlude, the church celebrates Gentile mission (Acts 11:1–18)
The gospel in Antioch (Acts 11:19–30)
Peter, an apostle in chains (Acts 12:1–25)
The conversion of Gentiles in Antioch immediately after the conversion of Cornelius in Caesarea serves to confirm that Gentile inclusion is not an anomaly but will be a normal part of life in the new covenant.3 The sending of Barnabas by the church in Jerusalem, and money by the church in Antioch also shows that there is one church gathering in different places (north and south).4 The church is united in their service to God.
Along with showcasing the unity of the church, the events in Antioch serve to confirm that the Lord is sovereignly advancing his kingdom in the face of persecution.5 This church would come to be a very important one in Christian history. It would serve as a springboard for Gentile mission, as well as serving as something of a go-between for the churches founded by Paul in Galatia and the church in Jerusalem. After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, Antioch would be the most prominent church.6
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.