It is recommended to read from Isaiah 42:6–7 and Isaiah 60:1–9 together with your reading from Acts 11:19–30.

• Introduction

  Begin by mentioning how Acts 8-11 focuses on the theme of Gentile inclusion, and how this is also evident in Acts 11:19-30. Comment on how the happenings in Antioch serve to confirm that Gentiles are not an anomaly and that they are genuine believers who belong to God’s church.

• Gentile inclusion is not an anomaly

  • Explain: What happened in Acts 11:1-18? What was the conclusion?

  • Explain: How does Acts 11:19-30 show that Gentile inclusion is not a once-off anomaly?

  • Explain: What did the old covenant prophets testify regarding the greater inclusion of Gentiles in the time of the new covenant?

  • Explain and Apply: The church of Jesus Christ should continually expect and be ready for people from many backgrounds to respond positively to the good news of Jesus.

• Gentile believers are genuine believers

  • Explain: What are some of the questions/concerns which would likely have been raised in the minds of believers from a Jewish background when they realised that many Gentiles are likely to join the church in the future?

  • Explain: Why is Barnabas sent to the church in Antioch?

  • Explain: How does the arrival of Saul serve to confirm that the believers in Antioch were genuine believers?

  • Explain: How does the name Christian confirm that the believers in Antioch were genuine believers?

  • Explain: How does the response of the believers in Antioch to the prophecy of Agabus confirm that they were genuine believers?

  • Explain/Apply: Welcoming believers from different backgrounds does not mean that we must let go of doctrine. Genuine believers will submit to everything that Scripture teaches about Jesus Christ.

  • Explain/Apply: If we are part of God’s church, we should expect to help one another and be ready to ask for help if we are in need.

• Prayer

  We thank you that Jesus Christ is a light also for the Gentiles, and that the work which he did during his time on earth benefits all those who believe. Thank you that we can be part of your church and know the forgiveness of sins because of Jesus. Please help us by your Spirit to trust and serve one another. May we welcome all those whom you would bring into our midst and will you change us so that we are not only willing to give help to those in need but also ask for it ourselves. In this regard we want to thank you for the deacons in our church and the service work which they do. Please give them wisdom for their work going forwards and help us to support brothers and sisters in need as well as sharing our needs when they arise. Humble us where we are too proud to do so. Amen.