Devotional Acts 11: Gentile Salvation and the First Christians Reflection on Acts 11: Peter's defense in Jerusalem, why salvation is for all nations, and the origin of the name 'Christians' in Antioch. Topics: Devotional, New Testament.

Devotional Acts 11: Gentile Salvation and the First Christians

Today’s devotional is found in the book of Acts, chapter 11, and this is what happened.

Synopsis: In this chapter, upon returning from Caesarea to Jerusalem, Peter is confronted by the apostles regarding preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, entering their homes, and eating with them. But Peter defends himself by recounting chronologically what happened and how God wanted him to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ so that the Gentiles could also repent and be saved by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Understanding what had occurred, the apostles praised God and realized that the sacrifice of Jesus applies to the Gentiles as well. Afterward, the believers in Jesus who were scattered because of Stephen’s death settled in Antioch together with Barnabas, one of the apostles, and Saul, and they preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, leading a large part of the population to believe. It was there that for the first time the believers in Jesus Christ were called Christians. Finally, a prophet named Agabus came to Antioch to speak about a prophecy he saw regarding a coming global famine. Hearing this, the disciples sent their relief aid through Barnabas and Saul to the elders for their brothers in Christ in Judea.

Observations

These were my observations:

1. Salvation in Christ is for everyone. Although prior to the sacrifice of Jesus there was a belief that Jews and Gentiles could not coexist and share God’s teachings, things changed after the crucifixion of Jesus. The God whom the Jews previously knew simply as their God became the God of all nations because of Jesus’s sacrifice. Through Him, all who come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior can be forgiven and inherit the Kingdom of God. This was the first time in the Bible that the disciples truly understood the words Jesus had spoken to them and God’s manifest will to extend salvation to all people who believe in Jesus.
2. Believers in Jesus are called Christians for the first time. Even while being persecuted by the Jews and the authorities, and knowing their lives were at risk, the Christians continued to observe the commandments of Jesus. Their commitment and wonders were so remarkable due to the Holy Spirit that believers kept multiplying, and they were known as Christians for the first time—for they exhibited true traits of Jesus.
3. Christians help their brothers following the example of Christ as true Christians. As soon as the disciples in Antioch learned that their brothers in Judea might be facing famine, they offered to help them just as Jesus would. They demonstrated that they were trying to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as true believers in Him—that is, true Christians.