Outline of Acts 1 8 From Caesarea

Outline of Acts 1: 8

From Caesarea To Jerusalem • Cornelius was baptized in Caesarea • It became known in Judea • Peter returned to Jerusalem

Criticism of Peter • “Circumcised believers” = those not open to Gentile inclusion in church • Criticized for having table fellowship with Gentiles. • Peter retold the events of the conversion of Cornelius

When they heard this, they had no further objections. (11: 18)

He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved. (11: 14) • • • Devout Generous God-fearing Prayerful Righteous

Those scattered by the persecution… traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch…only to the Jews. (11: 19)

Antioch • 3 rd largest city in Roman Empire • 500, 000 pop. • “Hinge City” of East & West • Cosmopolitan

Mission: Antioch • Some began to share the gospel with Greeks. • Good news about Lord Jesus (not Jesus Messiah!)

Mission: Antioch • A great number of people believed…. • Jerusalem heard of growth • Sent Barnabas • Great number of people (21, 24)

Barnabas went to Tarsus for Saul They ministered there one year

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (11: 26)

• Term is used only 3 times in the N. T. (Acts 11: 26; 26: 28; 1 Peter 4: 16) • Means “belonging to Christ” • Originated by non-Christians

A prophet named Agabus came from Jerusalem and predicted a Roman -empire-wide famine.

A rich man cannot pray for rain! Serafino Gitonga and Family Meru, Kenya - 1984

The disciples in Antioch sent aid to their brothers in Judea by Barnabas and Saul

• Herod Agrippa I – grandson of Herod the Great • Grew up in Rome • No governor during his reign (37 -44) • Ruled his grandfather’s territory

Realm of Herod Agrippa I

• Herod arrested Christians • Had James, brother of John, put to death “by the sword” • Had Peter arrested • Intended to try Peter after Passover

Peter was guarded by 4 squads of soldiers, probably in the Fortress Antonia

Fortress Antonia

Peter’s Rescue • Church was praying (5) • Awakened by an angel • Chains fell off • Walked past guards • Came to himself….

Peter at Mary’s House • Church was praying at Mary’s house • Mary was mother of John Mark and Aunt of Barnabas (Col. 4: 10) • Rhoda, a servant girl, ran to tell them, leaving Peter at the door • Tell James (brother of Jesus)

Herod’s Arrogance • Happened in A. D. 44 • In Caesarea • Quarrel with Tyre & Sidon • Voice of a god! • Eaten by worms • Did not give praise to God

Herod’s Arrogance • Herod’s death is reported by Josephus in Antiquities (19. 8)

But the word of God continued to increase and spread. (12: 24) 1: 8