Acts 11 in the King James Version (KJV) continues the story of the early church, focusing on Peter’s defense of his actions in sharing the Gospel with Gentiles, the expansion of the church, and the growth of the Christian community in Antioch. Key lessons from this chapter include: 1. God’s Work is Bigger Than Our Expectations (Acts 11:1-18) – When Peter returns to Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticize him for associating with Gentiles. Peter explains how God gave him a vision showing that the Gospel was for all people, and recounts the events of Cornelius’ conversion. The Holy Spirit’s outpouring on the Gentiles confirms that God has opened the door for them to receive salvation. The lesson here is that God’s work may sometimes exceed our understanding or expectations. We should remain open to His plan, even when it challenges our previous views or traditions. 2. The Importance of Accountability and Transparency (Acts 11:1-18) – When Peter is questioned by the believers in Jerusalem, he does not become defensive but shares his experience and explains his actions. This teaches the importance of accountability and being transparent in our actions, especially when we are led by the Holy Spirit in ways that may seem unconventional or challenging to others. It reminds us that honest discussion and clarity are important in the body of Christ. 3. The Universality of the Gospel (Acts 11:15-18) – Peter concludes that if God gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles, as He did to the Jews, then there should be no reason to oppose their inclusion in the faith. This confirms the lesson that the Gospel is for all people, and salvation is not limited to one ethnic group or nation. The message of Jesus Christ is universal, and believers should not show partiality based on race, culture, or background. 4. The Growth of the Church (Acts 11:19-26) – After the persecution that scattered the early believers, they continue to spread the Gospel, even to Gentiles in Antioch. Barnabas is sent to Antioch to encourage the new believers, and he brings Saul (Paul) to help teach. The church in Antioch becomes a center for Christian growth, and it is here that the disciples are first called “Christians.” The lesson here is that God’s Kingdom continues to grow, often in unexpected places. As the Gospel spreads, new communities of believers are formed, and believers are called to nurture and encourage one another in the faith. 5. Generosity and Compassion (Acts 11:27-30) – In response to a prophecy about a coming famine, the disciples in Antioch decide to send financial help to the believers in Judea. This demonstrates the early church’s commitment to generosity and caring for the needs of others, especially fellow believers. The lesson is the importance of being compassionate and generous, especially in times of need, and the call to support the global body of Christ in practical ways. In summary, Acts 11 teaches that God’s work often goes beyond our expectations, the importance of accountability and transparency, the universality of the Gospel, the continuous growth of the church through outreach, and the necessity of generosity and compassion toward others. It encourages believers to embrace God’s inclusive plan for salvation and to support one another in love and unity.