v. 2 the circumcised believers criticized him (Peter). The early Christians always wanted to make sure that their doctrine and practice was in line with Jesus' teaching and not something from their own minds. So, they question Peter about what he did. This should be true of us, too. The Word of God must be the stencil for our practice, not just someone's opinion. Theology is not by concensus -- it is based on the truth of God. So, as we form our opinions about the issues of our day, our questions should always be, "What does God's Word say about that?"
v. 15 the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Peter recognized that God would not contradict Himself. If the Gentiles were not to be part of His people, then He would not bestow His power upon them or endow them with His gifts.
v. 19 Note that, as a result of Stephen's martyrdom, the Christians recognize that they are in danger and so they begin to scatter among the nations. As they spread the message, at first they restrict themselves to others from the household of Israel. Soon, however, they begin to reach out even to the Greeks.
v. 23. Barnabas. Note his special quality of being an encourager. His ministry among the people of Antioch is richly blessed, and soon he brings Paul, the persecuter, to visit this young congregation which included many Gentiles. The two of them work with these folks for a year, and the term Christian is first applied to believers in this place.
v. 28. Famine. The early Christians are challenged with their first mission project. They promptly respond in love and mercy for their brothers in Judea.
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