Acts 11: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 11 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The apostles and brothers in Judea hear that Gentiles received the word of God (vv. 1-2). Peter returns to Jerusalem and faces criticism from those of the circumcision.

Key verse

“If then God gave to them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?”
Acts 11:17 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 11:1–4 Peter Defends His Actions
Acts 11:5–10 Peter's Vision Explained
Acts 11:11–18 Acceptance of Gentiles Confirmed
Acts 11:19–24 Antioch Church Growth
Acts 11:25–26 Saul Joins Barnabas in Antioch
Acts 11:27–30 Prophecy and Relief Efforts

Discussion questions

In v2, who contended with Peter over his actions regarding Gentiles?
What vision did Peter describe in v5 that prompted his actions?
The phrase 'What God has cleansed' in v9: how does this challenge Jewish purity laws?
In v18, why did the Jerusalem believers glorify God after hearing Peter's account?
When have you felt challenged to change your beliefs about who is included in God's family?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 11: Acts 10, Acts 15, Acts 16.

Before next time: read Acts 12.