04/28/2025 – Acts – Chapters 11 – 18 // 11: 11 – 18: “A Convincing Story”
This commentary is from William Barclay’s – “The Acts of the Apostles” (ISBN 0-664-24106-9) – First Edition, 1953 ; Revised Edition, 1976:
“The fault for which Peter was initially on trial was that he had eaten with Gentiles (verse 3). By so doing Peter had outraged the ancestral Law and traditions of his people. Peter’s defense was not an argument; it was a statement of the facts. Whatever his critics might say the Holy Spirit had come upon these Gentiles in the most notable way. In verse 12 there is a significant sidelight. Peter says that he took six brethren with him. Together with himself that made seven persons present. In Egyptian law, which the Jews would know ell, seven witnesses were necessary completely to prove a case. In Roman law, which they would also know ell, seven seals were necessary to authenticate a really important document. So Peter is in effect saying, ‘I am not arguing with you. I am telling you the facts and of these facts there are seven witnesses. The case is proved.’
The proof of Christianity always lies in facts. It is doubtful if anyone has ever been argued into Christianity by verbal proofs and logical demonstrations. The proof of Christianity is that it works, that it does change men, that it does make bad men good, that it does bring to men the Spiriti of God. It is when a man’s deeds give the lie to his words that the gravest discredit is brought on Christianity; it is when a man’s words are guaranteed by his deeds that the world is presented with an argument for Christianity which will brook no denial.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
Questions for fellowship generation, the lifelong sanctification process:
- What does the text reveal about God’s character?
- How has this reading generated prayer for you and/or us?
- What themes stand out to you in this bible study?
- How does our reading fit into the bigger picture (creation, the fall, restoration, etc.)?
- What verse(s) jumped out at you like never before? Is it explainable at this point?
- Do you have any questions you would like to put before the group as to how to interpret any particular verse(s) in our reading. Let scripture testify to scripture: Share with us where you sense contradiction between passages elsewhere.
- What did you find convicting and inspiring at the same time? Share with us how the Spirit of God is working within you as a messenger, both within and outside of our fellowship group.
- Share with the group how our study is calling or confirming to you a new mission to glorify God in our times.