Acts 11:1-18 Bible Teaching

Jesus’ Return and the Holy Spirit’s Gift

In a recent teaching session, we delved into the complexities of Jesus’ return, exploring why His resurrection cannot be considered His second coming. The scriptures present these as distinct events, with specific signs preceding His return that were not fulfilled during His resurrection. This understanding was further illuminated by the angel’s words at Jesus’ ascension, promising His return in the same manner.

As we continued our study in Acts, we examined Peter’s message to Cornelius, highlighting the moment when the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles who heard the word. This event astonished the Jewish believers accompanying Peter, as it signified the Holy Spirit’s gift being poured out on the Gentiles, breaking long-standing barriers.

The narrative also touched on the practice of baptism, noting that the Holy Spirit’s gift was received prior to water baptism, challenging certain religious conventions. This led to a discussion on the phrasing used in baptisms, contrasting the Trinitarian formula with the simpler “in the name of the Lord” used in Acts.

In Acts 11, we saw the apostles and brethren in Judea grappling with the news of Gentiles receiving the word of God. Peter recounted his vision and the Holy Spirit’s work among the Gentiles, emphasizing that God’s actions transcended human prejudices. This revelation prompted the Jewish believers to acknowledge that God had granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles as well.

The session concluded with a reflection on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to move beyond fear and division, embracing a ministry of love and unity. Through the Spirit, communication and understanding can bridge divides, fostering a community rooted in love and acceptance.