Acts

Have you ever wondered why someone tells you the same story twice? Maybe a close friend repeats a moment that changed their life, or a grandparent tells again how they came to faith. You might think, “I’ve already heard this!” But when they tell it again, you realize—it’s because it matters deeply to them. Some stories are worth retelling.

As we come to Acts 11, we might feel the same way. Haven’t we just heard about Peter’s vision and the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit? Why does Luke take the time, the space, and the cost to repeat it all over again? You see, producing a book in the ancient world was incredibly expensive. Every line of papyrus cost real money. Adding these 18 verses of repetition costs the equivalent of hundreds of dollars today. Ink and space were precious. So, if Luke repeats himself, he’s not wasting words. He is investing them.

What was so important that it was worth the cost? The answer is unity. The church of Jesus Christ is one church, united by the Spirit of God, not by human background, culture, or effort. As Paul says, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). The early believers needed to learn this, and so do we.

In this passage, we’ll see that unity is challenged when human pride or prejudice arises, confirmed by the unmistakable work of God, and finally embraced as the people of God rejoice in the Spirit’s work among all nations. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate upon Acts 11:1-8, Psalm 133, John 17:20-23, Ephesians 2:11-22, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, and this article on Church Unity.

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “All Creatures of Our God and King,” the Acclamation of Praise “Jesus!  What a Friend for Sinners,” and the Hymn of Response “All Glory Be to Christ.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives so that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!

Sermon Information

Text: Acts 11:1-18

Title: A United Church

Outline:

1. Unity Challenged (vv. 1-3)
2. Unity Confirmed (vv. 4-17)
   1. Divine Vision (vv. 4-10)
   2. Divine Command (vv. 11-12)
   3. Divine Preparation (vv. 13-14)
   4. Divine Action (vv. 15-17)
3. Unity Embraced (v. 18)

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