Gentiles Became Part of the Church (Acts 11)
Dear families,
Acts 11 recounts the first time people were called “Christians” because they were recognized as followers of Jesus. In this passage, Peter was criticized by some of the believing Jews for going into the house of Cornelius and eating with Gentiles; however, these same critics later realized that God’s power was at work even among the Gentiles.
How did the church in Antioch demonstrate God’s plan for all people to be saved through the gospel? What is the proper response of Christ followers upon hearing that the lost have been found through coming to faith in Jesus?
The church in Antioch displayed the power of the gospel as Gentile believers and Jewish believers became one body under the headship of Christ. It was the transforming power of the Holy Spirit that held these brothers and sisters together, allowing for differing customs and backgrounds to be overcome. In fact, when Peter defended the Gentile salvation to the church in Jerusalem, he recited Jesus’ words from Acts 1:5 on the baptism of the Spirit. He reminded the naysayers among them that if the Gentiles truly received the Spirit, why should the rest of them get in the way of God’s salvation at work? The evidence of the Holy Spirit among them, leading them to live in holy fellowship and bold proclamation, proved that God’s hand was working in the lives of those who were previously outside the faith.
Turning away from their disapproval, the members of the circumcision party first became stunned into silence and then glorified God for the repentance of these new Gentile followers. May we, too, be quick to move to celebration and praise when anyone trusts in Jesus for salvation, rather than be unsure or prone to criticism. Let our own hearts seek to pray that the Spirit produces good fruit in the lives of those who proclaim His truth, encouraging and lifting them up as they seek and serve His name alongside us.
Highlight God’s goodness in bringing these new followers to Himself. Encourage your kids to share the gospel with those who may be different from themselves, trusting that the good news of Jesus brings us together for the good of His church and the glory of God.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: We can celebrate when others believe in Jesus.
- Younger Preschool: The gospel spread even when people tried to stop it. The good news about Jesus is for everyone. God wants us to celebrate when others believe in Jesus.
- Older Preschool: The gospel continued to spread even when people tried to stop it. The good news about Jesus is for everyone. God wants us to celebrate when others believe in Jesus.
- Kids: Even though some people tried to stop it, the gospel spread throughout the earth—not only to Jews but also to Gentiles. The good news about Jesus is for everyone. God calls us to celebrate when others believe and help them know and love Jesus more.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: Who is the church? The church is all Christians around the world.
- Older Preschool: What is the church? The church is all Christians everywhere.
- Kids: What is the church? The church is all Christians everywhere, who gather together in their communities to worship and serve God.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: The church has many people who help. 1 Corinthians 12:12
- Younger Preschool: Like a body has many parts, the church has many people who work together. 1 Corinthians 12:12
- Older Preschool: For just as the body is one and has many parts … so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12
- Kids: For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12
** Next week: Peter Was Rescued from Prison (Acts 12)
Imago Dei Church Kids Ministry 