Welcome to our new project, the Daily Bible Devotional. The goal is to help you understand and apply

scripture as you go through a New Testament Bible read five days a week, Monday through Friday,

as we move from Matthew straight through to Revelation. In under four minutes each morning, we will recap the chapter,

make some application, present thought questions for the day, and offer a prayer together.

I'm excited about exploring God's word with you, so let's get started.

Good morning and welcome to our study today from Acts chapter 11. Peter returns to Jerusalem,

where Jewish believers take issue with him for associating with Gentiles. He recounts his vision

of unclean animals and God's command not to call impure what he has made clean. Peter reveals how the Holy Spirit descended on the Gentiles,

confirming that God has granted them the repentance that leads to life. Meanwhile, some scattered

Jewish believers begin preaching to Greeks in Antioch, and many turn to the Lord. The church in Jerusalem

sends Barnabas to Antioch to encourage the new saints, and he ultimately

recruits Saul, working with the church there for a year. Disciples of Jesus are first called

Christians in Antioch. These disciples hear of a famine in Judea and send funds for the relief of

the brethren which Barnabas and Saul deliver.

Peter introduced something new to the saints in Jerusalem, and they were not initially

receptive. However, they were willing to listen, and he shared how God brought salvation to

the Gentiles. Change is always challenging, especially when it means acceptance of others, but humble hearts will keep open ears and learn to embrace what honors the will of God.

Fortunately, this paved the way for more Jews to share the gospel with Gentiles, allowing the church to thrive and expand.

Perhaps changing attitudes toward others and a willingness to broaden outreach can benefit local churches today.

Ironically, Gentile Christians in Antioch sent funds to assist needy Jewish saints.

A thriving fellowship emerges when brethren step beyond their comfort zones.

I love the irony of that. Jews are reluctant to share

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