Peter Uses Apologetics

[Act 11:1-17 NIV] 1 The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." 4 Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. 7 Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.' 8 "I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9 "The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' 10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. 11 "Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.' 15 "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?"

The Jewish Christians continue to have a mindset that they are chosen by God and no one else should have the same salvation promise. Peter wishes to assist with their understanding. He starts at the beginning and works his way to the baptism of the Gentiles. Peter demonstrates the role that Christ left him. He is a rock and he is standing firmly explaining why he followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and bringing Gentiles to the faith in Christ.

In Luke 12:11-12, we learn that the Holy Spirit will provide us the answers to defend ourselves regarding our faith. As the above passage illustrates, it may be important to defend our actions among other believers. Have you found yourself explaining why you have decided to follow Jesus? Have you had to leave some acquaintances behind? Matthew 7:13-14 speaks about the narrow gate. It is hard leaving our old self behind, but narrow is the gate to life. We are called to be light in the darkness. As you walk through the darkness to bring others to the light remember to care for your spirit with continuous prayer, Bible study, and time with God.