Inside Out

In exploring Acts 11, we witness a pivotal moment in the early Christian church's journey—a moment that calls us to re-examine what it means to truly follow God, not merely through outward rituals but by transforming our hearts. As the early Christians encountered the Gentiles' acceptance into the faith, the events unfolded to redefine faith, unity, and grace, highlighting a message that remains powerfully relevant for us today. 

The Gentiles and the Gift of the Holy Spirit

At the close of Acts 10, we see Peter experiencing a breakthrough revelation as he witnesses the Holy Spirit being poured out on the Gentiles:

Acts 10:44-48
"While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.”

This scene challenges the traditional Jewish customs, particularly the practice of circumcision, which served as a covenantal mark for God’s chosen people since the days of Abraham.

Why Circumcision?

Circumcision in the Old Testament was more than a physical act; it was a mark of covenant with God. In Genesis 17, God instructed Abraham to circumcise himself and every male in his household, establishing a visible sign of dedication.

Genesis 17:10-12
"This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring."

This physical mark was always intended to symbolize something deeper: an inward purity and devotion to God. Yet, over time, the Israelites became so focused on this outward ritual that they often missed the true spiritual transformation it was meant to represent.

A Covenant of the Heart

God’s desire for His people was not only about an outward covenant but an inward transformation. Through the prophet Jeremiah, He declared:

Jeremiah 4:4
"Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds."

God was pointing toward a "circumcision" of the heart—a life marked by genuine faith, not just tradition or ritual.

When Jesus came, He fulfilled this concept, bringing a new covenant marked by grace, not by physical symbols. The Apostle Paul later expands on this:

Romans 2:28-29
"For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter."

Peter’s Testimony and the Breaking of Boundaries

As Peter recounts his experience to the other apostles in Acts 11, he faces criticism from those still attached to traditional beliefs. They struggle to comprehend why Peter would associate with "uncircumcised" Gentiles. Yet, Peter’s testimony is simple and powerful: God granted the Gentiles the same gift of the Holy Spirit, leading him to question:

Acts 11:17
"If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?"

The apostles and believers were stunned into silence, and eventually, they praised God, recognizing that salvation had also been granted to the Gentiles:

Acts 11:18
"When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Peter’s willingness to follow God, even when it challenged societal norms, serves as a reminder that God’s work often breaks through our human traditions and boundaries.

Reflecting on Peter's experience, I'm reminded of Leonard Ravenhill's powerful words:

"A man with an experience of God is never at the mercy of a man with an argument, for an experience of God that costs something is worth something, and does something." - Leonard Ravenhill

Peter’s obedience to God becomes a witness that experiences of God’s transformative power speak louder than any argument. 

Grace: The New Covenant

The entry of the Gentiles into the faith marks the beginning of a transformative grace-based covenant. Through Jesus, the covenant is now of the heart, symbolized by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit rather than a physical mark. 

The Grace of God Is a Tangible Sign of God’s Covenant With Us.

It's calling us to live lives marked by inward change rather than just outward actions.

As Titus 2:11-12 explains:

Titus 2:11-12
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

This grace transforms us from the inside out, changing our actions, words, and even our desires.

Living Out Faith From the Inside Out

In Acts 11, we also see a church that actively supports one another, providing for each other's needs according to their abilities:

Acts 11:29-30
"So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul."

Their commitment was not merely a token gesture but a way to demonstrate their faith. Today, we are called to that same generosity and support within our communities, giving according to our means and investing in what God is doing around us.

As we walk this path, let’s ask ourselves, 

Do People Know Who You Belong To?

Our lives should reflect the grace and transformation that God has worked within us. Following Christ isn’t just about rituals or labels; it’s about an inside-out transformation, a covenant commitment, and a life of service and generosity that leaves a lasting impact.

Acts 11 offers a compelling call to all believers. As we move forward, may we embrace a faith that transforms us from within, driven by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in God’s grace. Let us be people who do not merely go through the motions but live a life set apart for God—a life that others can see and say, “They truly belong to Christ.”