What can we learn from Peter's response to criticism in Acts 11:2? Setting the Scene “ So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took issue with him ” (Acts 11:2). • Peter had just witnessed the Holy Spirit fall on Cornelius’s household (Acts 10:44–48). • Returning to Jerusalem, he faced sharp criticism from Jewish believers who thought he had violated God’s law by eating with Gentiles. How Peter Handled Criticism • Calm explanation (Acts 11:4): “But Peter began and explained to them the matter in order.” • Clear recounting of God’s actions—vision, Spirit’s command, outpouring on Gentiles (Acts 11:5-17). • Deference to Scripture and the Lord’s words: “I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’ ” (Acts 11:16). • Recognition of God’s sovereign initiative: “Who was I to be able to hinder God?” (Acts 11:17). • Result: the critics “glorified God” and accepted Gentile inclusion (Acts 11:18). Lessons for Daily Discipleship • Respond, don’t react—take time to “explain…in order.” • Anchor every defense in God’s revealed Word and observable works. • Keep the focus on God’s glory, not personal vindication. • Yield to the Spirit’s leading even when misunderstood. • A humble, Scripture-saturated answer can turn critics into worshipers. Scriptures that Echo These Principles • Proverbs 15:1—“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” • James 1:19—“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” • 1 Peter 3:15—“Always be ready to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect.” • 2 Timothy 2:24-25—“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient when wronged.” Putting It into Practice • When criticized, pause and pray before speaking. • Lay out facts and Scripture instead of opinions and emotions. • Highlight where God is clearly at work. • Invite critics to join in glorifying God rather than defeating opponents. • Trust that obedience to the Spirit is worth temporary misunderstanding. |
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