The Book Of ActsIsampula

The Growth of the Kingdom in Phoenicia, Cypress and Antioch: Acts 9:32–12:25

The third major section of Acts describes how the gospel expanded beyond the borders of the Promised Land, to the ends of the earth, as it was known in that day, beginning with the advance of the gospel in Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch in chapter 9 verse 32 through chapter 12 verse 25. It concerns the first significant spread of the gospel beyond Judea and Samaria as it extended into the nearby Gentile lands of Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch in Syria. 

In this portion of Acts, we read of Peter’s ministry in Lydda and Joppa in Acts 9:32-43; Peter’s ministry in Caesarea to the Gentile Cornelius in chapter 10:1-11:18; the expansion of the gospel to Syrian Antioch in chapter 11:19-30; and Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison in Jerusalem in chapter 12:1-25. 

Not surprisingly, the pattern of internal growth and tension continued here as well. Luke recorded several examples of internal growth. For instance, 

• Gentiles were brought into the church in Acts chapter 10; and
• The church was encouraged by Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison in Acts chapter 12. 

And of course, there were related tensions as well. For example,

• Many Jews hesitated to receive Gentiles into full fellowship in the church in Acts chapter 11; and
• Many resisted loosening Old Testament dietary restrictions in Acts chapter 11. 

In this section also, Luke emphasized the pattern of outward growth and opposition. For instance, he wrote of external growth through:

• The conversion of Cornelius and many other Gentiles in Acts chapter 10; and
• The successful evangelistic ministry of Barnabas and others in Antioch in Acts chapter 11. 

But this growth was not without opposition.

• This persecution included the death of James in Acts chapter 12; and

The imprisonment of Peter in Acts chapter 12.

But despite the tension and opposition, the gospel witness was not ultimately hindered. The Holy Spirit continued to bless the church’s evangelism and discipleship. He overcame racial divisions and persecution, even freeing Peter from prison in a miraculous way. No matter what hindrances were thrown in its path, the gospel continued to go forward.