We are able to get through the overview of Acts 10-11, as we are studying the importance of this book of history concerning the first century church, and the transition it went through from being a Jewish church in Jerusalem, to being a multicultural, multinational church sending out missionaries in Antioch. Once again, we saw that there are no two instances that are identical concerning salvation, receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and baptism. Cornelius and his band of Italian soldiers believed the preaching of Peter, and were saved, even as he was in the middle of his message to them.
Chapter 11 is where the focus is on Antioch, and the people who came from Jerusalem, because of the persecution that arose after the murder of Stephen in Acts 7.
Acts 11:19-22: Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
Things began to change in the mission of those early believers, preaching the Lord Jesus to all who would receive this profoundly new message! Barnabas goes to find Saul / Paul at the end of the chapter. The mission journeys to the Gentile world will soon begin, and the emphasis on the apostles in Jerusalem, and their focus on the kingdom gospel will fade, which we will see in the chapters to come.
As I stated in class, please take an hour and watch, Did Paul Invent Christianity, a video by Jews for Judaism. It will help you see the blindness of Israel during this Dispensation of the Grace of God, this Mystery Period.